Release of American Woman from Venezuelan Prison
This week, an American woman, Rosa Carolina Chirino Zambrano, was released from a Venezuelan prison after being detained for over a year. Her husband, Renzo Humanchumo Castillo, a Peruvian-American, had initially been arrested while visiting family in Venezuela.
Castillo shared with Fox News Digital that his wife, along with a friend and a taxi driver, faced charges of espionage due to their connection with him. It was his first contact with Zambrano since December 2024, which occurred when he approached Venezuelan authorities near the Colombian border.
Upcoming Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leader
Castillo recounted the emotional conversation, describing his wife in tears saying, “Hey, baby, I’m leaving.” He expressed concern about bringing her to the U.S. now that she is free.
He was detained while entering Venezuela in a taxi with Zambrano and her friend. After extensive interrogation, he faced severe charges, including terrorism and conspiracy to assassinate Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president who had been captured by U.S. forces in a bold operation.
“They claimed I was a CIA hitman sent to topple the government and kill Maduro and Diosdado Cabello,” Castillo revealed.
Cabello, head of Venezuela’s security services, is notorious and has been charged by the U.S. for narco-terrorism, with a reward of $25 million for his capture.
Castillo described his time in El Rodeo prison, where he underwent torture, including beatings and being hung by his arms. “They probably beat me for at least five to eight hours,” he recalled, emphasizing the psychological torment he experienced.
While in prison, Castillo often faced trouble for trying to communicate with others and went on a hunger strike to send messages to Zambrano, feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty regarding her fate.
Personal Journey and Ongoing Struggles
Castillo met Zambrano in Peru during a reunion. Their relationship blossomed, and they married after several trips together, with this unfortunate incident occurring right after they crossed the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
Though Castillo was part of a prisoner swap in July 2025, his wife remained incarcerated due to her Venezuelan citizenship. Now back in California, he is determined to help Zambrano escape. His hopes were buoyed after recent events involving Maduro’s detention.
“That was the moment I knew in my heart that I would see my wife again,” he stated, sensing a shift in the chances of their reunion.
Amidst the turmoil, Castillo underscored the need for international attention, saying, “It took Americans and foreigners being kidnapped for the world to pay attention to Venezuela.” The interim Venezuelan government has recently freed several American prisoners, the first such release since Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces.
A State Department official welcomed the release, acknowledging it as a positive step forward.
In a recent conversation with President Donald Trump, Delcy Rodriguez, acting president of Venezuela, mentioned a “long and detailed” discussion on mutual concerns and plans for cooperation. Trump expressed optimistic views about U.S.-Venezuelan relations, stating, “This partnership will be great for everyone.” Meanwhile, Castillo expressed gratitude towards the current administration for their efforts regarding the Maduro regime.
