Appeals Court allows Luis Ajeno to remain free

SANTIAGO.- The Court of Appeals issued a unanimous decision this morning to allow the former president of the Chilean State Railways (EFE), Luis Ajeno, to remain free during the investigation into charges against him.  The Appeals Court however, also ruled in favor of the precautionary measures petitioned for him, stating that he must report to authorities on a biweekly basis and may not leave the country.  Ajeno has been charged with eight counts of fraud against the Treasury.

The decision was made by ministers Gloria Ana Chevesich (head of the Fourth Court), Amanda Valdovinos and Attorney Manuel Hasbún, after listening to the arguments presented by the attorney for the State Defense Council (CDE), Rosa María Espinoza, and the defense attorney, Cedric Bragado.

After the hour-long hearing, the attorney for the state-owned organization said that she would consider requesting a new hearing to evaluate the precautionary measures, after the allegations presented today that Ajeno´s freedom poses a threat to the investigation. 

On the 21st of this month, the Seventh Penalty Court had also denied the request for the ex EFE president to remain in custody, considering the measure to be “disproportionate”.