here’s a breakdown of the key details from the provided text, focusing on Alberto Trentini‘s experiance in Venezuelan prison:

Key Details about Alberto Trentini’s Imprisonment & Experience:

* Length of Imprisonment: 423 days.
* Initial Conditions: Held in a 2×4 meter cell shared with another person, with only a squat toilet/shower combination.
* Emotional State: Maintained a stoic demeanor during an interview with Fabio Fazio, only showing emotion (a smile and brighter gaze) at the end when talking to his mother. This suggests a deep internal control, or perhaps trauma-induced numbing.
* Fear: He feared for his life, recounting a moment when he was taken to a country road and believed he would be killed.
* Torture: He denies physical torture, but confirms experiencing psychological torture.
* “Pecera” (Aquarium): Initially held in a glass room (“pecera”) where he was constantly visible but could see little himself, forced to sit for extended periods (6am-9pm) with freezing air conditioning. He doesn’t consider this torture, stating it’s standard treatment according to his captors.
* Limited Resources: He had no paper or pen but received a chessboard made of toilet paper, soap, and water from fellow prisoners.He marked the days with chalk on a wall. He was without his eyeglasses, making it challenging to

What did Alberto Trentini reveal about his 423‑day captivity during his appearance on «Che tempo che fa»?

Alberto Trentini’s Harrowing Tale on «Che tempo che fa»: 423 Days of Captivity

On Sunday, February 1st, 2026, Alberto Trentini, the Italian archaeologist kidnapped in Syria, shared his deeply unsettling experience on the popular Italian talk show «Che tempo che fa» hosted by Fabio Fazio. Trentini recounted his 423 days held captive, detailing the brutal conditions and psychological torment he endured. His testimony offered a rare and chilling glimpse into the realities of hostage situations and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Kidnapping and initial Confinement

Trentini was abducted on July 29, 2020, near the ancient city of Palmyra while on an archaeological mission. He was held by a complex network of armed groups, initially believed to be affiliated with ISIS, though the exact affiliations remain murky. His appearance on «Che tempo che fa» marked one of his first extensive public accounts of the ordeal.

He described the initial shock and fear, quickly replaced by a grim acceptance of his situation. The early days were marked by constant relocation, designed to disorient him and maintain a sense of uncertainty. He was moved between various makeshift prisons, often in the dead of night.

Life Within the Cells: A Daily Struggle for Dignity

Trentini’s description of his confinement was particularly stark. He spent the majority of his captivity in cells measuring just 2 by 4 meters – barely enough space to stand or lie down. These cells lacked basic sanitation, with only a hole in the floor serving as a latrine and shower.

* Physical Conditions: The lack of hygiene, coupled with inadequate food and water, took a significant toll on his physical health. He spoke of constant illness and the struggle to maintain even a minimal level of cleanliness.

* Psychological Warfare: Beyond the physical hardships, Trentini detailed the relentless psychological pressure exerted by his captors. this included prolonged isolation, sleep deprivation, and constant threats.

* The Lie Detector: A particularly disturbing element of his testimony involved the repeated use of a lie detector.he explained how his captors attempted to extract facts, often based on fabricated accusations, using the device as a tool of intimidation. He stated the interrogations were designed to break his spirit and force false confessions.

Interrogation Tactics and the Search for Information

Trentini revealed that his captors were primarily interested in information regarding Italian archaeological missions in Syria and potential Western involvement in the region. He consistently maintained his innocence and refused to cooperate, despite the escalating pressure.

He described the interrogations as a cycle of threats, deception, and psychological manipulation.His captors would present him with fabricated evidence and accuse him of espionage, attempting to exploit his knowledge and expertise. the lie detector, he emphasized, was used not to determine truth, but to instill fear and doubt.

The Role of Negotiation and International Efforts

Throughout his captivity, Italian intelligence agencies and diplomatic channels worked tirelessly to secure his release. While details of the negotiations remain classified, Trentini acknowledged the crucial role played by these efforts. He expressed gratitude to the Italian government and all those involved in securing his freedom.

The case highlighted the complexities of hostage negotiations and the delicate balance between maintaining a firm stance against terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens abroad. the Italian government’s approach, characterized by discretion and persistence, ultimately proved successful.

Post-traumatic Stress and the Road to Recovery

Trentini’s release in November 2020 marked the end of his physical captivity, but the psychological scars remained. He spoke candidly on «Che tempo che fa» about his ongoing struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the challenges of reintegrating into normal life.

* Therapy and Support: He emphasized the importance of therapy and the support of family and friends in his recovery process.

* the Long-Term effects: He acknowledged that the trauma of his experience would likely stay with him for the rest of his life, but he was determined to rebuild his life and continue his archaeological work.

* Raising Awareness: Trentini hopes that by sharing his story, he can raise awareness about the plight of hostages and the importance of supporting those who have experienced similar trauma.

The Impact on Archaeological Work in Conflict zones

Trentini’s kidnapping has had a chilling effect on archaeological work in Syria and other conflict zones. Many organizations have suspended operations or implemented stricter security protocols. The incident underscores the inherent risks faced by archaeologists working in unstable regions and the need for greater protection of cultural heritage sites. The event sparked debate within the archaeological community regarding the ethical considerations of working in high-risk areas and the duty of organizations to ensure the safety of their personnel.

Further Resources and Information

* Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.esteri.it/en/

* International Commitee of the Red cross (ICRC): https://www.icrc.org/

* Articles on Trentini’s Kidnapping: Search reputable news sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and *