Supreme Court rules Pinochet unfit for trial

Chile's Supreme Court ruled last night that Augusto Pinochet was mentally unfit to stand trial, clearing the former dictator of responsibility for the "Caravan of Death" squad that kidnapped and murdered dozens of political prisoners.

Though the ruling marks the official end to Pinochet's prosecution, hundreds of relatives of those killed during Pinochet's dictatorship are expected continue pursuing legal action against him.

In a 4–to–1 ruling, the court cited the mental health problems of Pinochet, who suffers from dementia, an irreversible mental illness, as the reason for its decision.

The ruling, reaffirming a lower court's decision, suspends the criminal case by judge Juan Guzman, began in March 2000 when Pinochet returned from England.

Pinochet had spent 503 days under house arrest in England after a Spanish judge requested his extradition for human rights abuses committed during his regime from 1973 to 1990.

Monday's decision did not acquit Pinochet – rather, it just determined that he can't be put on trial because of his health. Pinochet also suffers from diabetes and arthritis, has a pacemaker and has had at least three mild strokes since 1998.

He is accused of 18 kidnappings and 57 homicides in the "Caravan of Death," a military squad that executed 75 political prisoners shortly after he seized power in 1973.

Pinochet, 86, spent the middle of last week in the Military Hospital for a cold and dental problems. Those close to him say his health is very delicate, though his opponents say these accounts are exaggerated, denying even that he has diabetes.

Since the legal procedures have begun, Pinochet has been living in recluse in some of his luxurious homes in Santiago as well as in coastal towns.

Judge Guzman will continue to try other officials, such as Gen. Sergio Arellano, accused of being involved in the murders.

Arellano was the alleged head of the "Caravan of Death" sent to cities throughout the north and south of Chile to execute those detained during his dictatorship.

Viviana Diaz, the president of the group for families of those kidnapped, told The Associated Press she was disappointed with the decision.