Donald Trump hails release of US 'hostage' held for two years on weapons charges in Venezuela

Donald Trump hailed the release of Joshua Holt from custody in Venezuela
AFP/Getty Images
Asher McShane26 May 2018

US President Donald Trump has hailed the release of an American citizen who had spent nearly two years behind bars accused of weapons charges in Venezuela.

Utah resident Joshua Holt had gone to Venezuela in June 2016 to marry a woman he met online while looking for Spanish-speaking Mormons. He was later arrested on suspicion of stockpiling weapons.

President Trump tweeted today: "Good news about the release of the American hostage from Venezuela.

"The great people of Utah will be very happy!"

Mr Holt and his wife were freed from detention in Caracas and are expected to land in the US this evening.

Senator Orrin Hatch said he had secured the release of Mr Holt. "Senator Hatch has secured the release of Utahn Josh Holt from Venezuela," his office said in a statement posted online.

Mr Holt's family said his release was a miracle.

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