Defence call on Pinochet backed

Santiago - A prosecutor with the Santiago Appeals Court recommended yesterday that the case against Gen Augusto Pinochet, charged…

Santiago - A prosecutor with the Santiago Appeals Court recommended yesterday that the case against Gen Augusto Pinochet, charged as an accessory to murder and kidnapping, be dropped, a court spokesman said.

The prosecutor, Mr Raul Rocha, supported a petition by the former Chilean dictator's defence that the case should be dropped due to his deteriorating mental health. An Appeals Court panel now will have to issue a ruling on the recommendation.

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