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.JACK STRAW has asked General Augusto Pinochet to undergo independent medical tests to support his bid to avoid extradition to Spain on the grounds of ill-health.
The request from the Home Secretary is said to have come in response to a letter from the Chilean government asking for the former dictator to be sent back home on humanitarian grounds. The Chilean foreign minister, Juan Gabriel Valdes, wrote to Mr Straw saying the general was "in no condition to endure a long trial".
Yesterday, a spokesman for the Chilean foreign ministry confirmed Mr Straw had asked for General Pinochet to undergo medical tests.
Supporters of the 83-year-old general claim his health is deteriorating under the stress of his battle to avoid standing trial for human rights abuses. He is said to have suffered strokes, a heart condition, diabetes and depression.
General Pinochet was excused from attending last month's court hearing at which a magistrate ruled he should be sent to Spain as requested on the grounds that he was too frail.
That decision was taken on the basis of medical evidence from Surrey GP Michael Loxton, who told the court the general had suffered two strokes recently.
He has already undergone a series of medical tests at local hospitals, including a brain scan, as concern over his condition mounts among his supporters.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments