Detained 'Pdvsa-Cripto' defendant disappears from prison after alleged heart attack

The whereabouts and health of Roland González, a defendant in the "Pdvsa-Cripto" case, remain unknown after his lawyers were notified of a supposed heart attack at the El Rodeo I detention center on August 12. This development led to the suspension of his court hearing, originally scheduled for August 14.

González's private lawyer, Carlos Sotillo Santaniello, filed a complaint with the Ombudsman's Office on August 15, demanding information about his client's location and well-being. The defense team stated that on August 12, they visited El Rodeo I and were informed by health officials that González had suffered a heart attack and was transferred to a clinic. However, they received no details about his condition or the medical facility.

Upon returning to El Rodeo I on August 14 for the continuation of the trial hearings, the defense team was given the same information: González had a heart attack and was moved to a health center. The court also confirmed it lacked concrete information regarding his health status or exact location. The defense has invoked the Ombudsman's intervention, citing human rights provisions for the right to life and dignified treatment.

Roland González was initially detained on April 19, 2024, despite lacking an arrest warrant. He was reportedly visiting the residence of Daniel De Grazia, owner of Compass Bank, when Directorate General of Military Counterintelligence (Dgcim) officials arrived to arrest him. He was presented before a court in the early hours of April 24 without legal counsel.

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se realicen las gestiones necesarias para determinar la ubicación actual de mi defendido, constatar directamente su estado de salud y garantizar que se informe de manera inmediata y verificable a sus familiares y a su defensa técnica.