A Santiago court will hear an appeal aiming to block the arrest and trial of General Augusto Pinochet for alleged human rights abuses during his 1973-1990 dictatorship on February 12th next.
Last week Judge Juan Guzman, the first Chilean judge to investigate the former dictator for alleged human rights atrocities, ordered the trial of Gen Pinochet, who was put under house arrest on Wednesday.
In appealing, lawyers for Gen Pinochet argued his old age and ill health impeded him from properly defending himself, and that Mr Guzman's order to try him was unfounded.
A court source said the appeal will be heard by three judges. It has been speculated, however, that the appeal might be rejected because of a ruling in August 2000 by two of the judges who voted to strip Gen Pinochet (85) of the immunity from prosecution he held as a lifelong senator. The removal of his immunity paved the way for Mr Guzman to order a trial.
Whatever the outcome of the appeal, the ruling can be taken to the Supreme Court.
Reuters