President's testimony in Transantiago case is cancelled

SANTIAGO.- The head of the 11th Civil Court of Santiago, Justo Pastor Villacura, has suspended the summoning of President Michelle Bachelet to testify in the lawsuit against Transantiago.

The judge made the decision after analyzing the request made by the State Defense Council (CDE), which came out against the proceedings requested by Attorney Felipe Betancourt. Betancourt is representing more than 1,700 public transportation users who are demanding damages of $20 million pesos each.

Betancourt argued that on May 21st of 2007, the President "made a public apology" for the problems caused to citizens by Transantiago, and therefore her testimony is relevant.

On May 8th of this year, the Court decided to accept the President's testimony during the evidence phase of the trial, indicating that she would be notified to determine the location of the hearing.

Nevertheless, it was reported that same day that it was very likely the CDE would oppose the measure and present evidence to be evaluated by the court.

Attorney Betancourt announced on Radio Bío Bío that he would be appealing the ruling.