Crimes against humanity lawyers dispute Spanish court's ruling

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela Electronic News Posted: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Opposition lawyers pushing for the trial of President Hugo Chavez Frias in Spain for crimes against humanity say they will appeal the decision of Audiencia Nacional Espanola 4th Instruction Court to pass the case onto the International Tribunal of Justice. 

Lawyer Fernando Andreu says the Audiencia Nacional is competent to charge President Hugo Chavez Frias and will lodge an appeal at the Audiencia Nacional Criminal Court on Thursday or the Supreme Tribunal of Spain (TSS).  

Venezuelan lawyer, Antonio Rosich disagrees with the court's  criteria that it can't deal with the case because President Chavez Frias has immunity until he steps down from office. "We agree with the decision to pass the case on to the International Tribunal ... it is restrictive and not healthy for the future application of the Statute of Rome."