Kalistan

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General Martin Guerra (Ret, RAFK) surrenders to authorities in Eshar
Former General sought for questioning ahead of expected indictments
Eshar, Duchy of Odufaray
April 19, 5625


Former General Martin Guerra is expected to be indicted in association with war crimes allegations in Likatonia

Retired Major General Martin Guerra, who was the commander of Kalistani Regular Forces during the invasion of Likatonia more than ten years ago, surrendered voluntarily to authorities in Eshar Free City, where General Guerra lives yesterday.  The General turned himself in ahead of what is expected to be multiple indictments stemming from the conduct of war in Likatonia.

"General Guerra arrived at the Eshar Department of Public Safety," said police Chief Bradley Reynolds.  "The General has not formally been charged with any crime, and is currently free on his own recognizance, but he was finally responding to a formal Assembly summons to testify about his involvement in certain alleged activities during the Likatonian War.  The Subpoena was issued three times over the past four months, and Eshar authorities were then presented with an arrest warrant issued by the Duchy Government to find the General and compel his testimony.  General Guerra has not yet been convicted of any crime and retains his rights."

The General was immediately taken into custody long enough to process him.  He was held in custody overnight for ignoring a National subpoena before an arraignment hearing could be held.  As a condition of being released on his own recognizance, he was required to surrender his passport and remain in Eshar City until he could be escorted to Kaliburg to answer questions before the Independent Truth Commission, which has the cooperation of the National Assembly.

A statement from General Guerra's lawyer proclaimed his innocence.  "The Retired General is a private citizen, and has not been charged with any crimes," his lawyer, Connie Dyer, said.  "As such, the presumption is that he is innocent of the allegations against him.  However, he has done nothing wrong in ignoring a command from an independent commission, which does not carry the authority of State, but is in fact, just a fishing expedition to appease the consciences of liberals.  This whole exercise smacks of authoritarian police state tactics, and it is certain that my client will be cleared of all allegations leveled against him, after which he is considering civil action."  When asked why he surrendered to the police then, if he has been not charged with any crime, Dyer said, "He was responding to an arrest warrant.  He was complying with the instructions of competent state authority.  And he has been released from custody, without bond."  Dyer said he will travel to Kaliburg to answer the Commission's questions "of his own free will" in May.

The General is the highest ranking Kalistani Regular Officer to be sought for questioning in association with the war in Likatonia.  More than 1300 former service members have either testified or filed affidavits concerning conduct during the war, but the contents of those testimonies have not yet been released.  

Meanwhile, upon surrendering to authorities, several police officers, who later identified themselves as war veterans, in the Eshar DPS stood and gave the general an ovation.  "Clearly there are many men and women here who served with the General, who are proud of their service, and who are still serving the Empire to this day," said Guerra's attorney.  "The General said he felt honored to be greeted by his former comrades in such a fashion."

@TheRepublic