Rebel General Alfonzo Martinez snubs State Prosecutor's 4th interview attempt

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Tuesday, June 03, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

The Venezuelan Attorney General's Office has issued a statement about rebel National Guard (GN) General Carlos Alfonzo Martinez' alleged lack of collaboration, claiming that he has refused for the fourth time to be interviewed by a state prosecutor. 

125th Caracas State prosecutor, Gilberto Venere was sent to interview the General and investigate if the latter's human rights were violated during his long arrest process ... the General is still under house arrest at his Fuerte Tiuna residence. 

• Alfonzo Martinez and his lawyer, Emilio Tapia allegedly told the state prosecutor that he, the General, would not make any declaration as a victim of injustice. 

The General was placed under house arrest in December after he attempted to pull rank and convince National Guard soldiers (GN) not to obey orders from superiors to disperse an opposition gathering in front of the GN Command in Caracas declared a security zone. 

The General stands accused of inciting to rebellion and attempting to get the Armed Force (FAN) to join the national stoppage. The Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ)  ruled two weeks ago that Alfonzo Martinez remain under house arrest awaiting a decision on whether he must undergo a trial.