Pinochet to stand trial over 1974 murder
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Chilean court stripped the former dictator Augusto Pinochet of immunity from prosecution in a third criminal case yesterday, this time for the alleged assassination of a Chilean general and political foe in 1974.
A Chilean court stripped the former dictator Augusto Pinochet of immunity from prosecution in a third criminal case yesterday, this time for the alleged assassination of a Chilean general and political foe in 1974.
The Santiago Appeals Court has removed General Pinochet's automatic immunity twice before but he has eluded trial on mental health grounds.
General Carlos Prats, who was commander-in-chief of army before General Pinochet seized power in a military coup in 1973, was living in exile in Buenos Aires when he and his wife were killed by a car bomb. More than 3,000 people died or vanishedduring Pinochet's 1973-90 military regime, but Pinochet, 89, has never been convicted in any of the human rights cases against him.
"The facts of this case merited the stripping of immunity, and we will now take the legal steps to make him face the proof we have against him," said Pamela Pereira, a lawyer for the Prats family.
Enrique Arancibia Clavel, a former Chilean spy, is serving a life sentence in Argentina for his involvement in the assassination.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments