American jailed in Venezuela can't get a day in court
After a year in a Venezuelan jail, former missionary from Utah is losing hope
BY JIM WYSS
jwyss@miamiherald.com
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA
"For almost a year, Joshua Holt, a 25-year-old former Mormon missionary from Utah, has been languishing in a Caracas prison hoping to have his day in court.
He was arrested on June 30, 2016, on charges of hiding two automatic rifles and a hand grenade at the home he was sharing with his new bride, Thamara Caleño, and her children. Holt’s lawyers and family say he’s innocent. And an eyewitness to his arrest says he was framed — that the weapons, which are illegal to possess in Venezuela, were planted by police.
“We’re convinced that Josh and Thamara are innocent,” said his lawyer, Carlos Gómez. “And if we go before an impartial court, we’re sure they will be released.”
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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article155161889.html
These sorts of imprisonments are routine in Venezuela. It is nothing more than a shakedown. They arrested this man because they thought they could extort money from his family. When it turned out that they didn't have money, they sought to save face. So this guy rots in prison until the proper "paperwork" (usually a duffel stuffed with Benjamins) gets to the proper bureaucrat.