Top > World > 2006 > December > 2006-12-08

Augusto Pinochet Fighting for His Life at Santiago Hospital

91-year-old former military leader Augusto Pinochet, who took Chile in a coup and who ran his country with an iron fist, is hospitalized in a Santiago hospital, while outside a handful of loyal supporters gathered to pray for his recovery. Pinochet had a heart attack and had an emergency bypass. His doctors say his condition is stable but he is extremely ill. Yesterday, before being taken to the operating room, Pinochet gave his final confession to a Catholic priest. Luis Cortes Villa, a friend of the family said: "The family is very tense, worried, but hoping that he can recover."

Chilean sentiment towards Pinochet, who ruled the country from 1973 to 1990, is split. Many Chileans believe he saved their country from Marxism by toppling the leftist government that was in rule at the time, while others see him as a cold blooded murderer, who should be prosecuted for serious violations of human rights. Approximately 3,000 individuals were killed for political reasons during his time in power. Tens of thousands were tortured, many left the country and thousands are still missing today.

Pinochet was extradited from Spain a few years ago. He had since faced quite a bit of legal action mostly regarding violations of human rights. To this date he has managed to avoid trial due to his medical condition. A year ago a judge ruled that he was fit to face charges of corruption and tax evasion. He is suspected of hiding $24 million in secret bank accounts. At his 91st birthday last month, Pinochet took "political responsibility" for acts that took place while he was in power, saying he had believed he acted in Chile`s best interests.