Pinochet Undergoes Competency Tests

Former Gen. Augusto Pinochet entered a military hospital here early Wednesday to undergo neurological and mental tests that may be his final hope to avoid trial on human rights charges.

Pinochet arrived at the hospital hours before the time set by Judge Juan Guzman for the tests, which are to determine if the aging former strongman is fit to stand trial. Pinochet has diabetes, arthritis, uses a pacemaker and has suffered three mild strokes since late 1998.

Guzman is seeking to indict him on homicide and kidnapping charges related to the “Caravan of Death,” a military commando raid that executed 72 political prisoners shortly after the 1973 coup that brought Pinochet to power.

Pinochet was seen walking into the hospital with difficulty, using a cane and aided by bodyguards. His wife, Lucia Hiriart, entered the hospital shortly afterward, followed minutes later by the team of eight psychiatrists, neurologists and other experts conducting the tests.

Guzman on Wednesday received the renewed backing of the Supreme Court, which turned down the second request in a week by Pinochet’s lawyers to remove the jurist from the case.

The tests to determine whether the 85-year-old former dictator can stand trial were to be followed Monday by legal questioning by Guzman, a required step before any indictment.

The Supreme Court last month overturned an earlier indictment by Guzman, ruling that the judge had failed to first interrogate Pinochet.

As is the case for all people older than 70 facing trial in Chile, Pinochet has the right to a mental examination, which gives him the opportunity to escape trial if he is declared insane or demented.

Guzman said the process Wednesday started with the taking of urine and blood samples, which were sent to outside laboratories for testing. Eight hours after his arrival at the hospital, Pinochet was taken to a private clinic for a brain scan, officials said.

“These procedures are the beginning of the end in Pinochet’s dilatory tactics,” prosecution lawyer Hugo Gutierrez said. “The indictment is around the corner.”

But Pinochet’s lawyers claim his condition prevents him from properly organizing his defense, thus not allowing him to have a fair trial.