Human Rights Violations Pt. II: Augusto Pinochet & Chile

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A military leader who ruled Chile as Military President from 1973-1990 after overthrowing the Chilean government with the help of the CIA.

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Who was Augusto Pinochet?

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A lifelong member of Chile's Communist party, who rose through political ranks to become a Senator and Cabinet Minister, and was elected president in 1970.

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Who was Salvador Allende?

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What actions did Pinochet take upon taking power in Chile?

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Pinochet dismantled congress, outlawed rival political parties, and in 1975, announced an end to elections, naming himself 'Supreme Head of the Nation.'

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What happened to Allende supporters during Pinochet's regime?

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Tens of thousands of Allende supporters and those with ties to socialism were rounded up and tortured.

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How did Pinochet's regime come to an end?

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Under international pressure, Pinochet legalized political parties in 1987 and scheduled an election in 1988, which he lost. In March 1990, he transferred power to the newly elected president Patricio Alwyn.

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Published in November 2004, this was a 1,200-page document detailing the human rights violations during Pinochet's regime, including the torture of over 20,000 people.

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What was the Valech Report?

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What happened to Pinochet in 2005 and 2006?

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In 2005, Pinochet was placed under house arrest, and in 2006, he died of a heart attack.