Court paves way for Pinochet trial

Chile’s Supreme Court today stripped former dictator Gen Augusto Pinochet of immunity from prosecution, allowing a trial against him for his alleged responsibility in the killing and disappearance of 15 dissidents during his 1973-90 regime.

Chief Justice Jose Benquis said the court voted 10-6 to strip the 89-year former ruler of the immunity from prosecution he enjoys as former president, and authorise his trial in the case known as “Operation Colombo”.