A federal court in Miami yesterday fined the government of Belize hundreds of thousands of dollars for illegally seizing a U.S. company earlier this year.

Belize's actions have triggered protests from lawmakers, including Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.), a senior member of the International Relations Committee. The Hill reported yesterday that there is growing pressure on Belize to return control of a telecommunications firm to a U.S. investor.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida fined Belize $50,000 per day beginning March 29 until the government complies with the order. If Belize complied with the ruling today, it would owe $800,000. The court stipulated that Belize pay the fines by April 22.

Bob Cusack