General Pinochet back in Chile

General Pinochet, who raised to power with a military coup in 1973 and ruled Chile for 17 years, arrived in Santiago on Friday, March 3^rd. Jack Straw, the UK Home Secretary, decided that Pinochet was not fit to stand trial and therefore would not be extradited to Spain. 
After his arrival at Santiago, Pinochet left the airplane in his wheelchair, but then had no problems to go on by feet.
Pinochet was welcomed by his supporters with military band and guard of honor. 

Exponents of the Chilean government criticised the general’s arrival as damaging the image of Chile. Thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Santiago demanding Pinochet to be jailed. A candlelite-vigil were held outside of the presidential palace ‘La Moneda’ in order to remember the human rights abuses committed under the rule of Pinochet.

The general has now not to stand trial for alleged human right abuses in Spain, the Chilean Judge Juan Guzman intends, however, to pursue a prosecution.