Pinochet to face the music

[emad]

The Australian
AFP, Reuters
December 22, 2004

SANTIAGO: Augusto Pinochet will stand trial for atrocities committed during his 17-year regime in Chile, a Santiago court has ruled unanimously as the 89-year-old former dictator recovers in hospital from a stroke.

The appeals court rejected Mr Pinochet's motion to drop the murder and kidnapping charges for crimes committed during Operation Condor, a conspiracy of 1970s South American dictatorships to kill opponents and bury their bodies in each other's countries.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11755018%255E2703,00.html

[emad]

1. More, Miami Herald

Appeals court upholds indictment of Pinochet

A three-judge appellate panel decided that former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet should face charges involving murder and kidnapping despite his poor health.

BY EDUARDO GALLARDO

Associated Press


SNIP:

After the appeal was turned down, Pinochet's defense lawyers prepared to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Foes of Pinochet, including lawyers for his accusers, claimed the sudden hospitalization was a ploy to avoid trial, a claim angrily rejected by those close to the retired general.

Pinochet's chief defense attorney, Pablo Rodríguez, called the claims ''despicable.'' Others close to the retired general challenged those expressing doubts on his condition to go to the hospital and see by themselves.

Small groups of foes and supporters of Pinochet demonstrated outside the court building in downtown Santiago as the three judges deliberated, but police kept them separated.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/10464208.htm?1c

[rfranklin]

2. Geez, a bit late...and when does Poppy Bush go on trial...

The two of them were responsible for the murder of Orlando Letelier and my friend Ronni Moffit on the streets of Washington, DC, Septeber 21, 1976.