American brother detained in Venezuela: “I’m glad they didn’t beat him up”

(CNN Spanish) – Luke Denman’s brother, one of the two former Green Berets who was captured in Venezuela, said the family was encouraged by the video that the regime of the questioned President Nicolás Maduro released this Wednesday.

Despite the president’s dramatic rhetoric, the video featuring Denman answering questions about the operation, actually became good news. news for the family.

“He looked like he could use a meal and some sleep, but I’m glad he hasn’t been beaten up and it looks like he has clean clothes,” said Mark Denman, 38, speaking from his Austin home.

“I received information that someone had laid eyes on them in prison and that they appeared to have been treated humanely. That video confirms it, ”he said.

“It is always distressing to see something like this, but we are seeing this with the best eyes. Some men did not survive the first night. So he’s lucky to be alive, “he added.

“I was very concerned when I saw the first images of him and I am so grateful, I wish there was more information about Airan.”

“None of this is the best that can happen but I am happy to see that they are treating it humanely and that it seems that the standards established by international organizations are being met.”

He said he was not surprised to see Luke making some convenient statements for the Maduro regime, in particular the claim that President Trump was behind the operation.

“He saw that he also struggled to use the word mercenary,” said Mark. “I think most people are familiar with how these things happen, he is not the first man to be caught and put a camera in front of him and put words in his mouth.”

He said the family is encouraged by the public statements of the government of United States, including the words of the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, but that he has not yet received a direct communication from them.

“No one in my family has been contacted by the State Department. They have told me that it is unusual, but this is an unusual case and they are trying to analyze the situation before reacting. “

“It seems they are on the right track. This is new territory for us, so we are exploring how to best act in the best way and who can help us. ”

Mark, who graduated as a lawyer, added: “I don’t know if what they did was wrong or not, but the priority is human rights and treating them according to international standards. For later, with much hope, wait for his release. ”

“Public support means a lot to us. They are our loved ones and I am sure that everyone can understand the situation we are going through. ”

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