That was until Acosta’s 12-year-old son Jesus, along with at least eight other severely ill children, became the unintended victims of U.S. sanctions against companies tied to the embattled government of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. “Going back would be a death sentence” for Jesus, Acosta told The Associated Press from the apartment where he has been staying since arriving to Barcelona in July. Fortunately, the Sant Joan de Deu Hospital stepped in and footed the hotel bill for this month. Sant Joan de Deu said while it will guarantee the care of its current patients, no further children will arrive via the Simon Bolivar Foundation. The Simon Bolivar Foundation and Citgo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Source: National Post February 23, 2019 07:37 UTC