HM News Update: Week Ending 12-16
Urgent News About Eric Volz – Action Is Requested
During the past week or so, you may have received the urgent prayer request concerning Eric Volz, the son of Maggie Anthony and 77s' founding bassist Jan Eric Volz. In recent days, Eric’s dire situation has gone from extremely difficult to literally life-threatening. The family’s latest update below will inform you and show you how you can pray and take tangible action yourself.
Dearest friends --Our last update was just after receiving the news that Eric had not been released; that he was being held over for trial in late January. Like us, you want to do something, anything, to help Eric. Well, the time has come. Below you will find a time line that delineates the truth of the case so far. Please send it to anyone you believe may be in a position of influence to help Eric. Be bold! Demand that those in power bring the weight of their position to bear on Eric's situation. We cannot do this by ourselves; we must have your help now!!! Thank you; thank you for Eric.
The following is a time line documenting the false arrest and imprisonment of Eric Volz in Nicaragua. Hundreds of persons have asked what they might do to assist Eric in his fight for freedom and justice; the fight for his life. It is vital that you make your Senator or Congressperson aware of the egregious injustice and treatment that Eric has received. Demand that they investigate what is, and what is not being done to help him.
Tuesday, November 21 Maggie (Eric’s Mom) receives a message from Eric that Doris (his former girl friend – a native Nicaraguan) was found dead in her store in the small Pacific coastal town of San Juan del Sur. On the 21st Eric is working in his office in Managua with the EP Magazine staff. He has 10 witnesses who have signed declarations with the court attesting to his whereabouts. Eric goes to the police offering to help, including paying for an autopsy and an investigation, if necessary.
Thursday, November 23 After Doris’ funeral and burial Eric returns to police station to check on progress of the investigation, at which point he was arrested and jailed in Rivas, Nicaragua. Three other men are similarly charged, two of whom were taken into custody, the fourth cannot be found.
Saturday, November 25 Prosecuting Attorney reads into the court records the charges that would become official, Monday, November, 27. All four men are charged with first degree murder in the death of Doris Jimenez Alvarado. The Police Chief from Rivas & the Mayor of San Juan hold a town meeting in San Juan where the Police Chief publicly reads the charges against Eric. El Nuevo Diario, a Nicaraguan newspaper, begins printing a series of salacious articles detailing what they refer to as the crime by the “North American,” including photos of Eric, of Doris’ body, but none of the other defendants.
Wednesday, December 6 Hearing is postponed to December 7, at the request of the Prosecution.
Thursday, December 7 – details of the hearing in Rivas, Nicaragua: Eric is walked by a police several blocks through a jeering crowd to the courthouse. The crowd attacks Eric’s group, the police scatter, and Eric runs unprotected to courthouse for safety. Police refuse to allow the US Embassy Legal Attaché, who has accompanied Eric’s legal team, into the court room for the hearing. Two defendants named in original charging documents are released, with no presenting documentation. One of them is now referred to as a “witness” for the Prosecution. During hearing, all points of evidence on Eric’s behalf, presented by his Defense, are dismissed by the Judge as inadmissible. Eric is bound over for trial the end of January 2007.
The crowd outside the court house grows to approximately 300. One newspaper states that the crowd continues to yell, “Come out gringo, because we are going to kill you!” The police did nothing to get the mob out of the area. The Regional Security exchanges clothes with Eric to serve as a decoy to distract the crowd, but police take Eric out the front door of the courthouse anyway. Two police trucks are waiting for the 2 defendants, but when the first defendant is loaded, both trucks drove off, leaving Eric and the RSO stuck in midst of the crowd.
As police scatter, Eric & the RSO run through the crowd to escape into a nearby building for protection. They barricade themselves in a room, and then break down an adjoining wall to find a more secure location. US Embassy Legal Attaché, Eric’s father, and Eric’s US legal counsel must also take evasive action to avoid being attacked by the crowd after Eric and RSO leave the building. The RSO uses his cell phone to demand the Legal Attaché get a police contingent to the building he and Eric are hiding in to rescue them from the crowd. Police finally rescue them after nearly 1 hour in hiding. US Embassy staff ascertain that the RSO saved Eric’s life. US Embassy demanded Eric be moved to a more secure location. Eric is moved the next morning (Friday, December 8) from Rivas to new jail outside of the region. From a legal perspective, there is little doubt that Eric is getting disparate treatment and that there is serious prejudice against him because he is an American.
The situation in Nicaragua continues to be very serious as Eric’s safety is not assured. Please continue to pray for Eric’s health, well-being, and his ultimate and timely release. This is literally an URGENT matter of life and death - do NOT delay!!! A web site has been created to access information about Eric; including all updates, photos and a link to send Eric a note. Go here.
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