Summary
A Chilean woman, Adriana Rivas, has lost her legal battle against extradition from Australia to Chile. Rivas is accused of kidnapping and torturing people during the rule of General Augusto Pinochet in Chile.
Key Facts
- Adriana Rivas is 72 years old and moved to Australia in 1978.
- Chile requested her extradition 12 years ago, alleging her involvement in the disappearance of seven people from the Pinochet era.
- A federal judge in Australia recently dismissed her arguments against extradition.
- Rivas worked for Manuel Contreras, the head of Chile's secret police under Pinochet, from 1973 to 1976.
- Human rights activists claim Rivas was involved in the kidnappings and torture of political dissidents.
- Rivas is accused of participating in the disappearance of seven members of Chile's Communist Party in 1976.
- Rivas has denied all allegations against her and described her work with the secret police as "the best of my life" in a 2013 interview.
- Further appeals on Rivas's extradition are possible, but it is uncertain if they will meet the legal requirements.
