Official Jailed For Defaming Congress

One of the closest aides to Gen. Augusto Pinochet during his 17-year dictatorship was sentenced Tuesday to prison for telling a magazine that congressmen use cocaine and failing to back up the claim.

Judge Rafael Huerta said Francisco Cuadra defamed Congress in the interview with Que Pasa magazine earlier this year and then refused to give any proof or identify the legislators that allegedly used drugs.

Both houses of Congress sued Cuadra.

Cuadra, a Cabinet official and chief spokesmen during the 1973 to 1990 military regime, did not immediately comment. The sentence can be appealed.

Pinochet, 80, remains the country’s army commander.