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30/01/01
Noose Tightens on Pinochet
- House arrest follows fresh murder and kidnapping charges
FORMER Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is again facing charges
of murder and torture for alleged offences during his reign of
terror during the 1970s and 1980s.
Pinochet managed to evade attempts to extradite him from Britain
to Spain last year on health grounds. His return home to Chile
in March 2000 was not the end of his legal troubles, however.
Since his homecoming the former dictator has been the subject
of investigations at the hands of Judge Juan Guzman. Earlier
this year the case against him looked shot due to technicalities.
The latest charges refer to his role in masterminding 57 murders
and 18 kidnappings of political opponents carried out by a 1973
military hit squad called the "Caravan of Death".
"We are very pleased to know Pinochet has been ordered
to face the courts for these homicides," human rights lawyer
Hugo Gutierrez said.
02/03/00
Pinochet Finds 'New Strength' On Flight Home
- 'Assassino' freed by Straw
AUGUSTO PINOCHET is on his way home to Chile after British
Home Secretary Jack Straw ruled that the former dictator, already
apparently recovering some of his mental faculites, would not
have to face justice.
In collaboration with British police, Pinochet and his team
of helpers out-foxed protestors by switching the General's airport
of departure at the last minute. Expected to leave the UK via
RAF Brize Norton, Pinochet was instead ferried in high speed
convoy up to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. Protestors were
left to shout "assassino" outside the now empty luxury
Surrey home in which Pinochet had been kept duting his 16 month
stay.
Straw accepted Pinochet's legal team's argument that their
client is unfit to stand trial in Spain for human rights crimes.
A medical report in January claimed that a series of minor strokes
had damaged the General's mental health. Following the report
Straw said he was 'minded' to set Pinochet free. There followed
a series of protests and appeals against the medical opinion.
Having heard the voices ranged against his initial opinion,
the Home Secretary has decided to free the former dictator. But
the anti-Pincohet camp, which expects the General to make a miraculous
recovery once back in Chile, was given fuel for its doubts over
the medical reports' veracity when one Pinochet aide remarked:
"He has been very frail but this has given him new strength."
What do you think?
Is Pinochet a genuine basket case?
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16/02/00
Pinochet's Memory is Shot
- Leaked report diagnoses two types of brain damage
LEAKED medical reports into the health of General Pinochet
suggest the infamous torturer is suffering from two types of
brain damage.
According to one leak from the reports quoted in Spain's ABC
newspaper, Pinochet's "main medical problems at present
are a peripheral diabetic neuropathology and a recent progressive
cerebral-vascular injury," In layman's terms the double
brain trouble means Pinochet's "memory of distant facts
is deficient. He would have difficulty making himself heard and
understood in his answers to questions," the report says.
Interestingly, medical opinion appears to have it that the
General suffered the bulk of the brain damage in the autumn of
1999, a year after his arrest in London.
After a ruling yesterday in London's High Court, British Home
Secretary Jack Straw was forced to hand the secret medical bulletins
to human rights organisations, various governments (most notably
that of Belgium), and Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon who wants
to put the former Chilean dictator on trial. Straw said that
he was "minded" to set Pinochet free after reading
the medical evidence.
31/01/00
Judges: Pinochet Can Go
- Bid to halt General's return quashed
AUGUSTO PINOCHET has won the latest round of his battle to
escape extradition to Spain or Belgium to face charges of torture.
The High Court has decided to throw out claims from human
rights groups and the Belgian government that Home Secretary
Jack Straw was wrong to rule that the 84 year old was unfit to
stand trial.
The path is now clear for Pinochet to return to Chile. He
faces the possibility of further legal proceedings when he returns
to Santiago, however. Prosecutors there are demanding the lifting
of his Senatorial indemnity against prosecution. In Chile, only
the defendant's mental health is at issue, not his physical state,
therefore a trial may be possible.
What do you think?
Will Pinochet face justice if he is allowed to return to
Chile?
- Have your say today on our News
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26/01/00
Pinochet Flight Grounded
- Belgium argues with UK plans to let dictator flee
GENERAL PINOCHET'S prolonged fight to return to Chile is not
over yet, despite British Home Secretary Jack Straw's attempts
to wash his hands of the alleged serial torturer.
Straw said earlier this month that he was "minded"
to let Pinochet fly home on health grounds - the General's aides
say he had a stroke - but refuses to let opponents see the results
of a medical examination taken last week. That has angered Pinochet's
enemies including the Belgian government who have said they now
want to take the UK to the International Court of Justice in
The Hague in an attempt to gain access to the medical reports.
Belgium's specific interest in the case is over six citizens
with dual Belgian-Chilean nationality who allege offences committed
by Pinochet. In the light of the developments from the low countries,
UK officials are likely to postpone a decision to let the 84
year-old accused of mass murder quit Britain. "We take our
international obligations very seriously," said a Home Office
spokesperson.
18/01/00
Freedom For Pinochet?
- Now Chile may indict returning dictator
- D-Day for Home Secretary Jack Straw
THE LONG RUNNING saga surrounding the fate of Augusto Pinochet
took a fresh turn last night with the news that Chile may seek
to indict him if he returns.
Following last weekend's Presidential elections in Chile,
incoming socialist leader Ricardo Lagos has pledged that he will
not stand in the way of 56 criminal cases filed against the former
dictator. "Trials will be undertaken by the courts and I
will make the courts be respected" Lagos said.
Meanwhile back in London, Home Secretary Jack Straw rules
today whether the generals's ill health is sufficient to block
his extradition to Spain. Last week Straw said that he was "minded"
to rule in favour of the 84 year old.
Interested parties were given a week to make representations
opposing the ruling which followed a health check by four eminent
doctors. The Spanish prosecutors have asked for a second medical
check. Rights group Amnesty's request to see the original health
report was refused by Straw on the grounds of patient confidentiality.
With Pinochet's return to Chile now set to be to a hostile
domestic mood, some commentators are speculating whether he will
claim asylum elsewhere. Ironically London has a long reputation
of welcoming political emigres in fear of persecution in their
own countries.
However, the wise money is still on the former dictator flying
back to Chile. His son Marco Antonio Pinochet said "he only
desires to return to his country".
What do you think?
Will Pinochet face justice if he is allowed to return to
Chile?
- Have your say today on our News
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12/01/00
Pinochet Set to Evade Justice
- Straw is "minded" to release 84 year old former
dictator
AUGUSTO PINOCHET is set to evade facing justice following
the news, as predicted by LondonNet back in the Autumn, that
the Home Secretary is "minded" to agree that he is
unfit to stand trial.
Pinochet underwent rigorous medical checks last week at the
hands of "eminent" doctors. Initial reports suggested
he might be fit to stand trial. However, last night's announcement
by Home Secretary Jack Straw makes it clear that, subject to
an appeal by interested parties - perhaps the Spanish authorities
and/or Amnesty International - the 84-year-old will be free to
go home in a week's time. Early indications are that the Spanish
may not seek to challenge the ruling.
"I feel choked. For 25 years, thousands of families have
been suffering. The whole country is suffering the consequences
of his regime. To know that he is escaping justice is unbelievable"
said Carlos Reyes, a spokesman for Chile Democratico, a group
representing Chileans living in exile.
Not everyone is displeased by the news though. The former
general is said to be "delighted" at the news of his
impending release. Ex-UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher revelled
in the change of fortune for her Falklands War buddy "I
would trust the Home Secretary's judgment. He is a very fair
man".
Pinochet can expect a mixed reaction when and if he returns
to Santiago de Chile. While he will no doubt attract a crowd
of loyalists at the airport, his return will also put in motion
a campaign to have him prosecuted in his home country. Chile
based human rights lawyer Julia Urquieta promised "We will
continue to pursue justice. If he comes back he must face justice."
What do you think?
What have we learned from the Pinochet saga? Has international
justice come of age, or is it still one rule for the rulers and
another for the ruled?
- Have your say today on our News
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5/01/00
Pinochet Checks In Hoping to Check Out
- Former Chilean leader undergoes health check in bid
for freedom
GENERAL Augusto Pinochet makes another bid for freedom today
when he undergoes rigorous medical checks to determine whether
he is fit to stand trial.
The tests were ordered by Home Secretary Jack Straw following
warnings from the Pinochet camp that the former Chilean dictator's
health is fast deteriorating. His supporters claim that he has
suffered "several" strokes while incarcerated under
house arrest in his plush Wentworth home.
If the tests confirm the alleged poor state of Pinochet's
health, Straw must decide whether that is sufficient to send
him back to Chile on humanitarian grounds.
Spain is still keen to extradite the 84 year old former Latin
American strong man to face charges that he supervised a catalogue
of human rights abuses during his period in office.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face charges
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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08/10/99
Pinochet Can Be Extradited, Says Court
- More legal moves now expected
GENERAL PINOCHET has lost the latest legal round in his battle
to escape extradition to Spain where he faces justice for torture
committed during his time as Chile's dictator.
Pincohet's spokesperson said that the proceedings "were
politically motivated" and that his client was "not
guilty". Now the matter will once more be put before Home
Scecretary Jack Straw whose main consideration is expected to
be whether the 83 year old should be allowed home on grounds
of ill health.
Pinocet's legal team will also be considering launching further
appeals as a result of today's ruling at Bow Street Magistrates
Court in London.
07/10/99
Pinochet Arrest 'Kidnap' Says Thatcher
- Former PM slams treatment of Chile dictator
OUT OF TOUCH former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher labelled
the arrest of General Pinochet"judicial kidnap" yesterday
to cheers from delegates at the Tory Party conference.
Thatcher is one of the key figures behind the campaign to
stop Pinochet being deported to Spain where he faces charges
relating to torture committed during the dictator's iron rule
of Chile in the 1970s and 80s. Seemingly unable to spot the irony
and internal contradiction of her argument, Thatcher went on
to condemn Pinochet's arrest as both "lynch law" and
the action of a "police state".
One German commentator had it about right yesterday when he
said Britain's former leader "was out of touch by half a
century" but Thatcher's views are still thought to carry
considerable weight with the present, Labour, government. PM
Tony Blair has admitted he regularly turns to her for advice
and some insiders now believe the PM and Home secretary Jack
Straw will take the cowards way out and let Pinochet go home,
probably on health grounds which would not upset the legal bigwigs
and would pacify some of the more supine members of the liberal
establishment. Pinochet's advisers say he had two minor strokes
last week.
27/09/99
Pinochet Back in Court
- Chile general in new extradition moves
GENERAL PINOCHET today begins the next round of court hearings
which will lead either to his extradition to Spain or his passage
as a free man home to Chile.
There is another option, one which is being voiced with increasing
concern by Pinochet supporters, both in Britain and in Chile:
the former brutal dictator could die in custody. Chile foreign
minister Juan Gabriel Valdes said that he feared "a fatal
outcome" to the case which has become a lightning rod of
emotion both on the left and right all around the globe.
Former torture victims of Pinochet's murderous 1970s/80s regime
and leftists of the world are determined their enemy should face
justice in Spain, while the pro-Pinochet cabal led over here
by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, reckon their
pal's record of mass execution and vicious torture was a necessary
counter to communist influence.
British Home Secretary Jack Straw will make the final decision
on the case, but not until after plenty more rounds of legal
argument. The clever money would appear to be on Pinochet being
allowed to return home on health grounds, as this would save
Straw from having to offend Chile, while also preserving Britain's
legal position on torture.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face charges
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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4/8/99
Chile Seeks Pinochet Deal with Spain
- Back door justice condemned by Spanish judiciary
AN AMBITIOUS plan to persuade Spain to waive hearings in its
country in respect of General Pinochet appear to have failed
The Chilean plan involved taking the case to arbitration.
Chile is understood to have made official approaches to authorities
in Madrid. However the move has not gone down well with the Spanish
Judiciary.
Judge Baltasar Garzon has declared that he will not tolerate
anything which could "affect the principle of judicial independence".
A UK Home Office spokesman confirmed that were the charges
to be dropped by Spain, Pinochet would be free to go home.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face charges
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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9/7/99
Public Pick Up Pinochet Bill
- 4 million pound legal bill to be paid by UK taxpayers
IT WAS RULED yesterday that the UK taxpayer is to pick up
a four million pound legal bill from Pinochet's extradition hearings.
The sum represents all of the costs of two of the four hearings
so far, which have taken place in the High Court and House of
Lords. In all four hearings the state had to pick up the Crown's
(prosecutor's) costs. At one point in December last year the
former Chilean leader's costs were running at 12,000 UKP per
day.
The decision has encouraged those fighting the extradition
process. Former Tory Chancellor, Norman Lamont called the decision
a 'stinging rebuke' for Home Secretary Jack Straw.
"This expensive political farce should have been killed
off long ago. Contrary to government fiction, the responsibility
is not the courts' but the Home Secretary's," Lamont said.
18/6/99
Pinochet Faces Fresh Charges
- Spanish Judge widens the legal net over former Chilean
leader
JUDGE BALTASAR GARZON, the Spanish Judge who orchestrated
the extradition request for Augusto Pinochet has added a 36 new
charges of torture to the legal action.
All of Garzon's new charges reflect alleged offences which
occurred after 1988. This is the date from which Law Lords ruled
earlier this year that the former Chilean leader could face charges
for crimes against humanity.
Pinochet's extradition hearing is due to be heard later this
year in September. The ex-dictator is currently staying in a
rented house in the exclusive Wentworth Estate, Surrey.
27/5/99
Pinochet's Lawyers Back in Court
- Legal team lose latest appeal in High Court
GENERAL PINOCHET's legal team was back in court today in its
latest attempt to avoid the former Chilean leader's extradition
to Spain.
His lawyers argued that Home Secretary Jack Straw's decision
to allow the proceedings to continue was illegal. However a High
Court judge refused leave to appeal on this issue. Straw's decision
had followed a House of Lords ruling which stripped down the
number of offences to which he could face trial following extradition.
Pinochet is currently staying in a rented house on the posh
Wentworth Estate in Surrey. His case is now expected to continue,
reverting back to the proceedings taking place in Magistrates'
Court.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face charges
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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30/4/99
Pinochet in Fresh Extradition Challenge
- Lawyers set to question Jack Straw's ruling
GENERAL AUGUSTO Pinochet's London based lawyers are set to
issue a fresh challenge in their battle against his extradition.
This appeal will be against Home Secretary Jack Straw's decision
to allow proceedings to continue. This followed the latest House
of Lords ruling which provided for the charges to proceed.
The lawyers are expected to lodge an 'intention to contest'
the decision to authorise continued extradition proceedings
Pinochet remains on bail in his rented house in the posh Wentworth
Estate, Surrey.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face charges
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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15/4/99
Straw Authorises Pinochet Extradition
- Home Secretary allows continuance of proceedings to
extradite Chilean
HOME SECRETARY Jack Straw has authorised the extradition proceedings
against former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Straw had agreed that extradition proceedings should continue
when the issue was first put to him last year. After the recent
appeal in the House of Lords Straw had to decide the same issue
again. This time however, following the Law Lords ruling, he
only had to consider crimes alleged to have been committed after
1988.
Pinochet will now return to Magistrates court where the formal
process of extradition will continue. This can take many months,
even years. His lawyers will also be seeking judicial review
of Straw's ruling.
The Chilean is now established as a resident curio on the
posh Wentworth estate in Surrey, near London.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face charges
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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30/3/99
Pinochet Granted Judicial Review
- Jack Straw's decision set for High Court examination
AUGUSTO PINOCHET, the former Chilean leader facing extradition
from the UK to Spain has won the latest round of his battle to
evade justice.
Pinochet's lawyers have been granted leave to apply for Judicial
Review of Home Secretary's ruling to extradite their client.
Following the first House of Lords ruling last year, Straw backed
Pinochet's extradition hearing. He must now reconsider that decision
in the light of last week's Law Lords approval of the proceedings.
The Lords this time trimmed down the charges that Pinochet
may face after extradition to crimes committed after 1988. Straw
is expected to once again approve the proceedings when he announces
his decision on 15 April 1999.
Pinochet, who recently entertained Margaret Thatcher at the
general's Wentworth house, is now more confident than ever that
his lawyer's campaign to return him to Chile without facing trial
in Spain for torture and murder will be successful.
24/3/99
Lords Tell Pinochet to Stay Put
- General loses latest Lords Appeal against extradition to Spain
General Augusto Pinochet has lost his latest appeal to the
House of Lords. He has however, had the majority of charges thrown
out as they occurred before 1988, when Britain introduced new
laws relating to torture, murder and genocide.
In a 'qualified' judgement six of the seven judges agreed
that only those charges alleged to have been committed on or
after 29 September 1988 could be used for the extradition. The
remaining charges include some for murder and torture, some involving
murders in Spain, are free to be included in the extradition
charge sheet.
Pinochet will now face a return to Magistrates Court but his
lawyers are preparing for fresh appeals at as proceedings progress
Anti Pinochet protesters have been staging peaceful demonstrations
both at the Houses of Parliament and nearby the general's Wentworth
home.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face charges
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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24/3/99
Pinochet Ruling Due Today
- Law Lords ready to deliver verdict
CHILEAN Authorities have flown an air force plane in to Britain
ready to return their former leader Augusto Pinochet should the
House of Lords rule in his favour.
The Law Lords decision is due later today according to Home
Office reports. Most experts predict a ruling against the General
and for the continuation of extradition proceedings. They expect
the seven judges to rule four to three that Pinochet does not
enjoy sovereign immunity form these proceedings. However some
claim that they will additionally rule that offences before 1988
will be struck off the charge sheet as they fall prior to a change
in English law.
Yesterday anti-Pinochet protesters placed 4,000 white crosses
on the lawn in front of the House of Parliament to commemorate
the victims of Pinochet's brutal regime.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face charges
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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22/3/99
Pinochet's Fate Will be Sealed This Week
- House of Lords tipped to allow extradition in fresh split decision
FORMER Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is set to learn the
result of his latest dalliance with English justice later this
week.
Pinochet and his legal team have stepped up their lobbying
of the authorities concerned as experts predict he may face a
fresh extradition ruling. Seven Law Lords are re-considering
whether the Chilean general should be extradited to Spain to
face charges of genocide, murder and torture. The original Lords'
decision to allow extradition was discarded when it became clear
that one of the Law Lords, Lord Hoffman, had connections with
interested party, human rights lobbyists Amnesty International.
Commentators expect a four to three ruling in favour of allowing
the extradition of Pinochet to continue. The next stage would
be for Home Secretary Jack Straw to allow the case to return
to the Magistrates stage of the process.
- Chilean Dictator wiles away time under house arrest surfing
the net
Meanwhile it has emerged that the former South American strongman
has been wiling away his hours under house arrest surfing the
net. The Chilean has apparently been scouring the net for information
published about him and his extradition case. So Augusto don't
forget to read our Pinochet pages thoroughly, and why not leave
a message on our News Talkback pages already with full of postings
from your supporters and detractors.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face charges
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
Talkback bulletin board.
19/2/99
Pope Makes Pinochet Plea
Vatican submits representations to British Government over Chilean
General
THE POPE has made representations to the British Government
over the long running Augusto Pinochet extradition saga.
Foreign Office Minister Baroness Symons admitted in a written
reply yesterday that the Vatican had made its views known at
the highest level. Which side the Pope came down on is unclear,
however commentators agree it is almost certainly behind the
former Chilean strong man.
Former Tory Chancellor Norman Lamont believes the Pope backed
Pinochet because of his 'great contribution to freedom in the
Cold War' and for 'saving his country from a Marxist dictatorship'.
However the Pope could have been swung by representations
from human rights groups regarding the murderous years of the
blood thirsty General.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face chages
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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9/2/99
Hoffman Off The Hook
- Lord Chancellor backs 'Amnesty Judge' in Pinochet Case
LORD IRVINE, the Lord Chancellor, has indicated that he believes
his fellow peer judge, Lord Hoffman should retain his position.
Hoffman came under fire for failing to reveal his links to
human rights group, Amnesty International in the original Pinochet
extradition appeal at the House of Lords. The Law Lords majority
decision to allow extradition proceedings was overturned on appeal
when the Chilean's lawyers successfully argued that there was
an appearance of bias due to Hoffman's links.
Lord Irvine argues that Hoffman is too good a lawyer to be
lost to the system. He claims the errant Lord's actions were
no more than an 'error of judgement'.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face chages
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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3/2/99
Death Threat for Anti-Pinochet Labour MP
- Labour's Jeremy Corbyn targeted by General Pinochet Support
Group
A NORTH London MP has been targeted in a death threat campaign
by a an extreme right wing group.
Posters appeared on the Seven Sisters Road outside Corbyn's
local Labour Club saying '3000 deaths first, Jeremy Corbyn MP
next'. The posters bore the name of a right wing Chilean based
group the General Pinochet Support Group.
The MP will be taking extra safety precautions under the guidance
of the Police. He said "I was surprised and obviously slightly
worried". Corbyn was also concerned for the safety of Chileans
in London campaigning for the extradition of Pinochet. He believes
the threats are as much aimed at them as himself.
Corbyn has been campaigning on behalf of the victims of Pinochet's
brutal regime since 1973. He has been a leading voice in the
recent attempts to extradite the former leader to Spain to face
charges of genocide, murder and torture. Pinochet's legal position
is currently being considered for a second time by the House
of Lords.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face chages
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
Talkback bulletin board.
(18/1/99)
Lords Begin Fresh Pinochet Appeal
- House to hear new torture claims in re-run hearing
- Protesters on both sides raise the stakes in General's extradition
- LondonNet Comment: A brutal thug who must now face justice
GENERAL Augusto Pinochet's fresh extradition hearing at the
House of Lords begins today in Westminster.
This second Lords hearing will reconsider whether Pinochet
enjoys Crown Immunity and thus is excluded from extradition proceedings
initiated in Spain by Judge Baltasar Garzon. In a previous Lords
appeal considering the same question, a majority of three Law
Lords to two ruled that the South American strongman did not
enjoy immunity because no sovereign can be excused from crimes
against humanity. That decision was set aside in December after
complaints from Pinochet's team that one of the Law Lords, Lord
Hoffman, was too close to a party to the proceedings; Amnesty
International.
In this hearing Law Lords will additionally consider cases
of conspiracy to torture orchestrated by the General before his
violent overthrow of democratically elected socialist President
Allende in 1973.
Over the past weekend supporters of the General's extradition
and supporters of the dictator have stepped up their respective
campaigns. Yesterday more than a thousand anti-Pinochet protesters,
including victims of his brutal and bloody regime, marched through
the streets of London to demand his extradition to face charges
of genocide and torture in Spain. Supporters of Pinochet including
Margaret Thatcher and her grey haired entourage have released
a pamphlet entitled 'The Real General Pinochet' which they will
distribute to 5000 opinion formers.
LondonNet Comment: A brutal thug who must now face justice
25 NOVEMBER 1998 will be remembered for centuries as the day
international justice came of age.
In an historic ruling the House of Lords decided that a sovereign
cannot enjoy immunity for crimes against humanity. As we stood
on the precipice of a new millennium it looked for a moment as
if we had discarded the bloody and harsh 20th century. The world
had grown up...more
Pinochet Comment:
LondonNet's view on the extradition saga
(14/1/99)
Chile to Speak in Pinochet Appeal
- Chilean Government to have say at new House of Lords
hearing
- TV documentary promises to reveal "The Real General Pinochet'
this weekend
THE CHILEAN Government has successfully gained the opportunity
to make representations to the House of Lords next week in the
rerun Pinochet Appeal hearing.
Government officials in Santiago have been lobbying for the
right to make submissions in the fresh appeal hearing for several
weeks. They are keen to see the original ruling which stated
that Pinochet could face extradition proceedings reversed. That
ruling was set aside in December as a result of Lord Hoffman's
Amnesty connections.
This weekend Channel Four screen a controversial documentary
on the former South American strong man entitled "The Real
General Pinochet'. The programmes producers promise to dish the
dirt on the former dictator. They also plan to present the human
face behind the Chilean Senator. They reveal that Pinochet moved
his mother into a house opposite him to keep in touch during
his darkest hours.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face chages
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
Talkback bulletin board.
(13/1/99)
Pinochet Lawyers Veto Senior Law Lord
- Kingsley Napley elbow out Master of the Rolls, Lord
Woolf from Pinochet hearing
- Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzon set to attend new Lords hearing
GENERAL Pinochet's lawyers Kingsley Napley have successfully
vetoed the appointment of liberal judge, Master of the Rolls,
Lord Woolf from the bench which will hear a fresh appeal next
week.
The unprecedented and controversial move will send shock waves
through the English legal system. The judiciary is supposedly
neutral to all outside influence. The ability to remove judges
if there is a perceived threat of bias could have huge ramifications
for trials at all levels. It is a direct result of the extraordinary
setting aside last month of the House of Lords ruling that Pinochet
could face extradition proceeding here in the UK. That ruling
was set aside because one of the appeal judges, Lord Hoffman
had associations with a party to the hearing, Amnesty International.
It has also emerged that the Spanish Judge who started the
extradition proceedings, Baltasar Garzon, is set to attend the
fresh appeal hearing in the House of Lords next week.
What do you think?
Should Pinochet now be extradited to Spain to face chages
of murder, torture and genocide?
- Have your say today on our News
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Pinochet Archive News:
Dozens of news articles from our archive relating to the General
's extradition hearings.
The arrest of Pinochet has brought mixed reaction from Chileans
both here and in Chile itself. Our News
Talkback bulletin board has received dozens of messages,
some supporting the General , others agreeing with his imminent
prosecution. One North American wag even suggested that former
US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger should postpone any planned
UK trips indefinitely - otherwise British Police could arrest
him too, for his part in the violent overthrow of Allende's government.
(21/10/98)
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