Marine Corps veteran Matthew Heath, arrested in September 2020 and considered illegally detained by the U.S. Department of State, said, “After attempting suicide, he was taken to a military hospital and is now fighting for his life. “I have,” said his aunt Tordi Rutherford.
According to Rutherford, the family received information about Heath’s condition “through private channels, not from the government” on Monday morning.
“Last week, in a conference call with three senior officials, we warned of Matthew’s mental and physical health concerns after nearly 22 months of illegal detention,” Rutherford said.
“Matthew’s life is at stake and no urgency from the White House has been detected,” Rutherford said. “How his father explains to his 13-year-old son.” I’m wondering if that is the case. ” The White House didn’t think it was important enough to save him, so he wouldn’t come home. “
“We are dissatisfied with the pattern of’deciding not to decide’at the White House, endless policy reviews, and the empty attitude that his case is a priority,” she said.
Heath was arrested in September 2020 and charged with terrorism. In a January statement, State Department spokesman Ned Price called the indictment “suspicious,” and the United States “continues to seek his unconditional return.”
“I know of reports that US citizens have been hospitalized in Venezuela,” a State Department spokesman said. “There are no further comments due to privacy considerations.”
In a statement, Rutherford told former Governor Bill Richardson, whose family is acting on behalf of the detainee’s family, “in hopes of Matthew negotiating an emergency medical evacuation to the United States. I asked him to contact me. ” Get the urgent care he needs. “
“I’m deeply worried about what Matthew Heath’s family heard early today about Matthew’s attempted suicide over the weekend,” Richardson said in a statement to CNN.
“To be clear, this is a life-and-death situation, and everyone involved needs to take it seriously,” said Richardson.
“My intention is to pressure the Maduro government to allow emergency medical evacuation so that Matthew can return to the United States and receive the critical care he needs,” he continued. .. “The important thing now is for the Biden administration to act decisively and swiftly.”
“Saving Matthew’s life is in the interests of both governments. Not taking action can cost Matthew’s life,” Richardson said.
Editor’s Note: If you or your loved one is thinking of suicide, call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or send a text to TALKto741741.
Source: www.cnn.com
