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Friday, June 12, 1998 Published at 15:47 GMT 16:47 UK
World: Americas
Sandinista leader may face abuse trial
The sex abuse case against Daniel Ortega 'has merit'
A court in Nicaragua has ruled that charges of sex abuse and rape brought against the Sandinista leader and former President, Daniel Ortega, by his stepdaughter, can go to trial.
The judge who decided the charges had merit said the next step would be to summon the opposition leader.
However, as a member of the National Assembly, it is possible Mr Ortega could invoke parliamentary immunity. In this case, it would be up to parliament to decide whether he should face prosecution.
Immunity
The judge in the case has said no claim for immunity was made in pre-trial documents.
But Mr Ortega's lawyers have said that it was public knowledge he was a legislator and that he would not be in contempt of court if he ignored the summons.
His stepdaughter, Zoilamerica Narvarez, has demanded that the Mr Ortega should renounce his immunity in order to face her charges.
The case
She alleges that Mr Ortega sexually abused her from the age of eleven and raped her when she was 15.
In a 48-page affadavit she claimed Mr Ortega physically and emotionally abused her throughout his military and political career.
In a separate action she has petitioned to annul his adoption of her in 1986.
Mr Ortega has denied the accusations and has the backing of his wife and other supporters who say the claims are politically motivated.
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