Chile: Augusto Pinochet Case

* News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International *

20 December 2000 AMR 22/026/2000 240/00

Responding to today's news from the Chile Supreme Court, Amnesty International Chile Researcher Virginia Shoppee said "this was a matter for the Court to decide and it has now ruled". Amnesty International has always maintained that the case against Augusto Pinochet must be resolved by the Courts in a fair and transparent manner and without outside interference. This is the only way to address the human rights violations of the past and to bring justice to the relatives of the killed and disappeared."

The ongoing proceedings are expected to be lengthy but whatever follows, Amnesty International urges the Chilean Government to ensure the independence of the judiciary and its courts, "This matter must run its course through the judicial process and President Ricardo Lagos must honour his commitment to Amnesty International that he will not permit political interference in the process." Shoppee added.

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