Hearing on December 13th

On December 13th a hearing took place at the courthouse in San Ramon to determine if the case of property damage (damages occuring last September) and land ownership would go to trail. McEwan´s lawyer wanted the case dismissed, while Padilla´s lawyer argued there was sufficient evidence for a trial.

At least 50 activists and supports, from Padilla´s comminity of La Grecia and students from Managua and the United States, accompanied Vicente into the courtroom. This large presence made an impression on the judge, as well as McEwan and his lawyer. McEwan´s lawyer spent the fist part of his opening statement asking that the supporters be forced to leave. The Judge said they were welcome to stay if they remained silent, which they did. McEwan had come with his own ¨support,¨ three armed guards, who put their automatic weapons away at the site of activists with cameras.

After hearing from lawyers on both sides, the Judge ruled in favor of Padilla and set the date of the trial for Feb 3rd. This is a small victory for the Padilla family and those that support them. There will hopefully be just as large a presence at the trial on the 3rd.