Chile Invokes Pinochet-Era Anti-

Terrorism Law Against Mapuche

Demonstrators

In comparison to other countries in Latin America, Chile boasts relatively stable political institutions, particularly free and fair elections, and a substantial middle class. As a result, this South American country is widely recognized as a model for democratic development and respect for constitutional procedures throughout the region. However, recent government response to escalating violence between the national police and indigenous Mapuche demonstrators indicates that the country remains in a transitional stage of its democratic development, as remnants of Pinochet rule refuse to leave the political stage.

Although President Michelle Bachelet promised not to invoke the Pinochet-Era Anti-Terrorism Law (19.027) against the Mapuche during her presidential campaign, at least seven Mapuche activists have been indicted under the provisions of the law since her election in 2006. Most of the indictments have occurred over the past two months as Mapuche unrest intensified, and protests and acts of rebellion became increasingly violent. Since the end of the dictatorship in 1990, the law has been applied to at least 34 Mapuche activists,according to a report produced by Chile’sComisión Ética Contra la Tortura. Civil libertarians argue that an outdated law that predominately targeted members of Pinochet’s opposition should not continue to be implemented in a democratic society. The fact that it is still enforced clearly indicates the enduring legacy of General Augusto Pinochet’s counter-insurgency policies.

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This analysis was prepared by COHA Research Associate Elizabeth Benjamin