France indicts Chilean generals

A French judge investigating the disappearance of five French people in Chile during the rule of General Augusto Pinochet, has issued 15 international arrest warrants for those accused of involvement in their disappearance or torture.

Most of the 15 are former generals in the Chilean army, who are alleged to have ordered the French nationals into custody or aided their detention.

One of the accused, General Manuel Contreras, said he does not recognise the authority of French courts over Chilean affairs.

Correspondents say there is little chance of the 15 being arrested, but that it is likely they will be tried in their absence.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service