Concerns rise about health of Utah man in Venezuela jail

U.S. government officials and the mother of a Utah man jailed in Venezuela are worried about his deteriorating health.

Kevin Brosnahan, spokesman for the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, said in a statement Thursday that the bureau has requested the Venezuelan government provide immediate medical attention for 24-year-old Joshua Holt.

His mother Laurie Holt said Friday her son has a hemorrhoid that is causing bleeding and a respiratory condition. He previously had kidney stones. She says a doctor who saw him in prison said he needs hospital care.

Holt has been jailed since June 30 on suspicion of weapons charges. He traveled to Venezuela to marry a fellow Mormon he met online. His mother says he’s innocent.

Authorities contend Holt was stockpiling weapons in his wife’s Caracas apartment.