Main suspect in Tucanogate wants ‘equal treatment’

Santo Domingo.- Former Defense minister Pedro Rafael PeñaAntonio on Friday said he wants "equal treatment," the only expressionmade to reporters after leaving the courtroom where National District judge RaquelSorange Vazquez, postponed the arraignment for next Monday.

He and three others were detained in connection with an allegedUS$3.4 million bribe in the purchase of eight Super Tucano aircraft from Brazil.

"He is not being treated well…they bring him here, tothe fifth floor with all the prisoners, running a high risk," said his attorneyReinaldo Paredes.

He said Peña is an active Maj. General whose detentionshould be at the Defense Ministry. "It has been, and is selective justice,we must see what they are looking for, we have to see behind all this, what’s themotive for this."

Codefendant

Air Force Col. Carlos Picini, charged with receiving the allegedbribe from executives of plane maker Embraer, will be represented by a publicdefender Piccini said e cannot afford ta private attorney.

Among the prosecution’s evidence against Piccini figure 14properties in upscale neighborhoods in the National District, Santo Domingo andSamana.