Squatters' lawyer in Paraguay asks Venezuela for political asylum

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

The lawyer of a group of homeless people in Paraguay has asked the Venezuelan Embassy in Paraguay for political asylum. Argentinean Marilina Marichal (37)  represents some 6,000 squatters in San Lorenzo, 20 kilometers outside the capital Asuncion.

The Paraguayan Attorney General's Office has charged her withdisturbing public order, incitation to violence, defending illegal actions and conspiring against the State. Marichal's husband, Raul Marin says the family has received serious death threats, leaving them with little choice but to seek asylum. 

"When the Venezuelan government takes note, I'm sure it will understand our situation." 

Marin himself and three squatter leaders face arrest and have been waiting for a ruling from the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) on their status as human rights defenders. Marichal is currently inside the Venezuelan Embassy in Asuncion with her 8-year old daughter. 

Paraguayan Attorney General Carlos Calcena argues that Marichal's situation does not merit political asylum ... "she has broken the country's laws."