ALIEN SMUGGLING TRIAL FOR DOMINICAN CONGRESSMAN

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000593 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR G/TIP (LINDERMAN),WHA/PPC (FALLS),WHA/CAR (MCISAAC) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL KJUS SMIG DR SUBJECT: ALIEN SMUGGLING TRIAL FOR DOMINICAN CONGRESSMAN POSTPONED AGAIN REF: SANTO DOMINGO 7094 ¶1. (SBU) Trial proceedings against accused alien smuggler Congressman Guillermo Radhames Ramos Garcia were postponed again on January 28 after his lawyer failed to appear in court. Lawyers for the two co-defendants did not appear either. The trial will resume at the Supreme Court on March ¶24. Additionally, a bail hearing for the two Asian co-defendants is scheduled for February 5. ¶2. (SBU) On January 20 Attorney General Victor Cespedes recommended bail be set for the two Asian co-defendants at 100,000 pesos each. Each defendant would be required to post 2 per cent of that amount, approximately 40 USD. The Court adjourned without acting on the bail recommendation. Newspaper reports indicate that there was sharp disagreement among the justices on this subject, both in open session and afterwards in chambers. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: This most recent postponement of the Radhames Ramos Garcia case is the second in just two months. The Attorney General's suggested bail amount is unusually low. EcoPol counselor called on the AG on January 22 to express concern that once set free on bail, these defendants would flee the country and thereby undermine the case. Cespedes was categoric to EcoPol Counselor and the next day to the Ambassador during an unrelated ceremony: he says that the case is a strong one, with documentary evidence and other witnesses, and that the co-defendants are not needed. Cespedes said that his office will continue the prosecution and expects to achieve a conviction. HERTELL