Pinochet hospitalised in Chile
Former dictator General Augusto Pinochet was rushed to a hospital today for an undisclosed health problem and was being examined by doctors.
A Pinochet spokesman, retired Gen Guillermo Garin, said the 89-year-old former ruler’s condition apparently was not serious.
Pinochet was brought to the Santiago Army Hospital from Los Boldos, his countryside residence some 85 miles south-west of Santiago. The hospital did not immediately report on Pinochet’s condition.
Pinochet lives in virtual seclusion between his Santiago mansion and his countryside residence, and on the rare occasions he’s seen in public, he walks with a cane and the help of bodyguards.
Courts have cited his health in twice blocking his trial on charges related to the massive human rights abuses during his 1973-90 dictatorship.
Pinochet’s opponents have repeatedly claimed he and his associates exaggerate his health problems to escape trial.
