Alex Saab is Free! Now tell Biden to release Venezuelans funds! ACT NOW!

John,

It is with tremendous joy and overwhelming relief that we share the news of Venezuelan Diplomat Alex Saab's release from U.S. prison! This extraordinary achievement stands as an indisputable testament to the strength of people's solidarity and persistent advocacy.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone who signed and promoted our petition, joined us on the streets, and amplified Alex Saab’s cause on social media. This is a huge win for Alex, his family, the Venezuelan people and for all of us. Now let’s keep up the fight and demand that the Biden administration unfreeze Venezuelan funds that would go to finance humanitarian programs for the Venezuelan people.

Alex Saab was illegally detained for a heartbreaking 1,286 days, His real ‘crime’ was trying to obtain humanitarian supplies through legal international trade but circumventing the illegal US sanctions on Venezuela. I had the opportunity to visit him in prison and was genuinely struck by his unwavering commitment and strong spirit. He stood with his head held high, even when the US government dangled a tempting offer of a fancy house in Miami for him and his family. Today, he is a free man, reunited with his family and surrounded by the very people who tirelessly fought for his return, especially his beloved wife, Camilla Saab. This triumph is a bold rebuke of the harsh US-led sanctions on Venezuela. In this somber moment in history, it shows us that diplomacy and negotiations, rather than coercion and war, offer the only viable path forward. Demand that President Biden release the frozen funds for humanitarian programs as promised, unconditionally lift the sanctions, and respect Venezuela's right to self-determination without external interference.

During the time of his illegal detention, we wrote letters to Alex Saab reminding him that he was not alone and that there were many people in the US fighting every day for his release. Let’s now tell the Venezuelan people that our efforts continue. The sanctions have affected every aspect of life in Venezuela, making it difficult for people to access basic necessities. Tell President Biden that the US must release the funds to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

Once again, thank you for your relentless efforts. We are making a difference.

Welcome home Alex!

In Solidarity,
Medea, Michelle, Teri, Ysa and all at CODEPINK