Chile orders arrest of ex-dictator's aides

SANTIAGO, Chile, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Chilean courts Tuesday ordered arrest warrants for 129 people accused of helping the country's former dictator eradicate his regime's critics.

The suspects, former members of Chile's secret police, were accused of carrying out the killings of dozens of opponents of former Chilean strongman Gen. Augusto Pinochet, La Tercera newspaper reported online Tuesday.

Pinochet, who ruled for 17 years from 1973 to 1990, was accused of orchestrating the deaths and disappearance of 3,000 Chileans and other left-wing dissidents during his reign.

The former Chilean dictator died in 2006, having never stood trial on charges in connection with alleged abuses including human rights violations, tax evasion and embezzlement.