The top U.S. diplomat in Venezuela urged authorities Friday to ensure transparency in the case of a jailed American whose trial has become another sore spot in relations between the two nations. The former head of the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela before Robinson's arrival was denied access to a preliminary hearing in December. Holt traveled to Venezuela in 2016 to marry a fellow Mormon he met online and was jailed with his wife soon after. Holt's case has become another thorn in relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, which have grown increasingly prickly since President Donald Trump took office. Dozens of Venezuelan officials have been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury, including four current and former military officers announced Friday.

Source: ABC News January 05, 2018 19:57 UTC