Czech citizen in Venezuelan prison as Prague urges calm after US strikes

The Czech government is calling for calm and diplomatic talks as Jan Darmovzal, a Czech citizen and army reservist, faces threats while imprisoned in Venezuela.

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and providing consular support. “Our priority is the safety of Czech citizens, including those unjustly detained abroad,” he said.

Darmovzal, 35, has been held in Venezuela since September 2024 on allegations of plotting an attack on the presidential palace. He has spoken to his parents only twice during his 16-month detention.

His family is worried for his safety. Oldřich Darmovzal, Jan’s father, told Seznam Zprávy that prison guards reportedly warned that prisoners could be killed if foreign forces attacked.

Venezuelan opposition politician María Corina Machado had previously warned of threats to political prisoners at El Rodeo prison near Caracas, where Darmovzal is believed to be held.

Czech politicians have voiced differing opinions on the U.S. military action that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Pavel Fischer described the strikes as “aggression against a sovereign state,” comparing them to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Other politicians noted that such unsanctioned military actions abroad could set a dangerous precedent, potentially strengthening Russia’s narrative in Ukraine.

Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala called for caution, saying it was unclear how the situation might evolve, but expressed hope it could lead to Maduro’s fall, democratic reform, and the release of imprisoned Czechs.

The U.S. launched air strikes against Venezuela on Saturday, charging Maduro and his wife with crimes including narco-terrorism and weapons possession. Darmovzal’s case has become a focal point for Prague’s diplomatic efforts.

Macinka emphasized that Prague seeks a peaceful solution: “We consider it important to calm tensions and hold diplomatic talks, also involving the Venezuelan opposition, to secure the release and safety of Czech citizens.”