Chilean Torturers (Nixon Buddy Pinochet) Face French Prosecution

[DUreader]

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/13/1057979658898.html




A French judge has wrapped up a five-year inquiry into the
disappearance of five French citizens in Chile during the rule of Augusto
Pinochet, clearing the way to try in absentia the former general and other
officials in his regime.

Judge Sophie Clement said the inquiry launched in November 1998 into
disappearances during 1973-1990 was complete and a trial could be held
in 2004. The action would be the first to target the former Chilean dictator.

Pinochet, now 87, and suffering from a string of ailments including
dementia, was declared by Chile's Supreme Court as mentally unfit to
stand trial in his own country on murder and kidnapping charges related
to atrocities carried out under his rule.

He had faced some 300 charges concerning the deaths and
disappearances of more than 3,000 of his political opponents during his
time in office.