Chile president proposes limiting military courts

[Judi Lynn]

Oct. 26, 2009
Chile president proposes limiting military courts
Chile's president backs legislation to end jurisdiction of military courts over civilians

(AP) SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - Chile's president has sent to Congress a bill that would strip military courts of their ability to try civilians.

President Michelle Bachelet says the jurisdiction of the military justice system was "excessively expanded" during the 1973-90 dictatorship and should be limited now that Chile is a democracy.

Bachelet signed the bill accompanied by the ministers of defense and justice, then sent it to the legislature Monday.

During the dictatorship of by Gen. Augusto Pinochet, Chile's military courts were accused by human rights groups of lacking impartiality and allegedly backing abuses by members of the military

The proposed law would limit the military justice system to members of the armed forces.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/27/ap/latinamerica/main5423484.shtml