One more step on the road to justice

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Pinochet indicted on human rights charges

Chilean judge finds Pinochet's health not to be a problem for the trial. The Guardian reports that the aging former dictator was charged over kidnapping of nine and killing of one dissident. The charges come amid new information coming form the armed forces regarding brutal practices during Pinochet's dictatorship.

Judge Guzman is investigating the so-called "Operation Condor," a scheme by the dictatorships that ruled several South American nations in the 1970s and 80s to suppress dissidents.

The decision is being appealed on the same grounds as in 2001, namely Pinochet's poor health. Hence the fate of the trial is currently unclear. Nonetheless this is an important step towards final reconciliation and much delayed justice.