ROME, Italy, December 23 – Italian President Sergio Mattarella has personally telephoned Armanda Colusso, the mother of Alberto Trentini, an Italian aid worker who has been detained in Venezuela for over a year. The call, which took place in recent days, saw President Mattarella express profound closeness and the solidarity of the entire nation to Ms. Colusso, according to sources close to the humanitarian worker’s family.
A Year of Detention and Maternal Appeals
Alberto Trentini, a Veneto-born cooperant, has been imprisoned in Venezuela for thirteen months. His mother, Armanda Colusso, has repeatedly voiced her anguish and concern over her son’s prolonged detention. Just weeks prior to the President’s call, Ms. Colusso made a heartfelt appeal on the radio program “Tutta la città ne parla” (The whole city talks about it).
“It has been thirteen months now that Alberto is in prison and we cannot find peace,” Ms. Colusso stated during the broadcast. “I ask myself every morning, what will he think of his country that seems to have abandoned him?” This poignant question underscored the family’s despair and their plea for greater intervention from Italian authorities.
Diplomatic Engagement and Improving Conditions
The President’s gesture follows a visit by the Italian ambassador to Alberto Trentini in Venezuela in recent weeks. Reports from this visit indicated that Trentini’s conditions were improving, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing detention. However, the exact charges against Trentini and the reasons for his prolonged imprisonment remain a subject of concern and diplomatic efforts.
The case of Alberto Trentini has garnered significant attention in Italy, with various media outlets and public figures highlighting his plight. The call from the Head of State is seen as a powerful symbol of the nation’s commitment to its citizens abroad and a direct response to the family’s appeals for support.
The Broader Context of Venezuela’s Tensions
Trentini’s detention occurs against a backdrop of ongoing political and economic tensions in Venezuela. These broader geopolitical circumstances have added complexity to the efforts to secure his release. International relations and the delicate balance of power in the region often influence such cases, making diplomatic negotiations challenging.
Reports have previously noted the “uncertain situation” surrounding Trentini’s case, particularly in light of these tensions. The involvement of high-level officials, such as President Mattarella, signifies the gravity with which the Italian government views the matter.
National Solidarity and Future Prospects
President Mattarella’s direct communication with Ms. Colusso not only offers personal comfort but also reinforces the message that Alberto Trentini has not been forgotten by his homeland. This act of solidarity is expected to provide moral support to the family and potentially lend further weight to diplomatic efforts aimed at securing Trentini’s freedom.
While the call itself does not guarantee immediate release, it underscores the Italian state’s active engagement and concern for its citizens facing difficulties abroad. The situation continues to be monitored closely by Italian authorities, with ongoing efforts to resolve the case and bring Alberto Trentini home.
The family and supporters of Alberto Trentini remain hopeful that the increased attention and high-level intervention will lead to a positive resolution in the near future.
Source: roma.corriere.it
