Paraguay vice-president supports detained presidential candidate

The vice-president of Paraguay, Angel Roberto Seifart, has again expressed his support for the detained former general, Lino Cesar Oviedo, who is the candidate of the governing Colorado party for presidential elections due in May.

After visiting Mr Oviedo at a military prison in the capital, Asuncion, Mr Seifart said his detention is unjust from all points of view.

Mr Oviedo was arrested more than a month ago 12 Dec and the authorities say he is to be held indefinitely while investigations continue into his alleged part in an attempted military coup in 1996.

He denies the allegations.

Following an earlier expression of solidarity for Mr Oviedo, the vice-president was criticised by President Juan Carlos Wasmosy as irresponsible.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service