Venezuela asks Interpol to capture former president under investigation for riot deaths

Venezuela asks Interpol to capture ex-president

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s top prosecutor is asking Interpol to capture former President Carlos Andres Perez for violence committed during street protests two decades ago.

Prosecutors will ask Interpol to issue a “red alert” for the capture of 85-year-old Perez, who lives in Miami, Attorney General Luisa Ortega told Venezuelan state television on Tuesday. She said his capture is necessary as part of investigations into the riots, known as the “Caracazo” — a play on the name of the capital that also means forceful blow.

Perez was president when the rioting broke out on Feb. 27, 1989, triggered by a hike in gasoline prices and public transportation fares. Venezuela’s army was deployed to quell the unrest, leaving at least 300 dead. But rights activists say hundreds more were killed — many of them shot indiscriminately by security forces.

On this year’s Feb. 27-28 anniversary, President Hugo Chavez called on authorities to administer justice for crimes committed during the Caracazo. None of the government officials, military officers or police responsible for putting down the riots has gone to trial for the deaths.

Prosecutors said in 2007 that they were preparing to ask for Perez’s extradition for crimes committed during the riots. Perez, who has lived in the U.S. for the past nine years and is reportedly suffering from health problems following a stroke, is also wanted in Venezuela on corruption charges.

In July, prosecutors charged Perez’s former defense minister, retired Gen. Italo del Valle Aliegro, with ordering murders and violating international agreements during the unrest.

Last week, authorities began opening tombs to identify the remains of dozens of people killed during the riots and look for evidence against police and soldiers.

Ortega said Tuesday that the remains of 125 people have been exhumed and are being studied to identify them and determine the dates of their deaths.