Puerto Rico ex-governor cleared

Anibal Acevedo Vila could have faced up to 20 years in jail if convicted

Puerto Rico's former Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila has been found not guilty on all counts in his corruption trial.

The verdict by a jury at the federal court in the capital San Juan concluded his month-long trial.

Mr Acevedo Vila had faced nine charges linked to allegations of raising and hiding thousands of dollars in illegal election campaign contributions.

He was the first governor to be charged with a crime since Puerto Rico gained greater autonomy from the US in 1952.

The charges related to election campaigns between 2000 and 2004, and included conspiracy, making false statements and violation of campaign finance laws.

Mr Acevedo Vila could have faced up to 20 years in jail if found guilty.

Dozens of his supporters had sung and prayed outside the San Juan federal courthouse as the jury decided their verdict.

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