SANTIAGO, Chile — President Gabriel Boric of Chile, a left-wing leader, has pledged to work towards repealing an immunity provision that has long prevented investigations into crimes against humanity committed by the military dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. Speaking on the 51st anniversary of Pinochet’s coup that ended Chile’s democracy and initiated a brutal 17-year regime, Boric emphasized the importance of accountability for human rights abuses under Pinochet’s rule.
During a speech at the La Moneda Presidential Palace in Santiago, Boric reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and human rights both domestically and globally. He expressed determination to advance a bill aimed at overturning the amnesty that has shielded military officials from prosecution for atrocities committed during the initial years of the dictatorship from 1973 to 1978.
Despite Boric’s efforts, the fate of the amnesty remains uncertain due to the lack of a majority in Congress for his left-wing coalition. The fragmented nature of the legislature, divided among 22 parties, has impeded past attempts to address issues related to the Pinochet era. Right-wing parties have thwarted previous endeavors to revoke the amnesty, reflecting ongoing political tensions in Chile.
Gen. Pinochet, who established the amnesty in 1978, retained immunity even after Chile’s transition to democracy in 1990. He passed away in 2006 without facing legal consequences in Chile, despite official reports attributing over 3,200 deaths and numerous cases of torture to his regime. Some prosecutions have occurred over the years by exploiting legal loopholes, leading to convictions of certain individuals linked to Pinochet’s regime.
Efforts to challenge the long-standing amnesty highlight Chile’s complex legacy following Pinochet’s departure from power in 1988. While the country experienced significant economic growth under Pinochet’s rule, a portion of the population, including business figures and military personnel, continue to support his legacy, as evidenced by recent street protests in Santiago advocating for a return to Pinochet-style governance.
President Boric, a vocal critic of the past dictatorship, has taken steps to address historical injustices, such as establishing a truth commission to investigate the disappearances of individuals during that period. He emphasized the importance of confronting the dark chapters of Chile’s history and honoring the memory of those who suffered under Pinochet’s regime.