Britain Will Make Pinochet Decision Today

LONDON — Britain is ruling today whether it will free former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet on medical grounds or bow to demands by four European states that he should face a torture trial.

British newspapers reported that the 84-year-old general was likely to be freed from 16 months of house arrest, splashing headlines such as “Pinochet Prepares to Fly Home.”

Pinochet’s supporters hope the decision will mean that he is on a plane back to Chile within hours, but opponents have signaled that they may launch a new legal battle if the ruling goes against them.

Home Secretary Jack Straw, who is making the decision, said in January that he was inclined to release Pinochet after a panel of independent British doctors found the general unfit to stand trial.

Spain, Belgium, France and Switzerland, all seeking Pinochet’s extradition, have been joined by human rights groups in challenging the British medical report. Media leaks said the report found that Pinochet had brain damage.

Pinochet had at least two light strokes late last year.

Scores of Pinochet opponents demonstrated in London on Wednesday, shouting “Extradite Pinochet!” and waving placards.

Pinochet’s supporters said that the general’s health was fragile and that he might not survive another blow to his hopes of freedom.