Civilian trial of abusive army lieutenant kicks off after year's delay

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

The trial has opened at Aragua 6th Tribunal of Army Lieutenant Alessandro Sicat Torres charged with torching 3 soldiers under his command in Maturin. The trial should have started last year but was delayed on account of legal reasons. 

• Defense attorney for victims' families, Humberto Mendoza D'Paola says Sicat Torres' lawyers held up procedures "through multiple maneuvers." 

The 3 army recruits had been thrown in jail where Sicat Torres had doused them with thinner and set them alight at the Paramaconi 37th Hunters Brigade in Maturin. 

Last year the military tribunal had sentenced the Lieutenant to 16 years, 7 months and 12 days for manslaughter, serious injuries and abuse of authority.

Private Jesus Alberto Febres died after receiving 80% burns, while Jorge Luis Araya Coronado and Jesus Alberto Vasquez Alvarez received serious burns.