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Chile's Pinochet has heart attack Chile's Pinochet has heart attack
(30 minutes later)
Chile's former military leader Augusto Pinochet is in a serious condition after suffering a heart attack, hospital officials say. Chile's former military leader Augusto Pinochet is in serious but stable condition after being treated for a heart attack, hospital officials say.
The 91-year-old, who has been under house arrest, is in a military hospital in the Chilean capital, Santiago.The 91-year-old, who has been under house arrest, is in a military hospital in the Chilean capital, Santiago.
Gen Pinochet was in power from 1973-90, during which time more than 3,000 people were killed or "disappeared".Gen Pinochet was in power from 1973-90, during which time more than 3,000 people were killed or "disappeared".
He is accused of dozens of human rights violations but has never faced trial because of poor health.He is accused of dozens of human rights violations but has never faced trial because of poor health.
He was taken to hospital early on Sunday morning after suffering "an acute" heart attack and a build-up of fluid on his lungs, a statement from the hospital said.He was taken to hospital early on Sunday morning after suffering "an acute" heart attack and a build-up of fluid on his lungs, a statement from the hospital said.
"His condition is serious but stable," the hospital said. Gen Pinochet's son, Marco Antonio Pinochet, speaking to reporters outside the hospital said "He's in a pretty serious state...We're in the hands of God and the doctors." Doctors had carried out "procedures that rescued him virtually from death," Gen Pinochet's son, Marco Antonio Pinochet told reporters gathered outside the hospital.
"He's in a pretty serious state...We're in the hands of God and the doctors."
'Political responsibility''Political responsibility'
General Pinochet overthrew the elected government of the left-wing President Salvador Allende in 1973 in a bloody coup.General Pinochet overthrew the elected government of the left-wing President Salvador Allende in 1973 in a bloody coup.
He was placed under house arrest earlier this week over the abduction of two people in 1973.He was placed under house arrest earlier this week over the abduction of two people in 1973.
The charges relate to the Caravan of Death - a military operation to remove opponents to Gen Pinochet's rule.The charges relate to the Caravan of Death - a military operation to remove opponents to Gen Pinochet's rule.
He currently faces two other indictments - one for human rights abuses and another for tax evasion.He currently faces two other indictments - one for human rights abuses and another for tax evasion.
As a former president he enjoys legal immunity, but the courts can strip him of this privilege on a case-by-case basis.As a former president he enjoys legal immunity, but the courts can strip him of this privilege on a case-by-case basis.
On 25 November, his 91st birthday, Gen Pinochet issued a statement in which he took "political responsibility" for acts that took place under his rule, saying that he had believed they were in Chile's best interests.On 25 November, his 91st birthday, Gen Pinochet issued a statement in which he took "political responsibility" for acts that took place under his rule, saying that he had believed they were in Chile's best interests.
He also alluded to his failing health.He also alluded to his failing health.
"Today, close to the end of my days, I want to make clear that I hold no rancour toward anybody, that I love my country above all else," he said."Today, close to the end of my days, I want to make clear that I hold no rancour toward anybody, that I love my country above all else," he said.
Gen Pinochet has been in ill health in recent years. He suffers from diabetes and arthritis, and has also had a number of suspected strokes.Gen Pinochet has been in ill health in recent years. He suffers from diabetes and arthritis, and has also had a number of suspected strokes.