Bolivia Repressors Declared in Default

Sucre, Bolivia, Jan 17 (Prensa Latina) The Bolivian Supreme Court of Justice declared defendants ex President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada and Carlos Sanchez and Jorge Berindoague to be in default in the "Black October" case, local newspapers reported Wednesday.

First Penal Court Chief Justice Jaime Villarroel confirmed the decision and clarified the order will enter into effect once published as an edict in the national press media.

According to the Bolivian Information Agency s report, the requests for their presence was handled by the Public Ministry, and ex President Sanchez Lozada and the other accused were aware of the trial, but as they live in the United States, it was difficult.

The trial for responsibility for killing 67 Bolivians and wounding 417 in September and October 2003 will continue with the accused en absentia based on the ruling.

The defendants will still have the opportunity to appear in court, assuming their defense with all rights and guarantees given by the Constitution.

If the declaration in default is ignored, the accused will be declared in contumacy and a warrant will be immediately issued for their arrest wherever they were Judge Villarroel said, but was cautious when asked about possible extradition.

> Opinion of the Committee for the Victims of October (spanish)