Update from Venezuela on the Lost & Found Ex-Gitmo Detainee

Latest statement from Jon Eisenberg, lawyer for Jihad Diyab/Dhiab:

Andres Conteris, who is a member of the U.S. human rights group Witness Against Torture and is part of an informal group of Uruguayans who have offered support to Mr. Dhiab since his arrival in Uruguay, met this morning with a member of the Venezuelan foreign ministry with regard to Mr. Dhiab. Mr. Conteris was told that the ministry is working to arrange a special visit tomorrow (Tuesday) between him and Mr. Dhiab, that the ministry is also working on finding a solution for where Mr. Dhiab will be sent, and that no decision has yet been made about where Mr. Dhiab will be sent

Mr. Conteris learned over the weekend that Mr. Dhiab’s health is seriously deteriorating. We remain concerned that he may have resumed hunger striking, but we cannot be certain of that because nobody has been allowed to visit or otherwise communicate with him. I have not spoken with Mr. Dhiab since June 5. My understanding, however, is that the Venezuelan foreign ministry will now be requesting that I be allowed to speak with Mr. Dhiab by telephone.

Mr. Conteris will address these matters at press conference to be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. near the U.S. embassy in Caracas.