Criminal proceedings against Leopoldo Fernandez is "not vengeance": Flores, Governor of Pando, Bolivia

SLAUGHTER • Leopoldo Fernandez, a former governor of Pando, appeared Wednesday before a judge, accused of the slaughter of peasants.

By EUGENE ROXAS

Leopoldo Fernandez. © ABI™

LA PAZ, Bolivia.— Armed paramilitary groups, allegedly on orders of Fernandez, riddled with several farmers protesting against Leopoldo Fernandez, in favor of Bolivia's President Evo Morales.

Luis Flores Adolfo Pando's governor said:

"People of Pando want justice. We’ll closely follow the criminal proceedings against Fernandez."

Leopoldo Fernandez, also known as the 'chief' of Pando, maintained almost absolute control of public and private powers in the region between 1979 and 2005.

"Here there is no any kind of revenge, [the muuders] must be clarified, persons identified to have fired on farmers should be punished" said Flores.

Since September 16, 2008, Fernandez preventive suffers detention in San Pedro jail in the city of La Paz, thanks to a court order. The former prefect pleads innocence. If there are no obstacles in the development of criminal proceedings, it could take about three months.

On this Wednesday, the prosecution presented evidence by witnesses, material evidence and expert to clarify the case.

Criminal proceedings will continue on July 28, 2010.

Source: ABI