Pinochet, 83, was taken to a London hospital Thursday, a day prior to a scheduled check-up

September 2, 1999
Web posted at: 4:15 p.m. EDT (2015 GMT)

LONDON (CNN) -- Former Chilean military ruler Augusto Pinochet was taken to a London hospital on Thursday, a day ahead of a scheduled medical checkup, a spokeswoman from the Pinochet Foundation in Chile said.

Pinochet, who is under house arrest in Britain, was due to visit the hospital Friday for a routine medical examination, but was taken in early after he complained of not feeling well, the spokeswoman said.

He was last taken to the hospital for checks a week ago.

There was no information on his condition or the name of the clinic where Pinochet was taken. Pinochet recently told a Santiago newspaper he has trouble walking. He said he had "ups and downs, just like the weather."

His supporters said recently they fear he is not well enough to face upcoming court hearings in Britain and possible trial in Spain. His health problems are said to include depression as well as diabetes and a weak heart.

Pinochet, 83, was arrested in London last October at the request of a Spanish judge seeking to try the Chilean general for alleged human rights abuses during his 1973-1990 rule. Pinochet's regime is accused of the deaths or disappearances of more than 3,000 people.

Proceedings to determine whether to extradite Pinochet to face trial in Spain are scheduled to begin later this month.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.