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Estrada Arrested on Plunder Charges
Ousted President Joseph Estrada was arrested Wednesday. Thousands of Estrada's backers protested outside the base where he was fingerprinted. Estrada, who defiantly maintained his innocence and insisted he never gave up the presidency, left home accompanied by his wife ¡ª a Senate candidate ¡ª and son Jinggoy, also arrested Wednesday on plunder charges. The offense carries the death penalty, although it is considered unlikely to be imposed.
The former action film star was taken just miles away to Camp Crame, the main police base where he was fingerprinted and had mug shots taken. He then had dinner with family and friends before he was locked up for the night.
Before being put into his cell, Estrada accused the government of harassing him and his family. "I find it oppressive," Estrada said, his son standing behind him. "I don't believe I cannot get a fair trial. We will just pray so the minds of the people in power now will be freer."
Police said it was possible he might be transferred outside Manila later.
Francis Garchitorena, the president of the top anti-graft court, the Sandiganbayan, said Estrada will get no special treatment. "The only concession that has been given to him is that he will be in a cell of his own," he said. "He will not be detained in officers' quarters, that's for sure."
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