Thirty-seven-year-old Aidel Suárez Medina, a Cuban residing in Florida, dreamed of reuniting with his Venezuelan fiancée and sealing their love with a simple wedding. He packed the wedding rings full of hope for a new beginning. Yet, the journey that began on December 24, 2024, turned into a harrowing ordeal, leaving him imprisoned in Venezuela.
The human rights group Foro Penal reported that Aidel initially arrived in Venezuela as part of the bilateral agreements between Cuba and Venezuela, working for three years at Corpoelec, the state electric corporation.
After leaving the country and seeking asylum in the United States, Aidel rebuilt his life and planned to marry a Venezuelan woman. His travel plan included flying from the U.S. to Puerto Rico, then onto Trinidad, where he was supposed to board a flight to Venezuela.
However, he was barred from boarding by authorities. Determined to reunite with his love, Aidel took a boat to Güiria, in the state of Sucre. There, he was detained without explanation and transferred to Caracas. His family lost contact with him for five excruciating months until May 16, 2025, when he managed a brief phone call from the Rodeo I Penitentiary Center.
Aidel's situation is particularly precarious due to his health. Having undergone heart surgery, he requires anticoagulant medication to manage severe tachycardia. His family is fearful for his well-being, uncertain if he receives necessary medical care in prison.
"His health condition demands urgent treatment and constant monitoring, which is unlikely in a Venezuelan jail," warned Foro Penal in their report.
While Aidel's case remains in the shadows, the Venezuelan government shifted focus in July to another matter, the controversial prisoner exchange between Caracas and Washington. This exchange led to the release of former Marine Dahud Hanid Ortiz, convicted for the murder of two Cuban women and an Ecuadorian in Madrid.
Interior and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello stated on his show "Con el mazo dando" that "The United States requested a murderer."
Meanwhile, Aidel Suárez, a Cuban with no criminal record, remains jailed and isolated for attempting to reunite with his beloved. The stark contrast is heart-wrenching. Foro Penal has included his name among the foreign nationals unjustly detained in Venezuela, emphasizing that human rights "should not depend on nationality or government agreements."
His story, woven with love, bureaucracy, and caprice, has become a cry for justice that awaits an answer.
Key Questions on Aidel Suárez's Detention
Why was Aidel Suárez detained in Venezuela?
Aidel Suárez was detained in Güiria, Venezuela, after authorities denied him boarding a flight, but no official explanation has been provided for his arrest.
What health issues does Aidel Suárez face while imprisoned?
Aidel Suárez has undergone heart surgery and requires anticoagulant medication to manage severe tachycardia, raising concerns about his medical care in prison.
What has been the response of Foro Penal regarding Aidel's situation?
Foro Penal has highlighted the urgent need for Aidel's medical treatment and constant health monitoring, while also advocating for his rights as a foreign national unjustly detained.