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International Court Hears Venezuelan Opposition's Case

   VOA News  March 01, 2011
   Venezuela's  President Hugo Chavez speaks during a meeting with United
   Socialist  party members in Caracas after gaining decree powers for 18
   months, Dec 17, 2010 (file photo)

Photo: Reuters

   Venezuela's  President Hugo Chavez speaks during a meeting with United
   Socialist  party members in Caracas after gaining decree powers for 18
   months, (file photo)

   The  Inter-American Court of Human Rights is meeting to hear arguments
   regarding  a  2008  decision  by  the  Venezuelan  government that has
   blocked hundreds of people from running for office.
   Venezuelan  opposition  leader  Leopoldo  Lopez is expected to testify
   Tuesday  in  front of the court in Costa Rica as it begins its two-day
   hearing examining the order that affects 575 people, including Lopez.
   According  to the court's website, it will hear statements by Lopez, a
   witness  and  four  expert  witnesses  for  his  defense,  as  well as
   representatives for the Venezuelan government.
   The  ban  on running for office remains in effect while the pro-Chavez
   state  comptroller-general  investigates the politicians on corruption