The Arrest: 1. The Lawyer

The Arrest: 1. The Lawyer

From The History Podcast by BBC Radio 4

December 1, 2025 · 15 min · Season 12 · Episode 1

About this episode

The episode discusses the efforts of lawyers to bring Augusto Pinochet to justice in London after his surgery in 1998.

As Augusto Pinochet recovers from minor surgery in London in October 1998, a lawyer for his victims races to seize an unlikely opportunity to bring the Chilean dictator to justice. The general, who seized power in a military coup in 1973, is thought to be responsible for orchestrating the execution of more than 3,000 political opponents, and the torture, kidnapping and disappearance of 40,000 more. Until this point he has been untouchable - safe from prosecution in Chile, and protected by diplomatic immunity abroad. Two Spanish lawyers have spent the last few years building a case against him, and the authorities in London might now be able to help, but to succeed they’ll need to act fast, pull in some favours, and cut a few corners. The Arrest is presented by Philippe Sands The series producer is Simon Tulett. Sound design and mixing is by Tom Brignell. The production co-ordinators are Helena Warwick-Cross and Tammy Snow The editor is Matt Willis. Philippe Sands is the author of '38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia'.

People in this episode

Host: Philippe Sands

Topics covered

  • Pinochet
  • justice
  • lawyers
  • human rights
  • London
  • military coup

Keywords

  • Pinochet
  • lawyer
  • justice
  • human rights
  • London
  • military coup
  • torture
  • victims

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4

Books & works: 38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia

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