Venezuelan government prosecutors fail to appear; Eligio Cedeno awaits hearing
CARACAS, Venezuela, March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representatives of the
Venezuelan Attorney General this week failed for the fourth time in a month to
appear for Eligio Cedeno's legal hearing. Once again, the prosecutors failed
to provide any explanation for their unwillingness to appear and present
evidence before a judge. Cedeno, a prominent Venezuelan banker, accused of
aiding Consorcio Microstar with illegal dollar transactions, was imprisoned in
February 2007. He has remained in jail for more than a year awaiting his right
to a fair trial and is one of the longest detained political prisoners in
Venezuela.
Cedeno's trial was set to take place on March 12, but was again postponed by
Judge Gabriela Salazar of Court 23 in Venezuela after prosecutors from the
General District Attorney's Office of Venezuela were absent for the trial.
This marks the fourth time no prosecutor appeared and the fourth time no
advance notice or explanation for the absences was provided by Venezuelan
prosecutors.
"The complete disregard for due process in the Venezuelan judicial system is
appalling. More appalling is the fact that the Venezuelan prosecutors continue
to hide from their own judicial system and the truth surrounding the baseless
charges," said Victor Cerda, an attorney representing Cedeno in the United
States. "It is time for the Venezuelan Government to set a trial date that
will be respected and to put an end to Mr. Cedeno's persecution. Mr. Cedeno
has cooperated with the Venezuelan legal system and remains steadfast in his
desire to face his accusers and prove his innocence."
Cedeno has been denied his right to an impartial trial, right to reasonable
bail, right to seek medical treatment, and right to present evidence in his
defense. Some independent critics and observers speculate that the charges are
politically motivated and that the Venezuelan Attorney General's case against
Cedeno lacks the necessary evidence to uphold the charges before an impartial
court. The case has been deferred indefinitely and a new date for the hearing
has yet to be set.
SOURCE Cedel International
Matt Lauer, +1-703-463-1841, mlauer@qorvis.com, for Cedel International
