Human rights groups pressing for the extradition and prosecution of the former Chilean dictator, Gen. Augusto Pinochet (84), lodged a last-minute appeal yesterday against a court ruling that had paved the way for his release.
Six organisations joined Belgium in challenging the High Court decision, ensuring another round in the tortuous tussle to force the ailing general to face his accusers in Europe.
Monday's ruling was a crushing blow for Gen. Pinochet's pursuers, as it effectively upheld British government inclinations to release him on health grounds.
The High Court decided that the Home Secretary, Mr Jack Straw, was justified in refusing to disclose details of the ailment that makes Gen. Pinochet unfit to stand trial, and also rejected calls for the general to undergo further medical tests. Judge Maurice Kay said it was up to Mr Straw now to take the final decision on whether to release Gen. Pinochet.
But yesterday's appeal to the High Court ruling means that Gen. Pinochet will spend at least another week under house arrest, as judges will not start considering the legal challenge until next Monday.
A Human Rights Watch spokeswoman said the groups were sticking by their argument that Gen. Pinochet should not be released on the basis of medical tests the results of which have been kept secret.
"The grounds are the same as they were last time - lack of disclosure of medical reports, lack of fairness and transparency," she said. "The application will appear before two or three judges this time so it won't be heard by just one judge."
Amnesty International said the appeal was intended to "ensure that any decision relating to Augusto Pinochet's state of health is made according to international standards of fairness and that it is free from political interference."
The appeals are the latest gambit in a politically-charged 15-month struggle to force Gen. Pinochet to stand trial and face charges over human rights abuses during his 1973-1990 rule, when some 3,000 people were killed or disappeared.