Philippe Sands, a renowned lawyer and writer, dives deep into his book 38 Londres Street, revealing the high-stakes legal battle over General Pinochet's extradition. He uncovers new evidence suggesting collusion between the UK and Chilean governments that led to Pinochet's controversial release. Sands discusses the ethical challenges of international law and the emotional toll on families affected by enforced disappearances. His insights reveal the lasting implications of this pivotal case in the fight for justice and accountability.
Philippe Sands explores the complex legal and diplomatic intricacies surrounding Pinochet's extradition case, revealing its importance in international human rights law.
Sands uncovers evidence suggesting a conspiratorial arrangement between the UK and Chilean governments regarding Pinochet's release, challenging previous understandings of the case.
The podcast highlights the lasting influence of historical figures like Walter Rauf and their connections to modern discussions about accountability for human rights atrocities.
Deep dives
Event Announcement and Book Discussion
A significant live book club event is hosted, featuring discussions with military historian Max Hastings about his new work, 'Sword, D-Day, Trial by Battle.' This event commemorates the 80th anniversary of V-Day and is set to take place at the Shaw Theatre in London. Ticket prices start from £27.50, with options available that include a signed copy of the book. The event not only highlights Hastings’ latest publication but also serves as a platform to engage with historical narratives surrounding D-Day and its impact.
Philippe Sands and His Dual Narrative
Philippe Sands introduces his book '38 Londres Street,' which intertwines the stories of Augusto Pinochet in Chile and Walter Rauf, a former SS officer in South America. The narrative begins with Sands discovering a letter connected to Rauf while researching another project, leading him to question Rauf's ties to Pinochet. Through his exploration, Sands aims to uncover potential connections between Rauf's activities and Pinochet's human rights abuses. This complex interplay of historical figures reveals a broader conversation about accountability for past atrocities.
Unraveling Connections Across Decades
Sands details the journey of Walter Rauf from Germany to Chile, where he ingratiates himself with the local population and ultimately connects with Pinochet during the military coup of September 11, 1973. Rauf’s arrival in Chile coincided with the rise of Pinochet, establishing a relationship that would become pivotal in the context of human rights violations. Sands examines how Rauf's wartime experiences and clandestine operations influenced his involvement with the Pinochet regime. This exploration demonstrates the long-lasting impact of historical figures on contemporary issues of justice and memory.
The Legal Proceedings Against Pinochet
Sands recounts the significant legal events surrounding Pinochet’s arrest in London in 1998, which marked the first instance of a former head of state being arrested for international crimes in a third country. He highlights the initial confusion regarding the charges, which incorrectly labeled Pinochet's actions as murder rather than torture and genocide. This misclassification led to complications in the case and sparked a broader dialogue about international law and extradition. The legal battles that ensued became a crucial turning point in international human rights law, challenging the traditional notions of state sovereignty.
The Controversial Return of Pinochet to Chile
After months in British custody, Jack Straw's decision to send Pinochet back to Chile based on claims of his medical unfitness stirred considerable controversy. Sands delves into the alleged machinations behind this decision, suggesting that certain officials may have conspired to facilitate Pinochet's return in response to political pressures. Despite claims of his poor health, Pinochet's appearance upon returning to Chile raised suspicions about the legitimacy of the medical evaluations. The subsequent events in Chile reveal a wider narrative of accountability and the challenges faced in pursuing justice for past crimes.
Sam Leith’s guest on this week’s Book Club podcast is the lawyer and writer Philippe Sands, whose new book 38 Londres Street describes the legal and diplomatic tussle over the potential extradition of the former Chilean dictator General Pinochet. Philippe tells Sam why the case was such an important one in legal history, and presents new evidence suggesting that the General’s release to Chile on health grounds may have been part of a behind-the-scenes stitch-up between the UK and Chilean governments. He sets out some of that evidence and pushes back on our reviewer Jonathan Sumption’s scepticism about the case. Here’s an old case, but not yet a cold case.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.
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