Posted on Wed, Feb. 11, 2004
Venezuelans at Krome no terror threat, FBI says
The FBI confirms that it interviewed two Venezuelan military officers accused of bombing diplomatic missions and determined they pose no terror risk.
BY RICHARD BRAND
rbrand@herald.com
WAR ON TERROR
The FBI told The Herald on Tuesday that two Venezuelan military officers, accused by their government of being involved in bombings at two diplomatic missions in Caracas, are not considered terrorist threats. (snip)
Venezuela's request for their extradition could prove embarrassing for Washington, which may have to choose between harboring men accused of terrorism and sending them back to a highly politicized justice system in Caracas.
Colina and Varela were among a group of about 100 officers who left their posts in 2002 and 2003 to join opponents of President Hugo Chávez at opposition rallies. In November, they fled Venezuela after a judge issued a warrant for their arrest, accusing them of participating in bombings February 25 against Colombian and Spanish diplomatic missions in Caracas.
Late last year, Venezuelan prosecutors linked the blasts to four anti-Chávez military officers, including Varela and Colina.
(snip/...)
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/7925400.htm