Trial of 2 FIU academics on Cuba spy charges delayed until 2007

Trial of 2 FIU academics on Cuba spy charges delayed until 2007
The Associated Press

March 30, 2006, 5:25 PM EST

MIAMI -- Trial of two Cuban-American academics accused of acting as
agents of Fidel Castro's government will be delayed until early 2007, in
part because of a legal fight over secret recorded conversations
involving the married couple.

The trial of Carlos Alvarez, 61, and Elsa Alvarez, 55, had been set to
begin in May. But U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore said at a status
hearing Thursday that he would postpone the trial until sometime in
January 2007.

One key reason for the delay is that defense attorneys are challenging
whether the FBI lawfully obtained warrants under the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act to eavesdrop on the pair. Prosecutors said
it will take months for federal officials to produce the information
about those thousands of intercepts being sought by the Alvarez lawyers.

The defense lawyers are also appealing a previous decision to keep the
couple in detention prior to trial. Moore said he was concerned that the
lengthy trial delay could keep them jailed ``for longer than they would
otherwise serve if they were ever convicted.'' No date has been set for
Moore to hear that appeal.

The Alvarezes, both longtime employees at Florida International
University, have pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to register as
required as agents of a foreign government. Prosecutors have said they
spied for Castro for years on Miami's Cuban-American exile community.

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