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Pinochet purges arrests ordered Pinochet purges arrests ordered
(about 5 hours later)
A Chilean judge has issued arrest warrants for 129 people for allegedly helping to purge critics of former ruler General Augusto Pinochet.A Chilean judge has issued arrest warrants for 129 people for allegedly helping to purge critics of former ruler General Augusto Pinochet.
The suspects - the largest group so far to face arrest warrants - all worked for the secret police agency, Dina.The suspects - the largest group so far to face arrest warrants - all worked for the secret police agency, Dina.
They are accused of taking part in killings and disappearances of dozens of leftists and opposition activists.They are accused of taking part in killings and disappearances of dozens of leftists and opposition activists.
Since Gen Pinochet left power in 1990, arrests of his agents have been frequent - often dividing opinion.Since Gen Pinochet left power in 1990, arrests of his agents have been frequent - often dividing opinion.
BBC Americas analyst Emilio San Pedro says it is the largest number of arrest warrants ever issued in connection with human rights abuses in Chile. The warrants also name dozens of former military and security officials who had never faced charges before.
The warrants also name dozens of former military and security officials who had never faced charges before, he adds.
DisappearedDisappeared
Anti-Pinochet activists have broadly supported the move to punish those responsible for torture and murder.Anti-Pinochet activists have broadly supported the move to punish those responsible for torture and murder.
Gen Pinochet died in 2006 without facing trial for human rights abusesGen Pinochet died in 2006 without facing trial for human rights abuses
But many Chileans have questioned the wisdom of continuing to chase down suspects, saying many of those now being arrested were little more than foot-soldiers.But many Chileans have questioned the wisdom of continuing to chase down suspects, saying many of those now being arrested were little more than foot-soldiers.
Thousands of activists were killed or disappeared during the 1973-1990 rule of Gen Pinochet.Thousands of activists were killed or disappeared during the 1973-1990 rule of Gen Pinochet.
Judge Victor Montiglio's latest warrants relate to operations when Dina agents purged opponents of the general.Judge Victor Montiglio's latest warrants relate to operations when Dina agents purged opponents of the general.
The first is Operation Condor - a long-running campaign launched in the mid-1970s to hunt down and kill left-wingers.The first is Operation Condor - a long-running campaign launched in the mid-1970s to hunt down and kill left-wingers.
Condor was a continent-wide operation, also backed by the rulers of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.Condor was a continent-wide operation, also backed by the rulers of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Another incident cited in the court papers is Operation Colombo, referring to the 1975 killed of 119 Chilean activists. Another incident cited in the court papers is Operation Colombo, referring to the 1975 killing of 119 Chilean activists.
And the judge also cited the case of 10 Communists who disappeared in 1976.And the judge also cited the case of 10 Communists who disappeared in 1976.
The arrests are expected to begin on Wednesday.The arrests are expected to begin on Wednesday.