Irish 'involved' in Bolivia 'assassination attempt'

[El Libre]

Agreed, but in Bolivia there is ongoing rampant disregard for the rule of law. Consequently, the legal system here is a serious mess. By operating in this manner, the government will only further weaken the institutions necessary to pull the country out of its current (and historical) morass.

I don't doubt anything of what you say, Imoretti. But let us remember that while concerned with the quality of the Bolivian justice system, this thread has also focused on the disregard for the rule of law in Ireland which saw a group of security workers on the Shell Corrib gas project in Mayo morph from harassers of the locals into an international gang of armed mercenaries who went to cause havoc in your country. I must repeat that I am amazed at the casual way most people appear to be accepting Professor Cassidy's testimony at Dwyer's inquest in Dublin on 13th October. Again, she has stated that Dwyer died from a single dumdum bullet fired at the heart and has rubbished the Bolivian autopsy which found that he died from multiple bullet wounds. Given Cassidy's track record of sometimes sensational but not necessarily soundly based theories I would consider it advisable to maintain a critical focus on the Irish as well as Bolivian legal systems.

Although I am not confident of success, I am going to hunt for a copy of Cassidy's autopsy, and look forward to your promised translation of the Bolvian autopsy, Imoretti, which be it noted was fairly quickly placed in the public domain in your country.

[imoretti]

I don't doubt anything of what you say, Imoretti. But let us remember that while concerned with the quality of the Bolivian justice system, this thread has also focused on the disregard for the rule of law in Ireland which saw a group of security workers on the Shell Corrib gas project in Mayo morph from harassers of the locals into an international gang of armed mercenaries who went to cause havoc in your country. I must repeat that I am amazed at the casual way most people appear to be accepting Professor Cassidy's testimony at Dwyer's inquest in Dublin on 13th October. Again, she has stated that Dwyer died from a single dumdum bullet fired at the heart and has rubbished the Bolivian autopsy which found that he died from multiple bullet wounds. Given Cassidy's track record of sometimes sensational but not necessarily soundly based theories I would consider it advisable to maintain a critical focus on the Irish as well as Bolivian legal systems.

Although I am not confident of success, I am going to hunt for a copy of Cassidy's autopsy, and look forward to your promised translation of the Bolvian autopsy, Imoretti, which be it noted was fairly quickly placed in the public domain in your country.

I should clarify that I'm an American living in Bolivia, about to complete my requirements for nationality. I lived six years in La Paz before moving to Santa Cruz a year ago. I'm not affiliated with any institutions here, other than Clinica IPPA in La Paz where I sometimes collaborate on high-altitude pathology research. (I earn my living as a marketing designer for US clients, but am educated as a medical anthropologist.) I voted for Obama and have opposed the wars my government is presently waging in the Middle East since they began.

I witnessed the abuses of Goni's government here but, sadly, I'm seeing more of the same here. Crime is getting out of control as community-based justice (lynchings), assaults and murders are rocketing. Narcotrafficking is rearing its ugly head in the cities, as well. When I arrived here in 2002 (I also lived here as a kid), things were more tranquil, but that didn't last long as we saw in 2003. In spite of perhaps their best intentions, however, the current government is stumbling over itself, whether by design or misfortune. (Probably both.) At the same time, I acknowledge, they are doing some good things. They are helping families with monies for education, looking for means to keep petro-wealth in the country, expanding medical resources into rural areas, working on literacy.

Yet, the streets remain filled with drug-fueled (glue, usually) kids, demonstrations, transportistas who defy all governance, beggars, disabled. Public works projects take forever and never come in on budget. Meanwhile the government commits $400 million to owning a shiny new satellite, $60 million on Pakistani-Chinese trainer jets. Today the ALBA summit kicks of in Cochabamba (of the nine countries participating, only four leaders will attend: Evo, Chavez, Correa and Ortega, who arrives on Saturday). On the agenda is a new currency, the Pacha (or Sucre), modeled after the Euro, and reiterating their rejection of US bases in Colombia.

It's the same, sad story that's been played for centuries. Big visions. Misguided execution. Pyongyang's Ryugyong hotel. Bush's war for (on?) democracy. Stalin's archtitecture. Let them eat cake.

The basics always seem to fall through the cracks: health, food, shelter. And water.

It seems futile at times to hold out hope for Bolivia. The country may be too injured to resuscitate. The country IS divided, regardless of whomever you want to lay blame upon. I admit, I don't have a solution. I'm hoping for a miracle, I suppose. One thing that does not help, however, is taking a black and white position. The left portrays Evo as a saint and the Spanish-whites as demons, while the right takes the opposite position. The situation is more nuanced than that -- without recognition of this simple perspective, Bolivia is doomed.

[imoretti]

MEDICAL LEGAL

Place: Santa Cruz
Date: April 16, 2009
Time: 22:30
The undersigned forensic doctors of the Instituto de Investigaciones Forenses:
Dr. Antonio Torres Bulanza and Rafael Vargas Peña

CERTIFICATION

In fulfillment of:
Prosecutor order: ( x ) Judicial order ( ) Other ( )
The respective autopsy ( x ) necropsy ( ) partial examination ( ) has been realized on the cadaver of
Name and last name: DWYER, MICHAEL MARTIN

Age: 25 years Apparent age: . . . . . . Sex: M ( x ) F ( )
Marital status . . . . . . Identification document: Not carrying
Other document . . . . . . Without identification ( )
Nationality: Irish

BACKGROUND RECORD

Background of death in the hotel "Las Americas" in the city of Santa Cruz, in [ILLEGIBLE] morning of April 16, 2009, having remained in the place of the incident until approximately [ILLEGIBLE] when the movement of the cadaver took place.

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION

Cadaver in the secondary dorsal decubitus [on his back], on the autopsy table in the morgue of the Hospital of San Juan de Dios.
Clothing: Not present
Physical appearance: Robust, normal . . . . . . Height: about 1.73 m
Approximate weight: 90 kg Skin color: White Hair: short, brown, bushy eyebrows
Eyes: green Beard: goatee
Nose: medium straight Mouth: medium
Condition of teeth: Good ( x ) Regular ( ) Bad ( ) Complete ( x ) Incomplete ( )
Apparently in good condition
Observations: . . . . . .

Particular signs: Tattoo on the left arm of a fantasy style with a type of rays, silver ring on the right ring finger, general paleness. Yellow fluid flowing from the mouth and nose.

Neck: medium, enlongated; Thorax: conical, abdomen slightly distended.
Upper limbs and lower limbs normal. Genitals without particularity.

CADAVER EXAM

Body temperature: Not registered; Corneas: opaque ( x ) transparent ( ) translucent ( )
Pupils: dilated ( x ) constricted ( ) intermediate ( ) Conjunctivitis ( ) Cyanosis: ( )
Discolorations [from fluid buildup in the death position]: Present, limited, located in the lateral dorsal region of the body.
Rigor mortis: present ( x ) absent ( ); Intensity: light ( ) moderate ( ) intense ( x )
Evident at level of: entire body
Cadaveric spasms: present ( x ) absent ( ) Generalized ( ) loccalized ( x ) at the level of the right
Signs of putrefaction: present ( ) absent ( x ) represented by:
green stain ( ) red vein of putrefaction ( ): blisters ( ): subcutaneous emphysema

TRAUMATOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

On inspection, one appreciates the following lesions consistent with injuries produced by bullets:

At the level of the mid-external region a small circular wound of 0.4 cm with a contusion ring [ILLEGIBLE] upper-external region, consistent with the entrance hole of a bullet. Trajectory [ILLEGIBLE] front to back, nearly horizontal.

Bruising at the front lower left level of the external region, unspecific, consistent with [ILLEGIBLE] bullet from the posterior region of the thorax.

Two wounds almost adjoining of 12 mm x 10 mm and 15 mm x 5 mm in diameter, of [ILLEGIBLE] borders level of the fifth left intercostal space, outside of the nipple, consistent with orifices of [ILLEGIBLE]

Non-specific lineal horizontal excoriation of 8 x 1 cm in length which extends from the [ILLEGIBLE] left mid-external, to the nipple in which extreme exists another wound of 1 x [ILLEGIBLE] which appears to correspond with another exit hole.

In the posterior region on the thorax, at the left sub-scapular region, four wounds [ILLEGIBLE] parallel between 0.5 x 0.5 cm, 0.4 x 05 cm, 0.5 x 05 and 0.7 x 0.5 with a peripheral contusion rings which correspond to bullet entrance wounds.

Left para-dorsal wound at the level of the eighth dorsal vertebra, with contusion ring consistent with a bullet entrance wound.

INTERNAL EXAMINATION

With a midline incision opened to a T, the thorax and abdomen is opened, observing the left [ILLEGIBLE] cavity with presence of 1000 cc of blood intermixed with clots. The left lung exhibits many lacerations, as much in the inferior lobe as in the superior lobe which go through the posterior face to the anterior face. The right thoracic cavity with the presence of blood in the amount of about 1000 cc. Right lung with extensive lacerations in the inferior lobe. Heart intact, as is the pericardium. Liver and abdominal viscera are normal.

Trajectory of bullets: from the back to the front, slightly from below to above, with three exit orifices.

Afterward, a swab of both hands with [ILLEGIBLE] acid for spectrophotometric studies.

A sample of vitreous humor [gel behind the lens of the eye] to determine alcohol in the IDIF in La Paz.

MEDICAL/LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

Cadaver identified as DWYER, MICHAEL MARTIN, whose body signs enable the establishment of death between 15 and 17 hours.

The existence of six bullet impacts has been established in diverse body areas, predominantly of the thorax, having basically compromised both lungs; where there are extensive lacerations which define a picture of acute anemia.

No signs of marking and/or bulging has been found in any of the entry bullet holes, which would indicate that the shots were fired at greater than 50 cm.

We were unable to collect bullets or fragments thereof, for lack of x-ray equipment.

CONCLUSIONS

1) Cause of death
a. Hypovolaemic shock (acute anemia)
b. Multiple thoracic injuries from bullets

2) Probable mechanism
a. Bullets

3) Approximate time of death: 15-17 hours

4) The following complementary studies are ordered:
a. Spectrophotometric examination of atomic reabsorption in the swabs of both hands to detect the presence of gunfire residues.
b. Blood type yes ( ) no ( )
b. Ethanol and methanol alcohol in blood ( ) urine ( ) vitreous humor ( x ) brain ( )
c. [????] on blood study of the cardiac cavities: yes ( ) no ( )
d. Blood carbon monoxide study: yes ( ) no ( )
e. Radiological exams: [NONE]
f. Analysis of other toxins in the body, to which end vitreous humor is collected contained in a 10 cc syringe.

[El Libre]

Imoretti, thank you for that translation of the Bolivian autopsy report on Michael Dwyer above, one of the most useful postings here and of course something which only someone fluent in Spanish and with medical knowledge could have prepared. Thank you also for the account of the situation in Bolivia into which Dwyer and friends blundered, which of course their armed antics could not have made any better (we are not strangers to crime, drugs, government extragavance, demonstrations, etc, here in Ireland at the moment).

Now your translation confirms our earlier conclusion that the Bolivian autopsy report stated that six bullets hit Dwyer in the back and exited from the front. The Bolvian report does not give the impression of being in any way superficial, with the exception of the candid admission that X-ray equipment was not available. Presented are the results of an external examination, a cadaver examination, a traumatological examination and an internal examination, with the conclusion that death was caused by acute blood loss due to multiple injuries from bullets.

Contrast these findings with those of the Irish autopsy, carried out over a week after Dwyer's death when his body was decomposing, as reported in the online edition of the Irish Times of 14 October 2009, summarising evidence given to the Dublin inquest the day before:

State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy told the court that her post mortem, carried out when the remains were flown home, found Mr Dwyer had been shot just once. She said he died from a single gunshot through the heart.

She said the bullet used, known as a “dumdum” bullet, was designed to cause massive internal damage to the target, literally “stopping them dead in their tracks”. It was rarely used.

Mr Dwyer’s ribs were broken and his lungs were damaged by the single round, which passed through his body.

Prof Cassidy said the post-mortem carried out in Bolivia was incomplete and consisted mainly of an external examination. Those who carried it out had misinterpreted cuts for bullet exit and entry wounds, concluding Mr Dwyer had been shot six times.

Dr Cassidy said the fatal shot had been fired by somebody standing over Mr Dwyer, most likely as he was sitting up in bed.

Questions arising:

(1) Has Professor Cassidy given a fair account of the Bolivian autopsy report and did she in fact read a full translation of same?

(2) Could Professor Cassidy have mistaken the effects of investigative surgical operations by the Bolivian pathologists for damage caused by a 'dumdum' bullet?

(3) Did Professor Cassidy present to the Dublin inquest photographic evidence of typical 'dumdum' bullet wounds to back up her claim, and did she also present bullet fragment evidence and/or X-ray evidence?

(4) Would it not be appropriate for the full text of Professr Cassidy's autopsy report and evidence to the Dublin inquest to be placed in the public domain, for purposes of comparison with and to justify her severe criticism of the work of her Bolivian counterparts?

[Cathar]

More info on the extreme right wing NGO "la Fundación Iberoamérica-Europa. They've been under investigation by the Office of European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) since 2007, which has not yet made public any conclusions. Formerly known as CIPIE (Center of Investigation, Promotion and International Cooperation ) they recieve 2 million euros from the community of Madrid, Some linkage to the cult Legionaries of Christ which is presently under Vatican investigation.

CIPIE offers information, orientation, and acceptance to only economic immigrants.

[cactusflower]

Thanks again.

Trajectory of bullets: from the back to the front, slightly from below to above, with three exit orifices

Is it possible that the"six bullet impacts" refers to three entry and three exit wounds ?

This would appear to "match" the photopgraph.

This would appear to mean he was shot from behind, whether on his feet or on the ground,its not known.

Photographs of the bedroom would clear this up. I am under the impression that photographs were provided to Marie Cassidy.

[cactusflower]

ErnestoJustiniano on the Irish autopsy - on the same page a short video on the events of the last 6 months.

Terrorismo. Para Irlanda, en el hotel Las Amricas hubo asesinato : ErnestoJustiniano.org

Andrade justifies Flores killing "in the national interest"

http://www.ernestojustiniano.org/200...ters-nacional/

[imoretti]

Questions arising:

(1) Has Professor Cassidy given a fair account of the Bolivian autopsy report and did she in fact read a full translation of same?

(2) Could Professor Cassidy have mistaken the effects of investigative surgical operations by the Bolivian pathologists for damage caused by a 'dumdum' bullet?

(3) Did Professor Cassidy present to the Dublin inquest photographic evidence of typical 'dumdum' bullet wounds to back up her claim, and did she also present bullet fragment evidence and/or X-ray evidence?

(4) Would it not be appropriate for the full text of Professr Cassidy's autopsy report and evidence to the Dublin inquest to be placed in the public domain, for purposes of comparison with and to justify her severe criticism of the work of her Bolivian counterparts?

I think the reference to a superficial internal examination does have some merit. In a normal autopsy, the individual's organs are completely removed and examined. In this case, such a procedure could have revealed bullet fragments (especially in the absence of x-rays), if there were any to be found. The organs are then either cremated or returned to the cavity. In this case they were apparently not removed by the Bolivian examiner. (Please note that I'm not supporting or objecting to Cassidy's conclusions, only trying to make an objective clarification.) I am also curious if her autopsy report will indicate whether any bullet fragments were found during her examination.

Furthermore, while it is entirely possible that the Bolivian examiners made other incisions that may confuse the wounds, most autopsies simply use a basic Y or T cut, from across the shoulders and down the midline of the chest and abdomen to the pelvic area.

I've read that photos of the three bodies showed that some of their hands were tied. Is this accurate, and if so does anyone have a link?

Also, I'm curious about the wound patterns on the other two? I am by no means an expert, but in the case of Dwyer it does appear that, if indeed these are multiple gunshot wounds, they are well-clustered. To me this would indicate that they were made by a single shooter, in which case the police would know precisely which firearm was used.

[toxic avenger]

There is this presumption that the Irish pathologist must be mistaken in a number of the posts above, including a couple that have dragged up previous disputed post-mortems performed by her in order to discredit her. Perhaps she is wrong, but from the second day of this thread back in April it was pretty obvious that what happened here was clinical shoot-to-kill. It is possible that the mistake is on the Irish side, but isn't it much more likely that she has examined the body in detail and has reported correctly? She was obviously aware of the Bolivian report, she even gave her version of why they arrived at the conclusion that six bullets were used, that they had mistaken cuts for bullet wounds, so isn't it entirely likely that she has been careful to examine the body on foot of those original findings and would have ensured that, in disputing those findings, she was on firm ground?

I get the impression, as is often the case when dealing with polarised Latin American politics, that nuance or subtlety is frowned upon in cases like this. The grasping at the idea that the Irish pathologist might be mistaken seems to be indicative of that mindset. These nasty little mercenaries clearly brought their fate upon themselves, but that doesn't mean that one can't be cynical about the explanations for the manner of their deaths.

[cactusflower]

Terrorismo: Cvicos piden renuncia de fiscal y Andrade declarar ante comisin de diputados : ErnestoJustiniano.org

Report on Arpad's autopsy, in Hungary. Photographs of the hotel room were provided.

Today's long and comprehensive report

http://www.ernestojustiniano.org/200...de-santa-cruz/

Government does not believe in expertise made in Hungary and Ireland
Feedback

MAS Deputy Gustavo Torrico criticized the skills made in Hungary and Ireland to agree that in the Las Americas there was a performance of the three suspected terrorists.

"This has no validity, these tests are made on the basis of photographs, we trust in the Bolivian police work," said the parliamentarian.

Torrico has been the only ruling yesterday after the announcement of the families of Martin Dwyer and Árpád Magyarosi to promote an international investigation to determine the facts.

This seems to refer to the inquest: did Marie Cassidy refer to photographs, I wonder ?