Chavez Critic Imprisoned on Corruption Charges

By Christopher Gehrke
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, South America

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s former defense minister and enthusiastic critic of President Hugo Chavez was charged with corruption Friday.  Retired General Raul Baduel rescued Chavez from a 2002 coup, Reuters reported, but broke with him in 2007 and joined opposition parties in accusing Chavez of cracking down on dissidents and concentrating his power.  Gen. Baduel is one of Chavez’ most important opponents.

Military prosecutor Gen. Ernesto Cedeno said Baduel has been charged with stealing nearly $14 million.  Mr. Baduel was Venezuela’s defense minister for about a year in 2006-2007.

“This investigation has to do with the theft of funds and assets belonging to the armed forces,” Cedeno told reporters.

Rafael Tosta, a lawyer, said Mr. Baduel was required to appear before a military tribunal every 15 days and was forbidden from public comments regarding the accusations against him.

Baduel was instrumental in assisting opposition parties in preventing a constitutional amendments that would have allowed Chavez to run for reelection indefinitely as well as cement his hold on the economy.  Military officials imposed a travel ban on Mr. Baduel late Friday night.  According to the New York Times, in arresting Mr. Baduel, military intelligence agents shoved him into an unmarked vehicle in front of his two children and screaming wife.  The scene was caught on video and has been replayed repeatedly on private TV networks in Venezuela. (Image:  NYT - Baduel shortly after his arrest)

Reuters reported that the charges could be very damaging to parties opposing Chavez, as regional elections of governors and mayors occur next month.  Chavez’ critics allege that the arrest was a tactic to distract voters before the November elections, in which Chavez’ party could stand to lose control of several important states, including Aragua, where Mr. Baduel supposedly has influence.

“If Baduel had remained quiet, everyone would be happy,” said Ismael Garcia, a congressman who broke with Chavez last year over the rejected constitutional overhaul that would have increased the president’s power.

Military prosecutor Cedeno denies that the case is retaliation for Baduel’s opposition to Mr. Chavez, and declared that the ex-general would be guaranteed “his full right to defense,” reports the Associated Press.

According to the AP, Baduel has raised repeated concerns that Chavez supporters may use trumped up charges in order to make a political move against him.

“Everything is false and it’s a defamatory campaign,” said Baduel’s lawer, Mr. Tosta.  “Very few details were presented by (prosecutors) to accuse Gen. Baduel.”

For more information, please see:

Los Angeles Times (Reuters) - Critic of Chavez faces charges – 4 October 2008

Associated Press – Former defense minister detained in Venezuela – 4 October 2008

New York Times – Venezuela Bar Chavez Critic From Leaving  - 4 October 2008