Former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet has agreed to undergo medical tests and questioning by a judge, opening the door to a possible renewal of his indictment on murder and kidnapping charges.
Lawyers for Pinochet says the 85-year-old is returning to Santiago from his countryside residence for the medical tests this week.
Pinochet disobeyed a judge by refusing to appear on Sunday and Monday at the Santiago military hospital for the beginning of the tests. And his lawyers earlier had said he would refuse to appear for questioning.
A prosecutor said: "Pinochet has recanted, because he understood the failure of his efforts to have the legal procedures interrupted by political means.
"He expected the army would step in his favour, but that didn't happen."
Pinochet was indicted last month but the Supreme Court dropped the charges filed because the judge had failed to interrogate Pinochet first, as required by law.
The prosecution lawyer added: "We are convinced that shortly after Monday, Pinochet will again be indicted."
Pinochet's defence expects that medical tests will convince judges that Pinochet's deteriorated health will prevent him for undergoing the interrogation. -PA