Chile: Far-Right Victory Revives Pinochet Dictatorship Memories
The election of far-right candidate José Antonio Kast as President of Chile is reviving memories of the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990). Victims of the dictatorship are expressing fears about the future and the potential pardon of those convicted of crimes against humanity.
Alicia Lira, whose partner was murdered by the military in 1986, stated that Kast's victory makes her feel "powerless." Kast has announced that he will support a bill to pardon former members of the military and security services held for crimes against humanity.
Gabi Rivera, who has been searching for her disappeared father since 1975, expressed concern about the potential pardon of perpetrators of human rights violations. Political analysts believe that Kast's election occurred despite his support for Pinochet.
Fears are being expressed about potential budget cuts to the Museum of Memory and other institutions that defend human rights. The museum's director, MarĂa Fernanda GarcĂa, stressed that Chile's history cannot be erased.