The Case of Pinochet

Prosecution and the Path to Forgiveness...
 

The obstacle to forgiveness is ignorance.  Where those who committed these acts are not prosecuted, the truth remains buried.  Prosecution is a means by which to illuminate the truth, and truth is necessary for reconciliation.  Thus, the dichotomy between prosecution and forgiveness is a false one.  These are part of the same process.

Why Pinochet should be prosecuted by an international tribunal:

“At least eleven cases now in Chilean courts raise the issue of Pinochet's culpability for human rights violations. But as a senator-for-life, a position he claimed as part of his bargain for leaving office in 1990, Pinochet is protected from such prosecutions. Theoretically, the Chilean Supreme Court could strip him of his immunity, if it found him guilty of criminal acts. But since the military left office in 1990, the court has never deprived a member of congress of immunity.

If, by some miracle, Pinochet suddenly were indicted for his crimes, a military tribunal would surely claim jurisdiction in the case, arguing that Pinochet's crimes were committed as part of his military service. In past conflicts over jurisdiction, Chile's Supreme Court has readily acceded to such demands from the military. Military courts are staffed by current and former military officers whom Pinochet either promoted or appointed.”