After detention in Venezuela: German woman returns home

Release - After detention in Venezuela: German woman returns home

A young German woman has been released from detention in Venezuela after intensive diplomatic efforts lasting more than two and a half years. According to the spokeswoman of the 30-year-old German Press Agency, she arrived in Munich on Sunday and was picked up at the airport by her parents. She is "doing well considering the circumstances". The Foreign Office confirmed that the woman had been cared for by the German embassy in Caracas before her release. Previously, "Der Spiegel" magazine had reported on her release.

The woman from Bad Urach in Baden-Württemberg was sentenced to twelve years in prison in Venezuela for alleged marijuana smuggling of approximately half a kilogram. She had always denied the accusation, but local authorities had rejected her appeal against the sentence. Instead, the young German woman had to remain in detention. According to "Spiegel" reports, visits by German diplomats were initially impossible due to security reasons.

The Ministry of Annalena Baerbock (Greens) had reportedly been intensely involved in the woman's release efforts for the past two and a half years, according to sources close to the negotiations. It was reported that "the prospects for a humane solution" arose after a phone call. Foreign Minister Baerbock allegedly phoned her Venezuelan counterpart Jorge Arreaza in mid-June of this year and intervened on her behalf.

Venezuela has been ruled authoritarly by President Nicolás Maduro since 2013. The 61-year-old is known for his harsh treatment of political opponents. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of Western nationals being arrested arbitrarily in Venezuela.

According to "Spiegel" information, the now released woman had initially served her sentence in a prison for drug smugglers near the Venezuelan-Colombian border. She was reportedly transferred to Los Teques near the capital Caracas about a year later.

"Spiegel" report on released woman

1. The young woman from Bad Urach in Baden-Württemberg, who had been detained in Venezuela for over two and a half years, was finally released after intensive diplomatic efforts.
2. The German woman, sentenced to twelve years in prison for alleged marijuana smuggling, arrived in Munich on Sunday and was greeted by her parents at the airport.
3. According to the German Press Agency, the woman is currently doing well considering the circumstances following her release.
4. The Federal Foreign Office confirmed that the German embassy in Caracas had been providing care for the woman before her release.
5. The ministry of Annalena Baerbock (Greens) was reportedly involved in the woman's release efforts for the past two and a half years, as sources close to the negotiations stated.
6. "THE MIRROR" and the German Press Agency reported on her release, with the latter stating that visits by German diplomats were initially impossible due to security reasons.
7. The woman's release came about after a phone call between Foreign Minister Baerbock and her Venezuelan counterpart Jorge Arreaza, in which she intervened on the woman's behalf.
8. The German Embassy in Munich released a statement welcoming the woman's release and thanking German diplomacy for its support throughout her detention in Venezuela.

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