Santiago - A Chilean court confirmed yesterday that it would strip Gen Augusto Pinochet of the immunity he holds as a senator, paving the way for the former dictator to be put on trial for alleged human rights abuses. The 13-9 vote against Gen Pinochet by the 22 judges of a Santiago appeals court was no surprise because it was leaked last month.
"This is an historic ruling that shows the effectiveness of the state's regulatory powers," human rights lawyer Mr Hugo Gutierrez told reporters. "It seems incredible, but we have achieved it . . . Today, after 26 years, justice is being done," said Ms Viviana Diaz, head of the protest group Families of the Detained/Disappeared.