Venezuelan judge orders house arrest for anti-Chavez strike leader

www.whotv.com Sunday,February23,2003,8:49 AM

Caracas, Venezuela-AP -- One of the leaders of the national strike in Venezuela has been placed under house arrest. Carlos Fernandez, president of a business group, was seized by secret police on Wednesday on charges including treason. A judge today struck down the charge of treason but upheld charges of rebellion and incitement to commit offenses.

Strike co-leader Carlos Ortega remains at large. The president of the Venezuelan Workers Confederation teamed up with Fernandez in spearheading the two-month-old work stoppage that has paralyzed Venezuela's vital oil industry and devastated the economy.

Ortega said he was going into hiding after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The national strike is aimed at ousting President Hugo Chavez.

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