Body Of Former Venezuelan President Still In Limbo
MIAMI (CBS4) – Former Venezuelan President Carlos Perez remained grave-less Friday when Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Arthur Rothenberg again asked for his body to be placed in a temporary crypt until a decision can be made on where he will be buried.
The judge wants Perez to be moved to an above-ground crypt to allow more time to settle the feud between his estranged wife and longtime mistress over his final resting place, citing time constraints for both sides to assemble witnesses – some of which are in Venezuela – for a March 21 trial.
The burial rights on whether Perez will be laid to rest in Miami or Venezuela is the crux of the argument.
"The body would be laid to rest with dignity until all of these issues are heard," Rothenberg said last month.
Perez died Dec. 25 in Miami at age 88, leaving no written burial instructions. His estranged wife in Venezuela, Blanca Rodriguez de Perez, claims she has the right under Florida law as his surviving spouse to bring his body home for burial.
Also on Friday, Rothenberg ordered Perez's assets frozen and appointed a curator to inventory documents, computer files and possessions the former president had in Miami. Many of them likely have historical or other value in Venezuela and the U.S., he said.
If any of Perez's papers or possessions are "moved, transferred, hidden, not disclosed," the judge said, he will find those responsible in contempt of court, which can mean a fine.
CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald is reporting that the items include his presidential sash from the 1989 inauguration; a large silver vase given to him by former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat; six Persian rugs from visits to the Middle East; various medals; and papers including reports from government ministers, correspondence and personnel files; and the contents of computers and other electronic devices.
The case has included allegations that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is orchestrating Rodriguez de Perez's efforts behind the scenes to stage some type of political show, a charge denied by her attorney and Chavez himself.
Rodriguez de Perez's children have said they do not envision a state funeral or similar event if his body is returned to Venezuela.
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