Arrest warrants for Honduran ex-president dropped

[Judi Lynn]

March 25, 2011
Arrest warrants for Honduran ex-president dropped

(AP) TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) — A judge has dismissed three arrest warrants for former President Manuel Zelaya, allowing him to return without detention to the country where he was deposed in June 2009.

Supreme Court Justice Oscar Chincilla says Zelaya still faces corruption charges related to his forced exile after ignoring court orders to drop a referendum on changing the constitution.

Zelaya attorney Anahim Orrellana said Friday his client can return safely from the Dominican Republic, where he now lives. But he said Zelaya also wants the court to drop the pending charges, which Zelaya calls politically motivated.

Orrellana said he may appeal Chinchilla's ruling.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/25/ap/latinamerica/main20047409.shtml

[Judi Lynn]

1. Arrest warrants dropped for Honduran ex-president deposed in coup, opening way for return

Arrest warrants dropped for Honduran ex-president deposed in coup, opening way for return
By Associated Press, Friday, March 25, 10:23 PM

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — A supreme court judge dismissed three arrest warrants for former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya on Friday, allowing him to return without detention to the country where he was deposed in a June 2009 coup.

Justice Oscar Chinchilla’s ruling didn’t dismiss corruption charges that were levied against Zelaya, who was whisked to Costa Rica in his pajamas by the military after he ignored court orders to drop a referendum on changing the constitution.

Zelaya attorney Anahim Orrellana said that although his client could return and remain free, he is not happy with the ruling because it let stand charges that Zelaya calls political.

“We want the charges to be dropped,” Orrellana said in a press conference. He has three days to consider an appeal.

More:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/arrest-warrants-dropped-for-honduran-ex-president-deposed-in-coup-opening-way-for-return/2011/03/25/AFZOyNYB_story.html