London - Lawyers for Gen Augusto Pinochet mounted an eleventh-hour challenge against his committal for extradition yesterday when they submitted a High Court application to set aside a ruling that he can be committed for extradition to stand trial on charges of torture and conspiracy to torture, writes Rachel Donnelly.
Gen Pinochet's solicitor, Mr Michael Caplan, confirmed the decision to seek a writ of habeas corpus on the final day of a 15-day period of grace following the ruling committing Gen Pinochet for extradition to Spain. Gen Pinochet's legal team will seek to challenge the legality of Spain's request for his extradition. If the application is accepted, it is unlikely that a hearing will take place before the end of this year.