Globovision head facing usury charges

CARACAS, Venezuela, June 5 (UPI) -- Globovision President Guillermo Zuloaga says his being charged with usury is merely an attempt to silence his private Venezuelan TV network.

Zuloaga alleged after his judicial hearing Thursday that the usury charges against him represent a response to his station's open criticism of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, CNN reported Friday.

The TV network head, who denies the allegations against him, assured the public such alleged tactics would not be successful.

"This is something to try to scare Globovision, to silence Globovision, something they are not going to achieve," Zuloaga said. "Let the government know that silencing or closing communication media is not a way to hide what is happening."

The official Venezuelan News Agency said Zuloaga stands accused of using one of his owned properties to hoard 24 vehicles. The Globovision head is the owner to two Toyota dealerships.

CNN said, citing a Globovision report, one of Zuloaga's homes was raided by authorities who were searching for any evidence that the avid hunter had killed protected prey.