Foreign Affairs
American Held Prisoner In Venezuela Finally Reunited With His Family
President_Donald_Trump | circa February 2018 | Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead
The Trump administration has secured the release of an American who has been held prisoner in Venezuela for two years without trial.
Joshua Holt, a 26-year-old Utah native, and his Venezuelan wife Thamy returned to the U.S. Saturday evening for a tearful reunion with Holt’s mother and father. Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Republican representing Utah, tweeted a video of the touching moment. His mother held her son tight while his father joked, “Need someone to mow the lawn. It’s about time!”
Reunited. pic.twitter.com/Lb43PfEVXQ
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) May 26, 2018
At a press briefing at the White House, Holt told President Donald Trump who praised Holt for his bravery during a “tough ordeal,” that he is “overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Trump pointed out that his administration has secured the release of 17 American prisoners from countries like Egypt, North Korea, and now Venezuela. The president thanked Sen. Bob Corker, Rep. Mia Love, Sen. Hatch, and Rep. Mike Lee for their role in getting Holt home. (RELATED: Trump: Pompeo Secures Release Of American Hostages In North Korea)
In Oval Office, @POTUS welcomes Joshua Holt who survived a “tough ordeal” in a Venezuelan jail for nearly 2 years. pic.twitter.com/afzdx3wm6s
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) May 27, 2018
Holt was arrested on charges of espionage when he traveled to Venezuela in June 2016 to marry Thamy. Last week, he posted on Facebook that his life was in jeopardy inside Helicoide prison. He begged someone to help him.
President Trump announced Holt’s release Saturday morning in a very welcome tweet. (RELATED: President Trump Announces Release Of American Hostage In Venezuela)
Good news about the release of the American hostage from Venezuela. Should be landing in D.C. this evening and be in the White House, with his family, at about 7:00 P.M. The great people of Utah will be very happy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2018
While the Trump administration considers Holt’s release a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolas Maduro, sanctions will continued to be implemented, Vice President Mike Pence, who has been particularly critical of Maduro and his “sham” elections, tweeted Saturday.
Very glad that Josh Holt is now back home with his family – where he has always belonged. Sanctions continue until democracy returns to Venezuela.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) May 26, 2018
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