Refugee’s Testimony on Torture Barred at Sanctuary Trial

A refugee testifying at the trial of 11 sanctuary activists was barred by the judge Friday from telling the jury he was jailed and tortured in El Salvador for his union and religious activities.

U.S. District Judge Earl Carroll reaffirmed his edict against such testimony in sustaining an objection by prosecutor Donald Reno Jr. during cross-examination of Alejandro Rodriguez. So far, the defense has been able to introduce the refugee’s story only into the court record--out of the jury’s hearing. The activists are accused of conspiracy to smuggle aliens into the United States.