Word: hasenfuses
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...only drama was the delay. For days the People's Tribunal in Managua endlessly discussed a verdict, irritating the tired defendant, his lawyers and the impatient international press corps. And when the tribunal finally handed down its ruling in the case of Eugene Hasenfus late last week, there were no surprises. Since the opening of the trial on Oct. 20, the outcome had never been in doubt. Ample evidence, and Hasenfus' own admission, confirmed that the former Marine had been delivering weapons to the U.S.-backed contras when his C-123K cargo plane was downed over Nicaragua...
With the verdict a foregone conclusion, attention had long since turned to a far more intriguing question: What will become of Hasenfus? Before the trial began, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega hinted that the hapless gunrunner might be pardoned and released by Christmas. But since then some Sandinista militants and officials have taken a tougher stance. Last week Ortega seemed prepared to sidestep the issue and dump the problem of Hasenfus' future on Washington. In an interview with Mexican reporters, Ortega said he was waiting to see if the Reagan Administration would acknowledge responsibility for Hasenfus and his aborted mission...
...Hasenfus' release depends on such an admission, the mercenary may find himself occupying a Nicaraguan prison cell for a long time. U.S. officials continue to deny any involvement in the private arms pipeline that sprang up in the two years after Congress cut off military aid to the rebels. Moreover, the Administration shows little sign of seeking accommodation with the Sandinistas. After intensive lobbying last spring, it persuaded Congress to resume direct aid to the contras. Two weeks ago the first planeloads of military supplies, bought with funds from a $100 million aid package, began flowing to the rebels...
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...