Spain says two citizens arrested in Venezuela are not secret agents

On September 14, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said two Spaniards, three US citizens and a Czech citizen were arrested in Venezuela on suspicion of being involved in a plot to overthrow the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Mr Cabello added that the two Spaniards were allegedly linked to the Spanish secret service and were planning to assassinate a mayor. He named the Spaniards as José María Basoa and Andrés Martínez Adasne. Photos of the men were shown on state television.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Photo: GI

"Spain denies and completely rejects all allegations related to political destabilization activities in Venezuela," a source from the Spanish Foreign Ministry said.

"The government has confirmed that (the two Spanish citizens) arrested are not members of the National Intelligence Center (CNI) or any state institution. Spain defends a democratic and peaceful solution to the situation in Venezuela."

Adasne's father, Andrés Martínez, said on September 15 that his son did not work for the Spanish secret service.

"My son does not work for the CNI, of course not. We are waiting for information from the Consulate and the Embassy. We still do not know what they are accused of or why they were arrested," he said.

Mr. Cabello also accused three American citizens and a Czech of being involved in terrorist acts, including plans to assassinate President Maduro and other officials.

The US State Department said on September 14 that "any claim of US involvement in a plot to overthrow President Maduro is completely false."

A US State Department spokesperson also confirmed that a “US military member” was being held and noted “there are unconfirmed reports of two other US citizens being held in Venezuela”.

A source from Spain’s foreign ministry said on September 14 that they were asking Venezuela for more information. Mr. Cabello said the Spanish citizens were arrested while taking photos in the town of Puerto Ayacucho.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tay-ban-nha-noi-hai-cong-dan-bi-bat-tai-venezuela-khong-phai-mat-vu-post312553.html