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The Pinochet Extradition: HRW Update #2
(New York, October 14, 1999) — On October 8, 1999, London Magistrate Ronald Bartle committed General Augusto Pinochet for extradition to Spain where he could stand trial for 34 counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture. Bartle's ruling was particularly significant for its treatment of the conspiracy charge and of the allegations of "disappearances" by Pinochet's regime. More . . . Pinochet Decision Hailed (New York, October 8, 1999) — Human Rights Watch today hailed the decision of a British magistrate to commit Gen. Augusto Pinochet for extradition. The group specifically pointed to the judge's broad rulings on the conspiracy charge and Pinochet's use of "disappearances." Pinochet Extradition Seen (New York, September 30, 1999) — As the extradition hearings of Gen. Augusto Pinochet closed today, Human Rights Watch expressed confidence that Magistrate Ronald Bartle would commit the former dictator for extradition. Pinochet Extradition Hearings "Historic" (New York, September 27, 1999) — "Pinochet's victims have waited 25 years for this historic moment. For the Crown prosecutors to formally read out the charges of torture and conspiracy against General Pinochet is a measure of vindication for the thousands who were killed, tortured or ‘disappeared' by his regime." The Pinochet Extradition: HRW Update #1 (New York, September 20, 1999) — On September 27, 1999, formal extradition ("committal") proceedings against Gen. Augusto Pinochet will begin. These proceedings are expected to last about a week. Human Rights Watch, which took part in the Pinochet hearings before the House of Lords, has prepared the following background paper to help untangle some complex legal issues. CIA, State, NSC Documents Declassified On Chile (June 30, 1999) — The National Security Archive, Center for National Security Studies and Human Rights Watch hailed today's release of more than 20,000 pages of U.S. documents on Chile. The records, estimated to total more than 5,300 in number, were declassified pursuant to a February l, 1999 White House "tasker" directing U.S. national security agencies to collect and review for release documents "that shed light on human rights abuses, terrorism, and other acts of political violence in Chile." British Decision on Pinochet Hailed (London, April 15, 1999) — Human Rights Watch today hailed the decision by the British Home Secretary to authorize extradition proceedings against former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet Extradition Urged (London, April 7, 1999) — Human Rights Watch today called on the British Home Secretary, Jack Straw, to hold General Augusto Pinochet for extradition. Rejection Of Pinochet Immunity Praised (London, March 24, 1999) — Human Rights Watch today expressed satisfaction that the House of Lords rejected Augusto Pinochet's bid for blanket immunity and that his extradition case would move forward. At the same time, the group criticized the Lords's ruling that Pinochet could not be pursued for crimes committed in Chile before Britain adopted the United Nations Torture Convention in 1988. More . . . Pinochet's Case "More Flawed the Second Time Around" (London, February 4, 1999) — As the three week hearing before the Law Lords drew to a close today, Human Rights Watch called on the appellate panel's seven judges to reject the claim of immunity by former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Rights Group Says No Chance of Pinochet Trial in Chile (London, January 28, 1999) — Human Rights Watch today told the House of Lords that there is "virtually no possibility" that former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet could be tried in a Chilean court if he is returned there. British Decision on Pinochet Hailed (London, December 9, 1998) — Human Rights Watch today hailed the decision by the British Home Secretary to allow extradition of Chilean ex-dictator Augusto Pinochet to go forward. "This decision brings us one step closer to the day when Pinochet will have to answer for his terrible crimes." U.S. 'Neutrality' on Pinochet Blasted (New York, November 25, 1998) — Human Rights Watch today criticized the U.S. government for failing to support international efforts to extradite Augusto Pinochet to Spain. It also urged the White House to declassify documents that could assist in the prosecution of the Chilean ex-dictator. House Of Lords' Decision On Pinochet Hailed (London, November 25, 1998) — Human Rights Watch today hailed the House of Lords' decision to reject immunity for Chilean ex-dictator Augusto Pinochet. Use of International Law Against Pinochet Urged (New York, November 4, 1998) — Human Rights Watch today called on the House of Lords to follow international law in its decision on extraditing former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Spanish P.M. Urged to Support Pinochet Prosecution (New York, October 27, 1998) — In a letter today to Spain's Prime Minister José María Aznar López, Human Rights Watch urged the Spanish government to take all necessary steps to ensure that legal proceedings against General Augusto Pinochet move forward. HRW Hails Pinochet Detention as "Victory for the Rule of Law" (New York, October 19, 1998) — Human Rights Watch today hailed the detention Friday of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet as a victory for the rule of law. > > > DISPATCHES FROM SANTIAGO |
The fact that Pinochet was arrested, and his claim of immunity was rejected, has already changed the calculus of dictators around the world. The Pinochet case signified the beginning of the end of their impunity.
REED BRODY The charges against Pinochet include the abduction, torture, disappearance, and execution of thousands of political opponents. The crimes for which Pinochet is closest to indictment include his command responsibility for a military task force, popularly known as the "Caravan of Death," which removed scores of prisoners from jail and executed them one month after the 1973 military coup. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE RETURN OF PINOCHET TO CHILE The arrest and probable trial in Spain of former Chilean dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet have rekindled hopes of justice for thousands of victims of his brutal seventeen-year rule. The Spanish court's action and the United Kingdom's decision to initiate extradition proceedings reflect a new international determination to bring to an end impunity for crimes against humanity. WHEN TYRANTS TREMBLE: The Pinochet Case Until recently, it seemed that if you killed one person, you went to jail, but if you slaughtered thousands, you usually got away with it. Times change. |