Rutherford said the family received news of Heath’s condition Monday morning “through private channels – not from our government”. “Just last week in a teleconference with three senior government officials, we warned them of our concerns about Matthew’s mental health and physical well-being after nearly 22 months in detention,” Rutherford said. “Matthew’s life is in imminent danger and we do not find any absolute urgency from the White House,” Rutherford said, adding that he wondered how I would explain to his 13-year-old son that his father was not returning home because the White House did not consider his salvation was quite important. “ “We are disappointed with the ‘decide to not decide’ motif in the White House, the endless policy reviews and the empty clichés about his case as a priority,” he said. Heath was arrested and charged with terrorism in September 2020. In a statement in January, State Department spokesman Ned Price called the allegations “bizarre” and said the United States would “continue to seek his unconditional return.” “We know there is information that an American citizen was hospitalized in Venezuela,” said a State Department spokesman. “Due to privacy settings, we have no further comments.” In a statement, Rutherford said the family had asked former Governor Bill Richardson, whose center works on behalf of the detainees’ families, “to contact the regime in the hope of negotiating an emergency medical evacuation in the United States.” States so that Matthew can receive the urgent care he needs. “ Richardson said in a statement to CNN that he was “very concerned when he heard early today from Matthew Heath’s family about Matthew’s suicide attempt over the weekend.” “Let me be clear – this is a life and death situation that should be taken with the utmost seriousness by all involved,” Richardson said. “It is my intention to press the Maduro government to allow an emergency medical evacuation so that Matthew can return to the United States and receive the critical care he needs,” he said. “What is important now is for the Biden government to act decisively and swiftly.” “It is in the interest of both governments to save Matthew’s life. Failure to do so could cost Matthew’s life,” Richardson said. Heath is one of at least eight Americans known to be being held illegally in Venezuela. In addition to Heath, five of the six American petroleum executives collectively known as “CITGO 6” – Tomeu Vandel, Jorge Toledo, Alirio Jose Zamprano, Jose Luis Zamprano and Jose Angel Bélaire – more than four years ago they remained prisoners there, as did Americans Luke Denman and Airan Berry. Two Americans detained there, including one of the CITGO 6s, were released in March following a visit by two top US government officials to Caracas. Author Note: If you or a loved one have considered suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK at 741741
