Joshua Holt one of the American citizens who was imprisoned in Venezuela for two years, filed a lawsuit against Nicolás Maduro.
The Utah native accuses the president of leading a “criminal enterprise” that is in charge of kidnapping, torturing and even illegally imprisoning North American citizens.
The complaint was filed this Thursday in the Miami Federal Court, being the latest in a series of lawsuits by Americans against the Maduro regime, accusing it of having ties to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, which the United States has designated a terrorist group.
With this action, Holt is demanding compensation for the harm he, as well as his family members, suffered under a little-used federal law, the Anti-Terrorism Act, which allows American victims of foreign terrorist groups to confiscate the assets of their perpetrators.
At that time, 24-year-old Holt traveled to Venezuela in 2016 to marry a Venezuelan woman he met online while practicing Spanish. A short time later, the couple was arrested at her family’s apartment in a public housing complex during a raid by law enforcement who said they found him storing assault weapons and grenades.
A few days later, senior officials appeared on state television accusing Holt of being a “CIA terrorist” sent to overthrow Maduro, AP details..
In the complaint that exceeds 99 pages, Holt offers details of how after being detained he was taken to an abandoned construction site where he was lined up against a wall in what looked like a firing squad while he was pointed at with firearms and then killed. They shot.
“It was a mock execution: the weapons were not loaded. Josh thought ‘this is the point where I’m going to die, one of these cops is going to take a bullet,'” can be read in the document.
During the first six months of his arrest, Holt lost about 60 pounds, and without the necessary medical treatment, he endured kidney stones, bronchitis, and a broken tooth while imprisoned in a stench-filled cell. no bathroom.
Finally, in 2018, Holt was freed as a result of negotiations led by a staffer for Sen. Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican who chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before retiring in 2019. According to the complaint, Holt’s jailer , Gustavo González López, then head of the SEBIN intelligence police, acknowledged the false nature of the charges after the American’s release.
““I’m sorry you had to go through this.” I would have told him González López, The Dead according to the complaint, while he personally escorted the American from jail to a plane that was waiting for him and that would take him to an immediate appointment at the White House with then-President Donald J. Trump..
The lawsuit seeks damages for the trauma the Holts say they and their loved ones continue to suffer from, including anxiety disorders, insomnia and depression.
Laurie Holt, who led the campaign for her son’s release, died in 2019 at age 50 from a heart condition that her family believes was caused by the long incarceration.
“Unfortunately, the Holts’ escape from Venezuela was not the end of the Holt family’s ordeal.”the complaint says.
Other Americans imprisoned in Venezuela have managed to obtain significant sentences against Maduro and his inner circle on similar legal grounds.
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### Interview with Joshua Holt: Seeking Justice Against Maduro
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Joshua Holt. Thank you for joining us today. Your story has captured the attention of many. Could you start by telling us what motivated you to file this lawsuit against Nicolás Maduro?
**Joshua Holt:** Thank you for having me. After enduring nearly two years of imprisonment in Venezuela, I felt it was crucial to hold those responsible for the inhumane treatment I experienced accountable. The lawsuit aims to shed light on the systematic abuse and the criminal enterprise that the Maduro regime represents, especially against American citizens.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned experiencing severe mistreatment during your incarceration. Can you share a specific example of what you faced?
**Joshua Holt:** Absolutely. One of the most harrowing experiences was being subjected to a mock execution. I was taken to an abandoned site, lined up against a wall, and faced with armed officials who pretended to execute me. At that moment, I genuinely thought I was going to die. This trauma highlights the brutal tactics used by the regime to instill fear and silence dissent.
**Interviewer:** Your lawsuit also ties Maduro’s regime to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Why is this connection significant in your complaint?
**Joshua Holt:** The connection underscores the extent of the regime’s criminal activities. FARC is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., and by directly linking Maduro to such groups, it emphasizes the gravity of the threat he poses not only to Venezuelans but also to Americans and international stability. This relationship only strengthens my case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
**Interviewer:** What outcome do you hope to achieve with this legal action?
**Joshua Holt:** Primarily, I’m seeking justice and compensation for the suffering that both I and my family endured. Beyond that, I hope this lawsuit raises awareness about the human rights abuses occurring in Venezuela and prompts action against such regimes. It’s essential that people understand the risks faced by those who challenge or oppose Maduro’s rule.
**Interviewer:** what message do you have for other Americans who may find themselves in similar situations abroad?
**Joshua Holt:** My advice would be to remain vigilant and informed. Before traveling, know the risks, especially in countries with volatile political climates. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The support from family and organizations can make a significant difference.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Joshua, for sharing your story and for your courage in pursuing justice. We wish you the best with your lawsuit and future endeavors.
**Joshua Holt:** Thank you for having me and for raising awareness about these critical issues.
