Pinochet Case
The Triumph Of Justice Over Impunity
Rights & Democracy is greatly encouraged by reports of the Chilean Supreme Court's decision to remove parliamentary immunity from General Augusto Pinochet, and affirms its support for the Chilean victims of human rights abuses.
Montr?al, 04 August 2000 ? Rights & Democracy is greatly encouraged by reports of the Chilean Supreme Court's decision to remove parliamentary immunity from General Augusto Pinochet, and affirms its support for the Chilean victims of human rights abuses.
?The last judicial obstacle to justice for thousands of victims in Chile has finally been lifted,' said Rights & Democracy's President, Warren Allmand, of the ruling.
?There is no reason now why the prosecution of Pinochet for serious human rights violations cannot go ahead.'
The Chilean government-mandated National Commission of Truth and Reconciliation determined that Pinochet's armed forces were responsible for the deaths or disappearances of more than 3000 people during the 17 year military rule from 1973.
Yet there has been no justice for the victims. Legislation passed by Pinochet's military government granted an amnesty to officers accused of executions. And, in 1980, Pinochet re-wrote the Chilean Constitution, then later ensured his own immunity as part of the deal whereby he agreed to hand over power to a civilian government in 1990.
However, a provision in Chilean law allows the removal of parliamentary immunity if there are reasonable grounds for suspicion of guilt.
Pinochet now faces charges in Chile on the disappearances of 19 people shortly after the 1973 coup d'?tat in the so-called ?Caravan of Death' case. This case is not covered by the amnesty law, which does not apply to cases of disappearance.
Rights & Democracy stresses it will closely follow this upcoming trial and all other efforts to prosecute human rights violators in Chile. The organisation has made known its concerns to the Chilean government.
' Although progress in the prosecution of Pinochet remains to be seen and evaluated, this is an historic day in which justice has triumphed over impunity,' said Warren Allmand. ?It shows the world that human rights violators are not above the law.'
For More Information
Mary Durran, Communications Assistant
Tel.: +1 (514) 283-6073
Fax.: +1 (514) 283-3792
