Pinochet's medical examination set for tomorrow

The former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet is to undergo medical and mental tests tomorrow as part of human rights …

The former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet is to undergo medical and mental tests tomorrow as part of human rights charges against him.

Pinochet
General Pinochet faces medical tests tomorrow

The medical tests, which are to be completed before he is interrogated on the charges, are to determine whether he is physically and mentally fit to stand

Last night, Gen Pinochet's lawyers had said the judge had agreed to postpone the tests until Thursday and Friday. He had failed to show up for the medical exams Judge Juan Guzman had ordered on Sunday and Monday.

Mr Guzman is investigating the deaths and disappearances of 75 political prisoners in October 1973, when a military unit dubbed the "Caravan of Death" created terror across Chile.

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Under Chilean law, if medical tests uncover signs of dementia or insanity, Gen Pinochet would be deemed free from responsibility for any crimes.

Chile's penal code means the former dictator can be held in contempt of court and detained if he fails to cooperate with the investigation.

AFP