Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04SANTODOMINGO593
2004-01-29 23:51:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Santo Domingo
Cable title:  

ALIEN SMUGGLING TRIAL FOR DOMINICAN CONGRESSMAN

Tags:  PHUM PGOV PREL KJUS SMIG DR 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
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

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