VENEZUELA: Lock-out leader arrested

Carlos Ortega, formerly a leader of the pro-boss "trade union" CTV, was arrested in Caracas on February 28. Ortega, who was carrying false identity documents, was one of the key leaders of the 2002 shutdown of the oil industry, orchestrated by the bosses' federation to force the government of President Hugo Chavez from office. Following the defeat of the shut-down, Ortega fled to Costa Rica. In October 2003, Venezuelan security forces taped a phone conversation between Ortega and his successor at CTV in which Ortega's return during a "civil rebellion" to overthrow the democratically elected government was discussed. He is expected to be charged with treason, economic sabotage and perjury.

From Green Left Weekly, March 9, 2005.

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From GLW issue 618