Leocenis García was detained in 2008, on charges of illegally carrying weapons, resisting authority and causing damage to private property.
(IPYS/IFEX) – As of 4 May 2010, journalist Leocenis García had spent two years in jail. He was detained in 2008, on charges of illegally carrying weapons, resisting authority and causing damage to private property. García is being held in Tocuyito prison in the State of Carabobo, northern Venezuela. The journalist is waiting for a hearing which will determine if he can be released.
On 3 May, the Public Prosecutor called for a one-year extension of the journalist’s detention. García’s attorney, Pedro Aranguren, said that his client should be granted, by law, a provisional order for his release.
A preliminary hearing on the case was scheduled for 11 May at the 23rd Trial Tribunal of Caracas’ Metropolitan Area to determine the journalist’s situation.
IPYS will continue to monitor developments in the case. The organisation hopes that due process will be upheld.
