WASHINGTON, D.C.--Today, Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) is disappointed to learn that former Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet is flying home to freedom. Authorities in Belgium, France, Spain and Switzerland, have all requested Pinochet's extradition. Medical exams that found former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is suffering from brain damage, which prompted, British Home Secretary Jack Straw to deny Pinochet's extradition to Spain, and to put an end to the house arrest of the former dictator. "The alleged brain damage suffered by the former dictator also raises new questions about the possibility of trying him in Chile, where he faces 58 criminal lawsuits for human rights violations," stated McKinney.

Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzon, points out that Spanish law under no circumstances allows a defendant to avoid criminal proceedings for reasons of physical health. Defendants can be deemed unfit for trial in Spain only if they are suffering from mental derangement and even then, the trial can resume after the defendant has recovered.

Under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, as upheld by the House of Lords in March 1999, the United Kingdom has the responsibility to prosecute Pinochet for crimes of torture and conspiracy to torture if his extradition is denied. "There are other countries that want General Pinochet, and if Britain will do anything, then they should get their chance at him on behalf of their citizens," concluded McKinney.

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