Washington: A former US missionary and his wife, who were held without trial in Venezuela for two years on espionage charge, returned home Sunday to a welcome at the White House by President Donald Trump and American senators.
Joshua Holt, 26, and his Venezuelan wife Thamy thanked Trump and his administration for ensuring their release after “very, very, very difficult two years” and helping “a normal person” like him.
Holt was arrested from Caracas in June 2016 on espionage charge while he was in the country for his wedding to his Venezuela-born wife. However, he never faced a trial.
Speaking with his parents, wife, daughter present inside the Oval Room along with Trump and other senior officials, Holt said he was overwhelmed with gratitude.
“Not really the great vacation I was looking for. But we’re still together,” Holt, wearing a blue suit, light blue shirt and red, navy and blue striped tie, paired with loafers, said.
On their turn to speak, his parents Jason and Laurie expressed gratitude to the government, while his mother also thanked Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for letting her son come home.
The US President had invited the couple to his office for a meeting after Senator Bob Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, who travelled to Venezuela a day earlier and brought them back.
“I just want to welcome you to the Oval Office. Welcome you to the White House. It’s really special to have you both. You’ve gone through a lot. You’ve gone through a lot. A lot more than people can endure,” Trump said welcoming Holt and Thamy to the White House.
Corker described the coming home of the hostages as “quite an experience.”
Trump said as many as 17 prisoners have been released during his tenure and negotiation were on to secure the release of others.
“So we’ve had 17 prisoners released during the Trump administration. Most people don’t know that. And we have others coming. We’re in the midst of some very big negotiations to get others out,” he said.
Trump mentioned Pastor Andrew Brunson, an American prisoner in Turkey.
“They say he’s a spy but he’s not a spy,” Trump said, assuring help to Brunson.
In a statement, Senator Marco Rubio said Holt was an innocent hostage being held by the Maduro regime.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the couple was unjustly imprisoned in Venezuela and said the development will not change US policy towards the South American country.
“US policy toward Venezuela remains unchanged. The United States stands steadfast in support of the Venezuelan people and their efforts to return to democracy,” he said.
Later, the White House also said that the release of Holt does not change its policy with regard to Venezuela.
“The release of Joshua Holt does not change United States policy. The Maduro regime must call free, fair, and transparent elections, consistent with its constitution. The election process that occurred May 20 was illegitimate,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.