Extradited Colombian guerrilla gets 30 years prison

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic news Posted: Friday, June 06, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Ballestas Colombian judge has sentenced Colombian National Liberation Army (ELN) militant, Jose Maria Ballestas to 30 years prison for hijacking an Avianca  Fokker with 42 passengers aboard in April 1999. 

Although Ballestas did not commit the crime in Venezuela, he was captured in Caracas in February 2001, causing momentary embarrassment to the Chavez Frias Administration whom the opposition accused of turning a blind eye to Ballestas( and Colombian guerrillas)  presence  in  Venezuela. 

Ballestas was tried and sentenced in Venezuela to 1 year and 9 months in prison for carrying false documentation.  New legislation allowed him to leave jail earlier but the Colombian authorities stepped in requesting his extradition for the hijacking offense. 

The Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) accepted the extradition plea and rejected Ballestas' petition for political asylum, ruling that Colombia guarantee Balletas' life and a fair trial.