Pinochet in hospital after stroke, says his family

FORMER Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet was recovering in hospital last night after a mild stroke, Santiago Military Hospital officials said.

The 89-year-old former ruler suffered a serious stroke at his country estate near the Pacific coast yesterday. He had previously suffered at least two mild strokes.

Pinochet, 89, who has been accused of hundreds of human rights abuses during his 1973-1990 military rule, has been in ill health for several years and has suffered mild strokes in the past.

"This one is more serious than the others," a source close to his family said.

But a Pinochet spokesman, retired general Guillermo Garin, said: "I talked to the hospital by telephone and the conversation left me tranquil. Doctors do not want to take any risks, so they ordered the transfer to the hospital."

Pinochet was brought to the Santiago Army Hospital from Los Boldos, his country residence some 85 miles south-west of Santiago.

He has been admitted to hospital in recent years for a variety of ailments, from mild strokes to broken bones. He also suffers from diabetes and has a pacemaker.

Courts have cited his health in twice blocking his trial on charges related to the human rights abuses during his 1973-90 dictatorship.

Pinochet's opponents have repeatedly claimed he and his associates exaggerate his health problems to escape trial.