The events show how polarized Chile is today. Much of what happened clearly had less to do with the past than with anticipation by wings of the ruling class of the need to brutally suppress working people in the future as struggles against economic hardship and denial of rights grow.

"Kill them! Kill them! Throw out the pigs!" yelled dozens of young rightist Pinochet supporters as they chased a few Communist Party youth taunting the crowd gathered outside the hospital where the general was taken after his return.

Police patrolled parts of the capital Santiago in armored trucks mounted with water cannons. Sharpshooters were stationed on top of the hospital.

Pinochet led a U.S.-organized coup against the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende in 1973 and established a military dictatorship. Under an agreement that replaced the regime with one elected in 1990, the constitution gives the armed forces independent powers, including over promotions, the military budget, and representation in the Senate.

While visiting Britain Pinochet was arrested under a Spanish warrant and held as appeals of extradition requests wound their way through the courts. He was released under a ruling that he was not physically or mentally fit to stand trial in Spain.

Upon touching down in Chile, Pinochet walked off the aircraft smiling and waving his cane, the only aid he used for walking. He was greeted by all the commanders of the armed forces, a 50-member military band, and a large phalanx of the notorious elite Black Berets in full combat gear.

A protest of 1,500 had signs with pictures of people disappeared or executed under the military regime, and called for stripping the general's senatorial immunity so he can be tried on charges of torture and kidnapping.  
 
 
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