U.S. Citizen Detained in Venezuela Amid Tensions Over Eased Sanctions

Family of Savoi Wright Pleads for His Release as Biden Administration Threatens to Reinstate Sanctions

Savoi Wright, a 38-year-old businessman from California, was arrested in Venezuela on October 24, 2023, and his family is pleading for his release.
Wright's arrest occurred just days after the Biden administration eased oil sanctions on Venezuela, a move that has been criticized by some as risky.
The Venezuelan government has not disclosed where Wright is being held, no criminal charges have been filed, and he has not been allowed to see a lawyer.
The Biden administration has stated it is prepared to reinstate sanctions if Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro does not fulfill his commitments, which include releasing political prisoners and wrongfully detained U.S. citizens by the end of November.
Wright's family has expressed frustration with the U.S. government's response to his detention, stating they feel not enough has been done to secure his release.