Costa Rican diplomat kidnapped in Venezuela is released
Activists carrying placards that read “No to violence” (L) and “United for peace” take part in a demonstration against violence in Caracas on March 14, 2012. 2011 was the bloodiest year of Venezuela’s recent history, with the highest rate of homicides and kidnappings, while violence in prisons claimed a record number of deaths and injuries.
Guillermo Cholele, a Costa Rican diplomat kidnapped in Caracas, Venezuela last weekend and held for ransom was reportedly released Tuesday.
According to the Latin American Herald Tribune, Venezuelan Interior Minister Tareck el Aissami posted on Twitter: “Costa Rican Diplomat LIBERATED. In good physical condition and health. He is under police guard en route to reuniting with family.”
He added: “Through work of investigation and police pressure we achieved the LIBERATION of COSTA RICAN DIPLOMAT."
Cholele, trade attache at the Costa Rican Embassy, was abducted Sunday night while driving to his residence.
His was the latest of several abductions in the past few months that according to Reuters have raised concerns in the diplomatic community.
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They have also underscored Venezuela's high crime rate, which is the top concern of voters during an election year, Reuters wrote.
According to the Associated Press, he appeared on state TV thanking the authorities and his captors for "returning me alive."
"It's a great satisfaction to be back," Cholele said during a televised meeting with Aissami.
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