Word: hasenfus
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Dates: during 1986-1986
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Gunrunner Eugene Hasenfus, pardoned from a 30-year jail term in Nicaragua and carrying the key to his cell, returned to the United States yesterday, thanking God that "I was able to be free and be with my family" for Christmas...
...funds were used to finance the string of airlifts that have delivered supplies to the rebels during the past few months. Those flights received unwanted publicity two months ago, when a C-123K air-transport plane was shot down over southern Nicaragua and an American crew member, Eugene Hasenfus, was captured and tried by the Sandinistas. But most of the supplies, according to a knowledgeable source, consisted of boots, clothing and small arms...
Some Nicaraguans, however, remained preoccupied with the fate of Hasenfus. People who lingered outside the sweltering courtroom during the trial demonstrated surprising sympathy for the somber American and his shy wife Sally. Sandinista officials also showed concern. "Eugene Hasenfus is not responsible for the American policy," said a high-ranking Sandinista. "It is in our interest to concentrate more on issues and less on the individual. He is not a cause but a symptom...
...Leniency can and should be expected. Nicaragua is not out for revenge." Other officials were less generous. "He should get 30 years in prison," said Comandante Victor Tirado Lopez. Last week El Nuevo Diario, a progovernment newspaper, quoted an official as saying, "The possibility that Soldier of Fortune Eugene Hasenfus will be pardoned in the short term by the Sandinista government is practically...
There is now vague talk of a "Wisconsin solution." Nicaraguan Vice President Sergio Ramirez may travel this week to Wisconsin, which has been Nicaragua's sister state since the early '60s and happens to be Hasenfus' home state as well. The hope is that some sisterly arrangement can be worked out so that Hasenfus will be back in Wisconsin for Christmas...