Former Chilean Dictator Pinochet Showing Improvement

SANTIAGO, Chile – Former dictator Augusto Pinochet, whose health problems have long helped him escape trial for abuses committed during his 1973-1990 rule, was conscious and talking Monday, but doctors said his condition is still life-threatening after suffering a heart attack.

"There have been no complications, he remains stable within his serious condition," said Dr. Juan Ignacio Vergara, spokesman for the medical team treating Pinochet. "We cannot say he is out of his critical condition before 24 to 48 hours from his admission to the hospital. The general's conditions continues to be life-threatening."

Vergara said that if things continue as is, Pinochet will have to remain in the hospital for at least a week. The main risks now are another heart attack or infections, he said.

Pinochet, 91, was rushed to the hospital early Sunday, a week after he took "full political responsibility" for the actions of his government, which carried out thousands of political killings, widespread torture and illegal detentions.

Vergara said doctors decided there is no need for bypass surgery as the angioplasty performed Sunday to clear Pinochet's heart artery obstruction "has been successful and things are under control."

Vergara said Pinochet was conscious and communicating with family members and doctors, who also had been able to drain a buildup of fluid in his lungs.

But Vergara stressed that complications could still appear. Pinochet, who was under house arrest at his suburban Santiago residence on human rights charges, uses a pacemaker and suffers from diabetes, arthritis and mild dementia caused by several strokes.

The former dictator has been increasingly isolated since 1998, when he was arrested in London on an international warrant issued by a Spanish judge who unsuccessfully sought his extradition on human rights charges.

On Sept. 11, the 33rd anniversary of the military coup against socialist President Salvador Allende, only two women appeared at his house for what used to be a day of great celebration.

Still, staunch supporters continue to express loyalty, insisting Pinochet saved Chile from communism. Some 10 supporters spent the entire night in front of the hospital, some praying, and more had gathered earlier in the day.

"He's like a father to me, and we all owe him so much," said Julieta Aguilar, who held a small bronze bust of Pinochet.

Presidential spokesman Ricardo Lagos Weber said the government was closely following the former dictator's health. Pinochet's faltering condition has helped him avoid trial, with judges dismissing at least two cases in recent years saying he was unfit for court. His foes say he exaggerates his health problems.

"He is hospitalized every time he faces an indictment. That is why we have doubts this time, too," human rights lawyer Hiram Villagra told Radio Bio Bio.

In 2004, a probe was launched after a U.S. Senate committee reported that Pinochet had millions deposited at the Riggs Bank in Washington. The report, which shocked even his most ardent supporters, led to his indictment on tax evasion charges in Chile.

Pinochet was indicted on human rights violations and put under house arrest last week for the execution of two Allende bodyguards in 1973. A court was scheduled to rule Monday on his appeal.

It was the fifth such action against Pinochet, who was also under another indictment in a separate human rights cases.

On Nov. 25, Pinochet's 91st birthday, he for the first time he took political — if not explicitly legal — responsibility for abuses under his regime.

"Today, near the end of my days, I want to say that I harbor no rancor against anybody, that I love my fatherland above all and that I take political responsibility for everything that was done which had no other goal than making Chile greater and avoiding its disintegration," he said in a statement read by his wife.

According to an official report prepared by an independent commission appointed by the first civilian government after Pinochet's rule, 3,197 people were killed for political reasons during his regime and more than 1,000 of them were never found.