Venezuela urges Vatican to turn over opponent
1 hour ago
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela is urging the Vatican to turn over a government opponent who has sought refuge inside the Vatican's diplomatic mission for the past year and a half.
Justice Minister Tarek El Aissami said on Wednesday that Venezuela hopes the Holy See turns over 34-year-old Nixon Moreno to be tried.
The former student leader is wanted by Venezuelan authorities on charges of attempted murder and lascivious acts against a female police officer. He denies the allegations and says he is fleeing political persecution and his life is in danger.
Moreno's lawyer, Alonso Medina Roa, says the Vatican has already approved diplomatic asylum for his client and that it's now up to the government to guarantee him safe passage out of Venezuela.