Chile to extradite Argentina 'Dirty War' judge Otilio Romano Published duration 18 June 2013

image caption General Jorge Rafael Videla, who led the 1976 coup, died last month in jail.

The Chilean Supreme Court has approved the extradition of a former Argentine judge accused of human rights abuses during the 1976-1983 military rule.

Otilio Romano has been accused in Argentina of complicity in forced disappearances, torture and illegal raids while serving as a state prosecutor in the city of Mendoza.

He fled to Chile when the allegations emerged two years ago.

Mr Romano says he will appeal against his extradition.

Human rights groups estimate that at least 30,000 people were killed during the military government era in Argentina.

The period became known as the "Dirty War".

The military government said they needed to combat "left-wing terrorism".

Otilio Romano was suspended from the post of judge in August 2011.

The day before the decision was announced he fled to Chile to avoid trial and asked for political asylum there, the Buenos Aires Herald reports.

Chile rejected the request and placed him under house arrest.