(28 Oct 1998) English/Nat
VOICED BY KATHERINE BONNER
Britain's High Court ruled that former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet is immune from prosecution in British courts
But he will remain under a police guard at a private hospital in London until an appeal is heard.
Chilean human rights campaigners have vowed to fight against the decision but back home, Chileans were divided
There were angry scenes outside the High Court in London when news of the ruling came out.
Protestors took their anger out on Pinochet's lawyer as he emerged.
They were furious that the court threw out the Spanish arrest warrants against the former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet.
The judges ruled he was entitled to immunity because he was head of state at the time of the alleged crimes.
Chilean human rights campaigners say they'll fight on.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We will appeal, we will appeal, we are appealing"
SUPER CAPTION: Vincente Alegria, Chilean protestor
Soon after the verdict was announced Pinochet's wife, Lucia, left the court to visit him at the clinic where he's being held.
But their ordeal is not yet over.
The court ordered Pinochet must remain in custody until an appeal is heard.
Pinochet's impending release was immediately raised in the British parliament.
Prime Minister Tony Blair stressed it was not a matter for the government, but for the legal system.
Although pleased, the Chilean embassy didn't rule out the possibility of Pinochet being tried, should he return to Chile.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We, yes of course, we don't have any problem with people offended by Pinochet, should prosecute him in the tribunals in Chile"
SUPER CAPTION: Mariano Fernandez, Chile Deputy Foreign Minister
In Chile, the protestors were out in force when they found out Pinochet had won his court battle against his arrest and detention.
The reactions were mixed but the ultimate fate of the former dictator is far from decided.
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