Pinochet has tests to tell if he can testify

The former Chilean dictator, Gen Augusto Pinochet, underwent a battery of tests for the third straight day yesterday to determine…

The former Chilean dictator, Gen Augusto Pinochet, underwent a battery of tests for the third straight day yesterday to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial for alleged human rights abuses that occurred during his 1973-1990 rule.

Gen Pinochet (85) arrived at Santiago's Military Hospital around 10 a.m. for the tests, which were scheduled to run through today. Anyone older than 70 facing trial in Chile has the right to a mental examination that gives him or her a chance of avoiding trial if declared mentally unfit.

Judge Juan Guzman, who is leading an investigation into more than 200 cases of Pinochetera violence, plans to interrogate the former army commander-in-chief on Monday about his possible involvement in human rights abuses in the weeks after Gen Pinochet's September 11th, 1973, coup.