www.alertnet.org 21 Feb 2003 23:18

By Patrick Markey

CARACAS, Venezuela, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez on Friday railed against international criticism over the arrest of one of his opponents who was detained for leading a strike against the leftist leader.

A squadron of plainclothes police on Friday hustled a grim-faced Carlos Fernandez into the attorney general's office, where he faces civil rebellion and treason charges for spearheading the two-month strike that battered the economy of the world's No. 5 oil exporter.

His arrest late Wednesday at gunpoint drew fire from international organizations and the United States, which said it feared the move would undermine negotiations to end the bitter political feud over the president's rule.

"We are nobody's colony," Chavez roared at a crowd of supporters in western Trujillo state. "We have our own institutions, our own constitution ... and we will not accept meddling in Venezuela's domestic affairs."

DISIP state security police on Friday were still holding Fernandez, a silver-haired trucking executive who leads the Fedecamaras business chamber. He was not formally charged.

Armed officers snatched Fernandez from outside a Caracas restaurant around midnight Wednesday after a judge ordered him and another strike leader, union boss Carlos Ortega, arrested. Ortega, a fierce Chavez critic, has gone into hiding.

Opponents of the populist president, who they accuse of trampling over democracy, have slammed the arrest as illegal and urged the international community to prevent what they fear will descend into a political witch hunt.

They say the judge's decision was politically motivated although the attorney general, a staunch Chavez ally, rejected their claims. The president has repeatedly demanded judges jail his critics.

"Carlos Fernandez is a political prisoner," said Fedecamaras vice president Albis Munoz.

OPPOSITION FEARS OF CRACKDOWN

His arrest, coming shortly after the murky deaths of three dissident soldiers and an anti-Chavez protester, stoked opposition fears of a government crackdown. Police say the four deaths are likely linked to a grudge though relatives blame political persecution.

Amnesty International on Friday joined a chorus of concern in expressing worry for Venezuela's human rights situation and calling for an independent investigation into the killings.

"The judiciary has a key role in preventing these events from triggering an escalation of the human rights crisis," the group said in a statement.

Chavez, who dismisses his critics as "terrorists" and "fascists," has hardened his position against his foes after their strike failed to topple his self-styled revolutionary government. He calls 2003 the "year of the offensive."

The Venezuelan leader, who was elected in 1998 and survived a coup in April, has vowed to defeat opponents he says tried to sabotage the oil industry. The strike briefly choked off oil exports that account for half of the state's revenues.

But opposition leaders say they seek only to press Chavez into elections. Three months of negotiations chaired by the Organization of American States have made little headway. Chavez has so far resisted opposition demands that he accept an early vote to defuse the nation's crisis.

(Additional reporting by Silene Ramirez)

santafenewmexican.com By JAMES ANDERSON | Associated Press 02/21/2003 Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez address a speech during a meeting with ambassadors at the Foreign ministry building in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003. - FRANCISCO BATISTA | AP / Milaflores ARACAS, Venezuela - Police searched for the leader of Venezuela's largest labor group Friday after President Hugo Chavez authorized his arrest for helping to organize a two-month general strike that devastated the economy and the nation's oil industry. Carlos Ortega, president of the Venezuelan Workers Confederation, remained in hiding after strike co-leader Carlos Fernandez, the leader of the nation's largest business group, was arrested. Both are charged with treason and other crimes for the strike, which cost more than US$4 billion. Fernandez was arrested by secret police Wednesday and hauled into court Friday. "These oligarchs believed that they were untouchable. There are no untouchables in Venezuela. A criminal is a criminal," Chavez thundered during a ceremony handing land titles to peasants in Trujillo state. He demanded a 20-year term for Fernandez, president of Fedecamaras, and for Ortega, of the Venezuelan Workers Confederation, for allegedly sabotaging the oil industry, inciting civil disobedience "and trampling the human rights of the Venezuelan people." The treason charge carries a 20- to 26-year prison term. Oil is Venezuela's strategic industry, and its exports were the fifth-largest in the world before the strike began Dec. 2. The strike ended Feb. 4, but Chavez's government is battling a continuing walkout in the oil industry to increase exports. Citing nationwide hardship caused by gasoline shortages, Chavez condemned Fernandez and Ortega as "terrorists" who failed to topple his government - both during a brief April coup and this winter. The tempestuous president also had a message for foreign critics of Fernandez's arrest. The United States, Organization of American States and other entities voiced concern that Venezuela's crisis is escalating. "I want to remind all the governments of the world that Venezuela is a sovereign country! We are nobody's colony!" Chavez shouted. Fernandez's arrest fueled speculation Chavez has begun a crackdown on his opponents, including the news media and the private sector, both of which championed the two-month drive to oust him. Chavez won't allow strikers access to U.S. dollars under a new foreign exchange system, and he has threatened to shut down broadcast media for inciting rebellion. He also has warned he will seize private businesses and property to deliver gasoline, food and other basics. Ruling party leader Willian Lara told the state Venpres news agency that the hundreds of strike organizers should be prosecuted "for crimes against the republic." An opposition protest set for Caracas on Friday was canceled because organizers didn't have police permits. The labor confederation, meanwhile, said it wasn't planning another strike to protest Fernandez's arrest. The OAS, the United Nations and the Carter Center, run by former President Jimmy Carter, have sponsored three months of talks to seek an electoral solution to Venezuela's crisis. The future of those talks was in doubt after Fernandez's arrest. Venezuela's opposition wants early elections and collected more than 4 million signatures to back up its demand. The government dismisses the petition drive; Venezuela's elections authority is in shambles. Chavez is a former paratrooper who was elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2000 to a six-year term. He vows his revolution will distribute Venezuela's oil riches to the poor. Critics accuse him of imposing an authoritarian state and driving the economy into the ground.

www.globeandmail.com Associated Press

Oppopnents of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez hold a rally Thursday in Caracas to protest against the arrest of business-lobby head Carlos Fernandez.

Caracas — President Hugo Chavez said he “went to bed with a smile” after a leader of Venezuela's recent general strike was arrested, even as his opponents protested the move and threatened a new work stoppage.

Thousands of people rallied in the capital Thursday against the arrest of Carlos Fernandez, president of Venezuela's leading business chamber. He was captured late Wednesday night by several armed security agents.

“We are here to protest the abuse of power by this government, which is arresting our leaders to silence the opposition,” said 35-year-old Maritza Casas. Similar protests took place in other major cities.

The arrest threatened to spark yet more political turmoil in a country still struggling to recover from the two-month strike that ended Feb. 4.

The new demonstrations didn't phase Mr. Chavez, who triumphantly proclaimed that he authorized Mr. Fernandez's arrest.

“One of the coup plotters was arrested last night. It was about time, and see how the others are running to hide,” Mr. Chavez said at the foreign ministry. “I went to bed with a smile.”

Mr. Chavez, a former paratrooper who was elected in 1998 and re-elected two years later, said judges should not “be afraid to issue arrest warrants against coup-plotters.”

A warrant was also issued for Carlos Ortega, leader of the nation's largest labour union. He and Mr. Fernandez were the chief leaders of the strike, which was staged to demand Mr. Chavez resign and hold early elections.

Attorney-General Isaias Rodriguez said Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Ortega were the only opposition leaders wanted for arrest, but ruling party lawmaker Luis Velasquez said that about 100 more people who supported the strike, ranging from labor bosses to news media executives, could be arrested.

“More than 100 are on the list to be captured,” Mr. Velasquez said. The existence of such a list could not be immediately confirmed.

Mr. Ortega remained at large and pledged to “continue the fight'' against Mr. Chavez's regime from clandestine locations.

“The only one who has a date with justice is the president,” Mr. Ortega told the local Globovision TV station by telephone.

Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Ortega face charges of treason, rebellion and instigating violence for their roles in orchestrating the strike, which continues in the vital oil industry.

Manuel Cova, secretary-general of the million-member Confederation of Venezuelan Workers, which Mr. Ortega leads, called on all affiliated labor unions “to be on the alert.”

Workers, joined by citizens opposed to Mr. Chavez, planned massive street demonstrations to protest “the political persecution,” Mr. Cova said.

Labour and business leaders warned of another nationwide strike in response to the arrest. The earlier work stoppage cost Venezuela an estimated $4-billion (U.S.).

Mr. Chavez supporters gathered near the police headquarters, where Fernandez was being held, and a downtown plaza to celebrate the arrest.

“It's what had to be done. These opposition leaders tried to destroy the country; now they must be punished,” said Tomas Ordonez, a 49-year-old taxi driver.

Mr. Chavez has accused the opposition of plotting to overthrow his government with the strike.

U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said officials in Washington worried that Mr. Fernandez's arrest could hinder efforts to end the stalemate between Venezuela's political rivals.

“We fear the act could undermine the dialogue process,” Mr. Boucher said. “This increases our concerns about human rights in Venezuela.”

www.sunspot.net

Associated Press Originally published February 22, 2003

CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez demanded 20-year prison terms yesterday for two prominent opponents who directed a nationwide strike that devastated Venezuela's oil-based economy.

Carlos Fernandez, head of Venezuela's largest business chamber, and Carlos Ortega, leader of its biggest labor confederation, are charged with treason and other crimes for the two-month strike, which cost more than $4 billion.

Fernandez was arrested by secret police Wednesday and hauled into court yesterday. Ortega went into hiding when a judge issued an arrest warrant.

Thousands protested Fernandez's arrest in the western oil city of Maracaibo. Hundreds more rallied in Caracas and blocked a highway.

"These oligarchs believed that they were untouchable. There are no untouchables in Venezuela. A criminal is a criminal," Chavez thundered during a ceremony handing land titles to peasants in Trujillo state.

He demanded a 20-year term for Fernandez, president of Fedecamaras, and for Ortega, of the Venezuelan Workers Confederation, for allegedly sabotaging the oil industry, inciting civil disobedience "and trampling the human rights of the Venezuelan people."

The treason charge carries a 20- to 26-year prison term.

Oil is Venezuela's strategic industry, and its exports were the fifth-largest in the world before the strike began Dec. 2. The strike ended Feb. 4, but Chavez's government is battling a continuing walkout in the oil industry.

Citing nationwide hardship caused by gasoline shortages, Chavez condemned Fernandez and Ortega as "terrorists" who failed to topple his government - both during a brief April coup and this winter.

Fernandez's case was transferred yesterday from a judge who had acted as defense attorney for Chavez supporters accused of shooting at opposition marchers before the April coup. A second judge was to decide today if Fernandez should remain in custody pending trial.

The tempestuous Chavez also had a message for foreign critics of Fernandez's arrest. The United States, Organization of American States and other entities voiced concern that Venezuela's crisis is escalating.

"I want to remind all the governments of the world that Venezuela is a sovereign country! We are nobody's colony!" Chavez shouted.

Fernandez's arrest fueled speculation that Chavez has begun a crackdown on opponents.

Chavez won't allow strikers access to U.S. dollars under a new foreign exchange system, and he has threatened to shut down broadcast media for inciting rebellion. He has also warned he will seize private businesses and property to deliver gasoline and other basics.

The labor confederation, meanwhile, said it wasn't planning another strike to protest Fernandez's arrest.

The OAS, the United Nations and the Carter Center, run by former President Jimmy Carter, have sponsored three months of talks to seek an electoral solution to Venezuela's crisis. The future of those talks was in doubt after Fernandez's arrest.

santafenewmexican.com By JAMES ANDERSON | Associated Press 02/21/2003 Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez address a speech during a meeting with ambassadors at the Foreign ministry building in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003. - FRANCISCO BATISTA | AP / Milaflores ARACAS, Venezuela - Police searched for the leader of Venezuela's largest labor group Friday after President Hugo Chavez authorized his arrest for helping to organize a two-month general strike that devastated the economy and the nation's oil industry. Carlos Ortega, president of the Venezuelan Workers Confederation, remained in hiding after strike co-leader Carlos Fernandez, the leader of the nation's largest business group, was arrested. Both are charged with treason and other crimes for the strike, which cost more than US$4 billion. Fernandez was arrested by secret police Wednesday and hauled into court Friday. "These oligarchs believed that they were untouchable. There are no untouchables in Venezuela. A criminal is a criminal," Chavez thundered during a ceremony handing land titles to peasants in Trujillo state. He demanded a 20-year term for Fernandez, president of Fedecamaras, and for Ortega, of the Venezuelan Workers Confederation, for allegedly sabotaging the oil industry, inciting civil disobedience "and trampling the human rights of the Venezuelan people." The treason charge carries a 20- to 26-year prison term. Oil is Venezuela's strategic industry, and its exports were the fifth-largest in the world before the strike began Dec. 2. The strike ended Feb. 4, but Chavez's government is battling a continuing walkout in the oil industry to increase exports. Citing nationwide hardship caused by gasoline shortages, Chavez condemned Fernandez and Ortega as "terrorists" who failed to topple his government - both during a brief April coup and this winter. The tempestuous president also had a message for foreign critics of Fernandez's arrest. The United States, Organization of American States and other entities voiced concern that Venezuela's crisis is escalating. "I want to remind all the governments of the world that Venezuela is a sovereign country! We are nobody's colony!" Chavez shouted. Fernandez's arrest fueled speculation Chavez has begun a crackdown on his opponents, including the news media and the private sector, both of which championed the two-month drive to oust him. Chavez won't allow strikers access to U.S. dollars under a new foreign exchange system, and he has threatened to shut down broadcast media for inciting rebellion. He also has warned he will seize private businesses and property to deliver gasoline, food and other basics. Ruling party leader Willian Lara told the state Venpres news agency that the hundreds of strike organizers should be prosecuted "for crimes against the republic." An opposition protest set for Caracas on Friday was canceled because organizers didn't have police permits. The labor confederation, meanwhile, said it wasn't planning another strike to protest Fernandez's arrest. The OAS, the United Nations and the Carter Center, run by former President Jimmy Carter, have sponsored three months of talks to seek an electoral solution to Venezuela's crisis. The future of those talks was in doubt after Fernandez's arrest. Venezuela's opposition wants early elections and collected more than 4 million signatures to back up its demand. The government dismisses the petition drive; Venezuela's elections authority is in shambles. Chavez is a former paratrooper who was elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2000 to a six-year term. He vows his revolution will distribute Venezuela's oil riches to the poor. Critics accuse him of imposing an authoritarian state and driving the economy into the ground.