A Chilean court says former dictator Augusto Pinochet was fully aware of human rights abuses under his rule and did nothing to stop them.

The Santiago appeals court issued the statement Wednesday, more than a month after stripping legal immunity from the former president.

The ruling says General Pinochet was in control of the nation's security agency which is blamed for kidnapping and killing political opponents during his 17-year rule.

Lawyers for the 88-year-old former dictator have said he is unfit to stand trial for alleged abuses because of poor health. They also say they plan to appeal the decision withdrawing his immunity as Chile's former president.

An estimated 3,000 people died or disappeared after General Pinochet seized power in a 1973 coup.

Some information for this report provided by AP.