Chilean Appeals Court Strips Pinochet of Immunity (VIIIA)

On May 22, 2000, the Court of Appeals for Chile by a 13-9 decision voted to remove the immunity of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, thereby facilitating a possible trial for human rights violations. The decision was formally taken on June 5, 2000 by the appellate court. Judge Juan Guzmán, the prosecutor, has brought charges against Pinochet alleging his involvement in the kidnapping, murder and torture of thousands during his 17 years as Chile’s dictator. The Santiago court of appeals announced that 13 of its 22 members had accepted the argument of Guzmán…[more]