Aruba warns of possible pressure from Venezuela to liberate Carvajal

Venezuela would have pressed economically and militarily Aruba to release Hugo Carvajal, according to what the Chief Prosecutor of the island said to the U.S. newspaper “The Wall Street Journal” (WSJ).

Prosecutor Peter Blanken stated that  this weekend Venezuelan navy vessels came to Aruba and Curacao, while leaders were debating on the situation of Hugo Carvajal. The official was head of the Venezuelan intelligence, and was arrested at the island on July 23 after being accused by the U.S. of supporting drug trade.

Carvajal was released on Sunday and returned to Caracas. Aruba recognized Carvajal as Consul and now he was granted diplomatic immunity.

The State Department of the United States said to be “concerned” about the “credible reports” explaining that “the Venezuelan government threatened the governments of Aruba, The Netherlands and others to get this result”.”This is not the way law enforcement matters should be handled.”

Carvajal was head of the Directorate of Military Intelligence in 2004 under the leadership of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela and then led the political police (Disip).