DATE=9/27/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PINOCHET TRIAL (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254374
BYLINE=PAMELA MCCALL
DATELINE=LONDON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
/// Re-issuing to correct CR number ///
INTRO: The extradition hearing of former Chilean
dictator Augusto Pinochet has opened in London.
He was arrested last October, after Spain accused
him of crimes such as genocide and kidnapping. He
now faces 35 charges. Pamela McCall reports that
Mr. Pinochet's lawyers are trying to save him
from having to face trial in a Spanish court.
TEXT: //sfx crowds//
Protestors for and against the former Chilean
dictator gathered outside the London courthouse
for their last stand. They are aware that
General Pinochet's fate will likely be known by
the end of the week. He will either be on a plane
back to his homeland, or enroute to Spain to face
charges of human rights abuses. Carlos Rosalis
from the Chileans in Exile campaign, says there
is great expectation among members of his group.
/// ROSALIS ACT ///
For us, we are more closer to justice. That
is one of the things we are looking for,
justice, no more, no less than justice.
/// END ACT ///
His supporters maintain justice will only be
served if Mr. Pinochet is handed over to Chile.
His lawyers are preparing for their final fight,
arguing that the crimes he is accused of are not
extraditable offenses. That is the only point the
British judge will rule on, not on whether Mr.
Pinochet is guilty.
Vira Cooms of the group, Chileans for
Reconciliation, still maintains that Mr. Pinochet
should not be facing such a hearing because the
charges are false.
/// COOMS ACT ///
They are not true, they are not true. He
did nothing wrong for our country. He saved
millions of persons.
/// END ACT ///
Relatives of those who disappeared during the
General's 17-year-rule disagree. They are a
large and visible presence outside the London
courthouse. Marseeas Roehez speaks for the group.
/// ROEHEZ ACT ///
By him going to Spain, he will have to face
the court, he will have to be accountable
for the crime he committed. I do feel this
is something that cannot be stopped morally
and ethically no country could stop or
should stop.
/// END ACT ///
General Pinochet has been under house arrest in
London for nearly a year, trying to fight Spain's
extradition attempts. His lawyers tried to argue
that as a former head of state, he is immune from
prosecution. They also say he should be set free
because of failing health. A member of the
British Parliament, Jeremy Corbin, says those
arguments won't work.
/// CORBIN ACT ///
I think there's a degree of desperation
here. They're trying to build up public
sympathy for a man who doesn't deserve any.
/// END ACT ///
At least 100 Pinochet supporters have flown in
from Chile to back his cause. Viviana Madose is
among them and says it is up to her country to
choose his fate.
/// MADOSE ACT ///
What we want to say is it's not a problem
of human rights, it's a problem of revenge.
So we the Chileans have to decide what to
do, no other countries.
/// END ACT ///
Carlos Rosalis from the Chileans in Exile
campaign says it is imperative that other
countries seek justice, not only for Chile, but
for all nations facing human rights abuses.
/// ROSALIS ACT ///
It's very important because it sets a
precedent, that human rights abuses can be
prosecuted anywhere in the world.
/// END ACT ///
General Pinochet will not be present at the
hearing, but he will be in court for the
decision. (Signed)
NEB/PM/GE/JP
27-Sep-1999 14:18 PM EDT (27-Sep-1999 1818 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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