His son, Marco Antonio, said Guzman's ruling came as no surprise. Guzman first indicted and ordered Pinochet's house arrest for the same crimes last Dec. 1. But the Supreme Court overturned the ruling on the basis that the aging general had not been properly interrogated or examined to determine whether he is fit to stand trial. Guzman and Pinochet sat face to face last Tuesday for the first time at the latter's rural estate, where the retired general declared that the crimes he is being accused of were the responsibility of his subordinates. The Supreme Court instructed Guzman to interrogate Pinochet and assure that he undergo the mandatory mental exams for anyone over 70 who faces trial.
Chilean law allows exemption from trial if the accused is found to be demented.
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