Venezuela jails opposition leader

BBC News ^ | December 13, 2005

[RWR8189]

A Venezuelan court has sentenced one of the most prominent leaders of the opposition to 15 years in prison. Carlos Ortega, who once led powerful trade unions, was found guilty of inciting civil unrest during a strike that began in late 2002.

The two-month strike paralysed Venezuela's vital oil industry.

Ortega said the verdict was politically motivated, and his lawyers immediately announced an appeal.

Ortega was arrested in the capital, Caracas, in March.

He was found in possession of identity papers with an assumed name, a police official said earlier.

Family members said Ortega secretly returned to Venezuela in last August after fleeing to Costa Rica in 2003.

The strike failed to oust President Hugo Chavez.

[tet68]

So it begins.

[sittnick]

He must have been insane, why would anyone strike in a Workers' Paradise?

[Libertarian444]

I'm sure Amnesty International is getting right on this..... /scarcasm

[muawiyah]

Chavez already chased away the Jews so he doesn't have anyone he can readily kill first without fear of criticism.

I'd say this guy is toast.

[alice_in_bubbaland]

Yep, nothing like democracy! (paging Jimmy Carter.....)

[HonduGOP]

Wait, this may be the straw that breaks the camel's back in Venezuela. Perhaps Loco Chavez has finally blundered and will awaken the sleeping giant (the true opposition). Right now, Puto Chavez has been able to mobilize his supporters (including Jimmah and Fidel) but if he does any harm to Ortega then we may have the beginning of civil war in Venezuela (and we should be there covertly to carry out Pat Robertson's suggestion)

[armydawg1]

Venezuela slides more and more to tyranny. How long with the USA allow the hemisphere's largest oil producer to teeter on the brink of marxism?

[newfarm4000n]

Venezuela slides more and more to tyranny. How long with the USA allow the hemisphere's largest oil producer to teeter on the brink of marxism?

Its not our problem . Remember even Marxists do business deals.

[armydawg1]

Have you ever heard of the Monroe Doctrine? Not only does it keep Europeans out of the Western Hemisphere, it sends a signal that we are very concerned when anti US governments are established in our back yard.

[newfarm4000n]

Have you ever heard of the Monroe Doctrine? Not only does it keep Europeans out of the Western Hemisphere, it sends a signal that we are very concerned when anti US governments are established in our back yard.

Ahem mm. Do you recall a little "skirmish" called the Falklands war ?!?!? The Monroe doctrine is .... how should I put it ..."flexible".

[RightWhale]

How long with the USA allow the hemisphere's largest oil producer

Until they embargo oil to the US.

[armydawg1]

Britain is an ally.

[newfarm4000n]

Britain is an ally.

Does the Monroe doctrine distinguish a foreign imperial action between ally or foe ? I don't think it does.