Letter: Pinochet's rights
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Richard Mann (letter, 22 December) argues that "Amnesty should support the Law Lords' decision to have a second hearing" in the Pinochet case.
Indeed we do support the need for the judicial process to be both fair and seen to be fair, and that includes the right to challenge a judicial decision. The fact that the victims of crimes against humanity in Chile never received a fair hearing does not compromise in any way General Pinochet's absolute right to a fair and impartial trial.
Richard Mann is wrong, however, to suggest that Amnesty International is "another prosecution service". Amnesty International does not itself undertake private prosecutions, but it does urge governments and prosecuting authorities to investigate human rights abuses and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Merely complaining about human rights abuses is not enough, as the appalling cycle of recent crimes in Central Africa and the former Yugoslavia tragically testifies.
Unless we end impunity for such abuses, what hope do we have of preventing future crimes against humanity?
MARK LATTIMER
Communications Director
Amnesty International UK
London EC1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments