Delay in release linked to extortion

This has led to a stand-off between the Venezuelan 5, and officers in the SE BIN prison.

Newsday has been informed that the men are refusing to return to their cells and have stayed in the hallway of the prison since Friday.

Newsday was also told that the military was sent to the prison, but it is not known whether the men have since been physically forced into their cells or if they remain in the hallway.

Newsday understands that that the delay to release the men is as a result of non-compliance to the judge’s order for their release.

“This really has us wondering if the Venezuelan court has the authority that it says it has.

We have to wonder whether the court is really an independent body,” lamented Umar Abdullah in a telephone conversation with the Newsday yesterday.

Abdullah and his organisation, the Islamic Front, along with the families of the Venezuelan 5 had a meeting with the Attorney General on Friday to discuss the matter.

The Trinidadian Embassy in Venezuela was also contacted, and appealed to Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Minister Delcy Elo?na Rodr?guez G?mez for assistance in the matter. Abdullah told Newsday yesterday that the administration of SE BIN prison was asked why they had not yet complied with the transfer order, but up to press time, there has not been a response.

Newsday was told that the delay was a tactic being used to extort money from the prisoners to have their release expedited.

Abdullah was adamant that neither his organisation, nor the relatives of the Venezuelan 5 will pay to have the men released.

“We are not prepared to pay any bribe, or any money to expedite the process to release these men.” Abdullah said.

Newsday was also told that the delay may have come because several items belonging to the Venezuelan 5 which were seized when they were first placed in prison, were now missing. Abdullah told Newsday yesterday that the items included personal effects and quantities of money.

On March 19, 2014, the Venezuelan 5 were arrested on terrorism- related charges and sent to the SE BIN prison, which is known for holding foreign high risk criminals. After two years and six months of imprisonment, the men were taken to court and were ordered to be released having served out their prison term for the charges for which they were convicted by the Venezuelan court.