Pinochet murder and kidnap charges reinstated

A Chilean federal judge has reinstated murder and kidnapping charges against Gen Augusto Pinochet.

A Chilean federal judge has reinstated murder and kidnapping charges against Gen Augusto Pinochet.

He said the former dictator was being placed under house arrest over a series of political killings under his 17-year military rule.

Judge Juan Guzman, whose earlier indictment of Gen Pinochet was struck down on appeal, has reinstated charges involving dozens of deaths.

For months the judge has been investigating the ailing Gen Pinochet in connection with the so-called "Caravan of Death" - a military squadron that hopscotched Chile by helicopter. It "executed" 75 political prisoners in the early weeks of Pinochet's dictatorship.

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"We are very pleased to know Pinochet has been ordered to face the courts for these homicides," said lawyer Mr Hugo Gutierrez. He said the judge's decision included a house arrest order.

PA