Venezuelans Accused of Plotting Coup Seek Refuge

Two Venezuelans accused of staging an overthrow of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez in April 2002 have applied for refugee status in Costa Rica, Public Security Minister Fernando Berrocal confirmed last week.

These former Venezuelan military agents, identified as Néstor González and Henry López, have already presented their requests to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) a necessary step in the process of gaining refugee status. Costa Rica’s General Immigration Administration is now reviewing their cases, Berrocal said.

When the applications have been ruled on, the decision will be made public, Berrocal said.