The San José-based Inter-American Court of Human Rights has refused to hear the case of a man allegedly tortured and wrongly imprisoned for murder in Mexico 12 years ago. 

The court says it cannot hear the case of Alfonso Martin del Campo because it dates back to 1992,  six years before Mexico accepted the court's jurisdiction. The court issued the decision earlier this month but announced it on Tuesday. 

Martin del Campo, who holds dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for murdering his sister and her husband.  Human rights groups say he was tortured into confessing. 

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, a related body in the Organization of American States, has recommended that the Mexican government release Martin del Campo and provide compensation. 

Comedy to open
theatrical season

The Little Theatre Group's Season Opener will be "The Cemetery Club" by Ivan Menchell.

Directed by Sheila McCann Morrison and Tom Humes, assistant director, this comedy stars Barbara Adams, Lisa DeFuso, and Susan Hall Liang as three middle-aged widows. 

One is dedicated to the memory of her husband, the other is an outrageous flirt, and the third is beginning to realize that life can offer more than widowhood. 

Throw in among the ladies Harry Towne, one of group’s experienced comedians, plus girlfriend Randy Gritz, who is making her acting debut, and the plot gains complexity.

"The Cemetery Club" opens Friday Oct. 8, and plays for three weekends. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Reservations may be made at 355-1623 or on line HERE!
 

Campaign planned
against fin trade

A confederation of 15 organizations opposed to the taking of shark fins by fishermen plan to kick off their campaign in Puntarenas Friday at 9 a.m. 

The confederation said that tons of shark fins are being unloaded onto private Costa Rican docks because the government is not exercising its responsibility to oversee such operations. 
 

Radio reporter killed
by Dominican gang

AZUA, Dominican Republic — Police here say suspected gang members attacked two radio journalists Tuesday, killed one of them and seriously wounded the other. 

Officials say the attack that killed radio reporter Juan Andujar occurred in this town of Azua, 120 kms. (75 miles) south of the capital, Santo Domingo. The other reporter, Luis Sencion, was taken to the hospital. 

Authorities say police had earlier engaged the suspected gang members in a gun battle that left four of the gangsters dead. 

Two alleged gang members escaped that gunfight and went to the radio station where they shot the reporters. Police say the assailants are still at large.