US, Venezuela swap prisoners: Maduro ally for 10 Americans, plus fugitive contractor 'Fat Leonard'

Thursday, 21 December 2023
The United States freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela and the return of a fugitive defense contractor known as "Fat Leonard". The deal represents the Biden administration's boldest move yet to improve relations with Venezuela and extract concessions from Maduro. The largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela's history comes after the White House agreed to suspend some sanctions and Maduro's commitment to free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential election.

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