PDVSA strike leader Fernandez escapes arrest following rally

www.vheadline.com Posted: Sunday, March 09, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

Rebel Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) executive Juan Fernandez narrowly escaped arrest after addressing an anti-government demonstration in Chacao, Caracas, over the weekend.  An arrest warrant was issued for Fernandez several weeks ago and since then he and other PDVSA strike leaders have gone into hiding.

• However, Fernandez briefly came out of hiding to address the demonstration and was able to escape before security police could get to the area.

When the police arrived opposition supporters tried to prevent them carrying out their duties and their vehicles were attacked with sticks and stones. Police responded by firing shots into the air and using tear gas to disperse the crowd.