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Former Venezuelan defense minister detained
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-04 10:46
CARACAS -- Former Venezuelan Defense Minister Raul Isaias Baduel was detained Friday in the city of Maracay for questioning in a corruption case.

Baduel, a former ally of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who then joined the opposition, was shopping with his family when he was captured by military intelligence agents in Maracay, 123 km southwest of Caracas, local media reported.

A military official said Baduel was being investigated for corruption and has refused to appear before a court.

It was not a bench warrant, but a routine procedure carried out by military authorities, the official added.