Cofavic: Venezuelans are defenseless ... no quest for justice in institutions

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic news Posted: Friday, May 09, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Cofavic human rights group executive director, Liliana Ortega continues to complain about what she calls the "precarious institutional situation facing democracy in Venezuela." 

"We Venezuelans are completely defenseless because impunity is being encouraged from the heart of institutionality ... it has become quite clear that there is no vocation of justice in the Attorney General's Office, Ombudsman's Office, and the Judiciary, which is why there is total  impunity in the majority of crimes against human rights." 

Ortega has expressed concern about the case of rebel National Guard (GN) General Carlos Alfonzo Martinez, currently under discussion at the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) ... she thinks the TSJ will issue a political and not judicial ruling. 

The TSJ is deliberating whether there are sufficient motives in the General's case meriting a preliminary hearing for rebellion and abandonment of position. 

• The General continues under house arrest until a ruling has been issued.