Former U.S. Marine Matthew Heath, detained in Venezuela in September 2020, described Venezuelan military intelligence as "sadists" and detailed alleged torture, denial of medical care, and unreliable food and water. He was arrested on terrorism and espionage charges that the U.S. State Department has called wrongful. Heath reacted to reports that U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro — who now faces multiple criminal counts — and said five other Americans remain detained while officials appear to be negotiating a transition.
Ex‑Marine Calls Venezuelan Military Intelligence 'Sadists' After Detention; Reacts To Reported Capture Of Maduro
Ex-Marine: Venezuelan military agents under Maduro were ‘sadists’
Former U.S. Marine Matthew Heath, who says he was jailed in Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro, described the country's military intelligence as bullies who 'liked hurting people when they can't defend themselves' and called them 'sadists.'
“The Venezuelan military intelligence are sadists,” Heath told Elizabeth Vargas Reports, recounting his treatment while detained.
Arrest, Charges And Prison Conditions
Heath says he was arrested by Venezuelan authorities in September 2020 and accused of terrorism and spying on behalf of then‑President Donald Trump. The U.S. State Department has long maintained his detention was wrongful.
He described appalling conditions during his imprisonment: alleged torture, denial of medical care, unreliable food and water, and harsh treatment in what he called a maximum‑security facility with limited resources.
“The prison's terrible. There's torture. There are no human rights. It's a maximum security prison in a very poor country. There's not often running water. The food is unreliable. It's brutal,” he said.
Reports Of Maduro's Capture
According to authorities and media reports, U.S. forces reportedly captured President Nicolás Maduro following strikes on Caracas. Venezuelan authorities say Maduro now faces several criminal counts.
- Narcoterrorism conspiracy
- Cocaine importation conspiracy
- Possession of machine guns and destructive devices
- Conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices
Heath reacted to images of Maduro in custody, saying the sight suggested a reversal of fortunes and expressing hope that Maduro will face accountability.
Political Considerations And Americans Still Detained
Heath suggested the Trump administration's decision to leave many political and military figures in place may reflect an attempt to avoid the sweeping purges that followed the 2003 Iraq invasion under Ambassador Paul Bremer. He warned that removing entire security structures can be destabilizing.
He also said five other Americans remain detained in Venezuela and that he is working with a nonprofit organization to press for their release.
Note: Claims about the capture of President Maduro and details of related operations are based on official reports and media accounts and have not been independently verified in this article.
