Dementia prevents Arellano Stark from fulfilling prison sentence

SANTIAGO.- The historical 6 year prison sentence issued by Judge Víctor Montiglio against retired General Sergio Arellano Stark (88) for his role in the murder of four young men opposed to the military regime during the "San Javier incident" of the "Caravan of Death", has been revoked.

This morning, Minister Montiglio announced the decision to revoke the sentence against the former high official due to the severe case of Alzheimer's he is suffering from according to neurological, psychiatric and physical exams that have been performed by the Legal Medical Service (SML).

According to the investigation, Arellano has suffered a progressive deterioration of his mental state over the last 15 months and his dementia became more serious following his sentencing.

As a result, the judge ruled that the retired general would be acquitted of the charges against him and released to the custody of his son, Sergio Arellano Iturriaga.

Montigilio based the measure on article 687 of the Criminal Procedures Code and set bail at 500 thousand pesos.