Pinochet Dies

Former dictator of Chile, General Augusto Pinochet, has died at the age of 91 in Santiago after a heart attack followed by complications. Pinochet came to power via a coup in 1973 and ruled Chile for 17 years. In 1988 he lost a national referendum which proposed extending his rule until 1997 and was forced to call a presidential election, which was won by Patricio Aylwin. Pinochet finally handed over power in 1990. He was accused of human rights abuses and fraud but never stood trial, most recently pleading ill health. Support and criticism of him have divided Chile for years.