Pinochet ruling postponed

Pinochet could face more than 140 criminal complaints

The Chilean Supreme Court has decided to postpone its final decision over whether to strip the country's former military leader, General Augusto Pinochet, of his immunity from prosecution.

If the court decides to lift immunity, the way would be open to put the 84-year-old life senator on trial on for alleged human rights abuses linked to his 17-year rule.

More than 3,000 people died or disappeared after the general took power in a military coup in 1973.

Pinochet opponents: Carrying banners of deposed President Allende

Correspondents say many Chileans believe that if he does face trial, the ageing general could still be excused on grounds of ill health.

The law in Chile recognises poor mental but not poor physical health as a reason for avoiding trial.

The Supreme Court has so far rejected requests by General Pinochet's lawyers for new medical tests to determine whether he is fit to take the stand.

The ruling on the question of immunity will be reached by a simple majority vote from the court's 20 judges. No appeal is allowed.

Previous ruling

History of case

Oct 1998: Arrested in Britain

Oct 1998: Released over immunity

Nov 1998: Immunity rejected

Dec 1998: British government rejects release

Dec 1998: Immunity decision set aside over possible bias

March 1999: Immunity again rejected

Sept 1999: Extradition hearing begins

Oct 1999: Adjourned over health

March 2000: Government decides against extradition

March 2000: Return to Chile

If the Supreme Court rules that Gen Pinochet can stand trial, he could face charges relating to more than 140 cases which have been registered by human rights campaigners.

Central to the case are allegations of General Pinochet's involvement in the so-called "Death Caravan" - a military squad which roamed Chile in October 1973 searching for left-wing opponents of the regime.

The squad is believed to have killed at least 72 people, mainly dissidents dragged from prisons and summarily executed.

General Pinochet returned to Chile in March, after a long legal battle in the UK.

He was finally declared too ill to be extradited to Spain to face trial on human rights charges.