Spanish ‘Superjudge’ Prepares Case Against Chile’s Pinochet

Spain’s top crime-busting judge prepared documents Sunday to try to convince authorities in Spain and Britain that Chile’s former dictator Augusto Pinochet should be extradited to Spain to face trial on charges of murder.

High Court Justice Baltasar Garzon, whose successful request to have Pinochet arrested in London for possible extradition has rocked the international community, first must convince Spanish judicial authorities that he has enough proof to try Pinochet.

Dubbed “Superjudge” in Spain for his past successes, Garzon was due today to write and present a formal explanation of his reasons for requesting extradition of Pinochet, Spanish court sources said.

The Chilean government dispatched a prominent diplomat to London on Sunday. Santiago Benadava will press Chile’s claim that Pinochet is protected from arrest by diplomatic immunity. Britain has rejected the assertion.

Meanwhile on Sunday, Santiago, the Chilean capital, was the scene of dueling demonstrations, reflecting the long-standing division of public opinion over Pinochet.

Scores of demonstrators joined a march to Santiago’s central cemetery for a ceremony in memory of the victims of Pinochet’s government. Almost simultaneously, a crowd of Pinochet supporters rallied in front of the British and Spanish embassies. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons Sunday evening on some protesters trying to storm police lines and enter the British Embassy. No arrests or injuries were reported.