VP´s lawyers seek $RD10M damages in slander case

Santiago.- The lawyers of vice president Margarita Cedeño on Wednesdaymotioned the court to order TV commentator and attorney Marcos Martinez to pay RD$10million in damages for alleged forgery and slander.

They said the moneywould be used for social programs in public hospitals and other benefits forpoor people.

The lawyers, after theindictment was unsealed and prior to the postponement of the hearing, said the courtaccepted that a crime had been committed.

After the hearing Martinezsaid he has no doubt he will be convicted given Cedeño´s power. He was chargedwith slander and forgery after he claimed that Cedeño had more than US$75.0 millionin a secret bank account in Denmark.

A ruling is expectedat the next hearing set for September 15.