Pinochet to learn fate next week

London - Gen Augusto Pinochet will learn next week if he is to be committed for extradition to Spain on 35 charges of torture…

London - Gen Augusto Pinochet will learn next week if he is to be committed for extradition to Spain on 35 charges of torture and conspiracy to torture carried out during his 17-year regime in Chile, writes Rachel Donnelly.

On the fourth and final day of a formal extradition hearing at Bow Street Magistrates Court in London yesterday, the deputy chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Mr Ronald Bartle, said he would deliver his ruling on October 8th. Gen Pinochet is expected to attend court but the massive security arrangements involved and the former dictator's ill health could prevent him.