MADRID, Spain - A Spanish judge has decided to launch a formal criminal investigation into atrocities committed during the Spanish Civil War and the country's ensuing right-wing dictatorship.

Judge Baltasar Garzon of the National Court says in a writ issued Thursday that he has jurisdiction to probe the execution or disappearance of tens of thousands of people during the 1936-39 civil war and under the subsequent rule of Gen. Francisco Franco.

Garzon is famous for bringing terrorism and crimes-against-humanity cases against figures such as former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet and al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

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