The Spanish judge known for investigating crimes against humanity took the stand in his own trial, rejecting charges that he had overstepped his jurisdiction by probing right-wing atrocities linked to the Spanish civil war.

The crusading Spanish judge who brought charges against Augusto Pinochet and Osama bin Laden was suspended today, a possible end to his career.

THE Spanish judge who became an international hero by going after Augusto Pinochet and Osama bin Laden was indicted yesterday for daring to investigate what is arguably Spain’s own biggest unresolved case — atrocities committed during and after its Civil War.