The hijacking commemorations began yesterday, Sunday. Left-wing president Salvador Allende was ousted on September 11, 1973, and right-wing Augusto Pinochet came to power.
In Santiago, the capital of Chile, the commemorative march of the military coup 50 years ago turned into a riot on Sunday. It started with a coup Augusto Pinochet dictatorship.
Protesters and riot police clashed outside the La Moneda presidential palace and at the cemetery where those killed during Pinochet’s dictatorship are buried. The presidential palace, on the other hand, is a place where Salvador Allende half a century ago, he was overthrown and committed suicide.
The windows of the presidential palace were broken. The police used tear gas and water cannons. According to the authorities, at least six police officers were injured. Eleven people were arrested.
During his 17-year rule, Pinochet persecuted especially his leftists and political critics.
At least 3,200 people were killed and disappeared. Almost 40,000 people were tortured.
Instead, the annual women’s memorial march went peacefully on Sunday. Women dressed in black carried candles and pictures of those who disappeared during the dictatorship.
The president of Chile condemned the riot
President of Chile Gabriel Boric condemned the riot.
– I absolutely condemn such an action, Boric said.
Boric himself also participated in part of the march. He is the first president of Chile to take part in the commemoration of the victims of the revolution since the end of the dictatorship.
Most of the protesters took part in the march peacefully.
Chileans are still divided into different camps half a century after the coup.
– September 11 fills us with memories. But it also haunts us, because instead of progressing we have regressed, said the former political prisoner Luis Pontigo.
In Chile, despite several attempts, the constitution from the dictatorship era has not been renewed.
Pinochet was president until 1990 and died in 2006. He was never brought to justice.
The presidents of Mexico and Chile appeal for democracy
The presidents of Chile and Mexico issued a joint appeal to strengthen democracy after the protest turned violent.
President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador currently visiting Chile.
Lopez Obrador recalled how Pinochet’s dictatorship affected him when he was a university student. He praised Allende and said Allende’s death was a “horrible crime.”
Salvador Allende killed himself by shooting himself in the presidential palace on September 11, 1973.
Sources: AFP, Reuters