Chilean judge grants Pinochet bail

[emad]

ABC Online

A judge has released former Chilean former dictator Augusto Pinochet - facing murder and kidnapping charges stemming from abuses during his 1973-1990 rule - on bail.

Pinochet, 89, has been under house arrest at his posh ranch, Los Boldos, west of Santiago on the Pacific coast since January 5.

Judge Juan Guzman Tapia, who is handling the case, granted Pinochet a $4,616 bail and sent the request to an appeal court which must confirm the order in the next days.

According to Chilean legislation, a judge with special powers like Judge Tapia carries out a preliminary investigation, decides on an indictment and on issuing an arrest warrant, sets the terms of detention, hears from the defence and the prosecution in trial and then issues a verdict.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200501/s1279807.htm

See also BBC reporting at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4162929.stm

[NYC]

1. Isn't Pinochet likely to skip bail?

What would he lose by doing that?