Tag Archives: Perla Jaimes

Jul
29
2010
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Venezuela seizes anti-Chavez TV owner’s ranch

This article was originally posted by The Canadian Press

CARACAS, Venezuela –An attorney representing the owner of a television channel critical of President Hugo Chavez says officials, accompanied by National Guard troops, have seized control of her client’s ranch.

Lawyer Perla Jaimes argues the takeover of the ranch belonging to Guillermo Zuloaga is part of a vendetta aimed at destroying a government opponent. Zuloaga’s Globovision TV is the only station in Venezuela that remains highly critical of Chavez.

Jaimes called Thursday’s takeover illegal, arguing it violated property rights.

Zuloaga, who owns several car dealerships, is facing charges of usury for keeping new vehicles stored at a home. Investigators allege Zuloaga was waiting for prices to rise, which is punishable under Venezuelan law.

 
Jul
28
2010
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Lawyer from anti-Chavez TV faces prosecution

This article was originally posted by The Associated Press

A  lawyer who represents Venezuela’s lone television channel that remains critical of President Hugo Chavez has been charged with obstructing justice, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Perla Jaimes tried to prevent police from raiding a home belonging to Guillermo Zuloaga, the president and majority shareholder of the Globovision TV station, the Attorney General’s Office alleged in a statement.

Jaimes, who could face up to three years in prison if convicted. denied any wrongdoing.

“None of the arguments they are using correspond with reality,” she said.

The May 1 police raid led to criminal charges of usury against Zuloaga, who also owns several car dealerships. Zuloaga has called the charges bogus and contends prosecutors are acting on orders from Chavez to punish him for Globovision’s stinging criticism.

Human rights groups also have voiced concern that Chavez is using prosecutors to crack down on outspoken critics, including Zuloaga. He recently fled the country after a court issued an arrest warrant for him and one of his sons.

Chavez denies trying to silence the station for its tough editorial line.