Gold Reserve (TSX-V:GRZ) has confirmed the release of its former Venezuelan attorney and legal representative, José Ignacio Moreno Suárez, after more than three years in prison.
Moreno Suárez was released from El Rodeo I prison in Venezuela, where Gold Reserve says he had been held as a political prisoner while awaiting a criminal trial that never began. Suárez was serving as the company’s attorney and legal representative in Venezuela when he was detained.
Vice-Chairman Paul Rivett says Moreno Suárez demonstrated “incredible courage and resilience” throughout his imprisonment.
“We are immensely relieved for José and his family, who, after three years of unwavering support and uncertainty, are finally reunited,” Rivett says.
Gold Reserve says it will continue supporting Moreno Suárez and his family as he focuses on recovering his health and adjusting to life outside prison.
Rivett also acknowledges the work of Moreno Suárez’s advisers and Venezuelan officials involved in securing his release.
The company says those efforts have contributed to the release of political prisoners in recent months amid broader moves towards national reconciliation in Venezuela.
Gold Reserve had announced that it would not resume operations in the country while Moreno Suárez remained imprisoned.
Following his release, the company says it is preparing to return personnel to Venezuela and participate in what US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described as the country’s recovery phase.
“We want to reconcile the past and participate in the revitalisation and growth of the future in the great country of Venezuela,” Rivett says.
Gold Reserve is a mineral exploration and development company focused on gold and copper, and is currently pursuing ownership of Citgo Petroleum.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
