The Criminal Tribunal of the Supreme Court determined with 11 votes in favor and 8 abstentions that there are no reasons to bring them to trial "on grounds of military rebellion."

As soon as the court decision was announced, several sympathizers of President Hugo Chavez protested outside the Supreme Court.

The pro-Chavez demonstrators tried to get near the premises of the court but were dispersed by members of the National Guard with tear gas.

The acquitted officers are Division General Efrain Vasquez, the former commander of the Army; Brigade General Pedro Pereira, ex-Joint Chief of Staff; Vice Admiral Hector Ramirez, former commander of the Navy, and Rear Admiral Daniel Comisso.

President Chavez had called on his followers to remain calm before the court's decision, regardless of its nature, was announced.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2002)