VENEZULA – Two family members of the “Citgo 6″ found out late Friday that their loved ones are now on house arrest.
“I can’t overstate what a relief this is because of how difficult this has been for them -- physically and emotionally after how much they’ve suffered while being imprisoned all these years,” daughter of one of the Citgo 6, Gabriela Zambrano-Hill, aid.
They’ve been detained in Venezuela since 2017 after being accused of money laundering and embezzlement. The country’s foreign minister calling the decision to move the group of American refinery executives from prison to house arrest a goodwill gesture to honor the new White House’s agenda.
“I’m sure that psychologically and emotionally they are going to have a little time to breathe,” Zambrano-Hill said.
Zambrano-Hill’s father is Alirio Zambrano and her uncle is Jose Luis Zambrano. She said they are both being held together in a guarded apartment in the middle of Caracas.
“They have windows, which again sounds so small, but whenever you understand what they’ve been through, just having a glimpse of the outside world is incredible for them,” Zambrano-Hill said.
Their loved ones spent all weekend exchanging messages and calling one another to share the good news.
The transfer is seen by many as a sign of progress.
“It’s far time they are safely reunited with their families in the United States,” Senator Ted Cruz tweeted.
With so much in play, Zambrano-Hill said she’s not sure what’s next for the Citgo 6, though she vows to keep pushing until they’re home.
She has a daughter, who her dad has never met, and is 38 weeks pregnant with her second child.
“I’m really really grateful for this step in the right direction. I miss my dad terribly, and I worry about him every day. I would love to see him home as soon as possible. I want him to be able to hold his grandchildren,” Zambrano-Hill said.
She stressed the importance of the Biden administration and the state department to keep advocating for the families, hoping that Venezuela’s president is receptive to that and grants them their freedom.