Low-key funeral of government supporter ... DISIP and BR accused

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

The family of Modesto Graterol Bastidas shot and killed has called on the Interior & Justice (MIJ) Ministry to clarify events leading to his death. The family did not hold the wake in a public square as suggested by Movimiento Quinta Republica (MVR) Libertador Freddy Bernal and preferred something more private, even though the Mayor paid funeral expenses. 

The victim's brother, Alfredo Sanchez says the dead man belonged to the Union Popular Venezolana (UPV) and his political work was on a community level, such as mending the streets and painting buildings. Sanchez claims that his brother was shot on his way to work ... "I'm a government sympathizer but I don't want anything to do with politics ... I just want to bury my brother." 

Speaking on State VTV channel, Sanchez reported that State Political & Security (DISIP) agents had undertaken constant patrolling in the sector two days before the event and that he had seen them shooting on TV.

The DISIP is the prime suspect of Graterol Bastidas' killing.