Jimenez pleads not guilty in Miami

Extradited former Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of making illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion and wire fraud before a Miami, Florida court, a statement from his Manila office said.

Jimenez made the plea and also sought a jury trial during his arraignment before Judge Peter Palermo of the Southern District Court of Miami.

His American lawyer, David Marcus, said he will "prove that the things that are being done to (Jimenez) amount to political persecution."

"We expect to win this case, especially when we present our side to the jury. We will prove that all these charges are politically motivated," he said in the statement.

Also defending Jimenez is Filipino lawyer Ed Escueta, who will assist Marcus on matters relating to Philippine laws. "I could provide clarifications as to the issues that may stem from the charges and which may need some interpretation with respect to Philippine law," Escueta said.

The US government in April 1999 handed down a 47-count indictment against Jimenez for fraud, tax evasion and illegal campaign contributions to the Democratic Party, and asked Manila to hand him over. – Paolo Romero