PROSECUTING LAYWER HERTZ TALKS TO PRESS, 2001-03-08 (photo)

Carmen Hertz (C), prosecuting laywer in the case against former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet, talks to the press in Santiago, March 8, 2001. A Santiago appeals court ruled 2-1 that Pinochet can be tried for human rights abuses during his 1973-1990 rule. The panel reduced the severity of the charges against Pinochet from allegedly planning some homicides and kidnappings to charges that he covered them up afterward, a lesser criminal offense. Hertz said that "Pinochet is a criminal. And the final court decision will confirm the criminal participation of Pinochet, be it as author, accomplice or someone who covered it all up. CD/HB