Chile deputies in child sex claim

by Clinton Porteous
BBC correspondent in Santiago

Three Chilean politicians have been accused of links with a child prostitution ring that is the subject of a criminal investigation.

Guzman said the police had videos

The accusation was made by fellow politician, deputy Pia Guzman, who said the trio were caught on video at what she called "depraved orgies".

After making the accusations in a radio interview - without naming the three - Ms Guzman met privately with the judge in charge of the case.

She said two opposition politicians and one government member had been caught on videos of private parties.

The events were held at the home of Claudio Spiniak, she said.

Mr Spiniak was arrested and charged two weeks ago for sexual abuse of minors and promoting child prostitution and pornography.

A 15-year-old boy allegedly told police he had been invited to a party by Mr Spiniak where young boys were paid 30,000 pesos ($46) for sex.

New penalties

Deputy Guzman said police were in possession of 300 videos, including 80 graphic ones, and the politicians could be seen in some of them.

The president of the Chilean Senate and the House of Deputies demanded she reveal the names, but she refused.

However, later, she held a private meeting with the judge investigating the case. She left the court saying she had made a full disclosure.

The Senate this week approved tough new penalties for paedophiles in the wake of the child prostitution and pornography court case.

Judges on the Appeals Court have called an extraordinary meeting for Monday to discuss developments.