Colombia announced the release of 17 of its citizens held in prisons in Venezuela.
In a statement, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that as a result of intensive diplomatic efforts by Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, 17 Colombian citizens held in various prisons in Venezuela were released.
In her statement on the issue on state television, the minister thanked Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gil for the close cooperation and work done.
Villavicencio said that dialogue with Gil will continue with a view to the release of other Colombians currently detained in Venezuela: “This is an important step in our efforts to ensure the rights of our citizens and respond to the calls of their families. The protection of Colombians abroad is a priority of the administration of the President of Colombia.”
According to the national press, Colombians detained in Venezuela were accused of participating in paid operations, preparing terrorist and sabotage plans and collaboration with the opposition in order to cause internal unrest in the country.