U.S. Diplomats and Legal Experts Comment On The Unusual Circumstances Surrounding the Cedeno Case In Venezuela

Diplomatic leaders and legal and human rights experts presented unique perspectives on Latin America's political landscape and democracy last night during an academic discussion held at the University of Miami. Among topics discussed was the state of political prisoners in Latin America, in particular the corrupted case against Eligio Cedeno, the Venezuelan banker imprisoned more than 505 days ago and still awaiting a fair trial after months of unfounded judicial delays. Participants contributed to a political discussion about the lack of transparency found in many Latin American judicial systems, the recent politicization of legal cases, and the lack of autonomy that exists in the judicial branches of those governments. They called attention to the growing number of political prisoners in Latin America, the numerous human rights violations and assaults to democracy, and the unjust treatment of political prisoners, like Eligio Cedeno, and their experiences during 'so-called' impartial legal hearings. The Cedeno case which began in Venezuela in March 2008 was again postponed earlier this month, marking the 5th time the case has been delayed due to a prosecutor's unsubstantiated allegations against the presiding judge. This most recent development is yet another example of the irregular profile of the case against Eligio Cedeno, the government's lack of evidence to uphold the charges of Cedeno facilitating the illegal exchange of U.S. currency to a local businessman, and the failure of the Venezuelan judicial system to expeditiously rule and bring the Microstar case to a close.