Venezuelan judge orders house arrest for anti-Chavez strike leader

www.etaiwannews.com 2003-02-24 / Associated Press / (Reuters)CARACAS, Venezuela

A leading opponent of President Hugo Chavez who helped command a two-month national strike was ordered held under house arrest early Sunday pending further investigations.

Carlos Fernandez, president of the Fedecamaras business chamber, was seized Wednesday at gunpoint by secret police at midnight on five charges including treason, civil rebellion and incitement to commit offenses.

Just over 72 hours later, a judge struck down three of the charges, including treason. The rebellion and incitement charges were upheld, said Pedro Berrizbeitia, one of Fernandez's lawyers.

Secret police rushed Fernandez, 52, out of the courthouse to be taken to his home in Valencia, 66 miles (110 kilometers) west of Caracas, while proceedings continued against him.

"We are pleased that it has been admitted that Fernandez committed a crime," said Dario Vivas, a pro-Chavez legislator.

Vivas said he would challenge the decision of house arrest, claiming the civil rebellion charge warrants prison while prosecutors formalize the accusations against Fernandez.

The judge's decision was announced at 2 a.m. Sunday, thirteen hours after the hearing began.

Strike co-leader Carlos Ortega remained at large on Sunday. As president of the Venezuelan Workers Confederation labor confederation he partnered Fernandez in spearheading the work stoppage that paralyzed the vital oil industry and devastated the economy.

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