The presidents of Chile and Mexico joined forces on September 10 to call for the strengthening of democracy in Latin America, marking the solemn 50th anniversary of the 1973 coup in Chile. However, their joint address was overshadowed by violent clashes that erupted following a peaceful march through Santiago's streets.
September 11 will signify half a century since the overthrow of President Salvador Allende by the authoritarian regime of General Augusto Pinochet. This coup marked the beginning of 17 years of brutal military rule, during which approximately 40,000 people suffered imprisonment, disappearance, torture, or death.
Notably, Mexico provided political refuge to 3,000 Chileans during the Pinochet regime, fostering a deep historical connection between the two nations.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed his gratitude for Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's visit, hailing it as a testament to the shared history that binds them and Obrador's unwavering commitment to strengthening democracy in Latin America.
"The visit of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ... is a concrete example of this history that unites us and of his commitment to strengthening democracy in Latin America," President Gabriel Boric stated.
Lopez Obrador, who remembered how Pinochet's coup personally affected him during his university years, praised Allende and decried his tragic death during the coup as a "horrendous crime."
"We are united by history, brotherhood, and the desire to continue building an authentic democracy," affirmed Lopez Obrador during their joint address.
Regrettably, the unity and reflection on democracy's importance were marred by incidents that unfolded just hours earlier during the annual march held to commemorate the coup.
The march, composed mainly of relatives of victims who suffered under Pinochet's dictatorship, took a violent turn when smaller groups within the demonstration attempted to disrupt the event. Reports indicated that some individuals attacked fellow demonstrators and even desecrated graves in the general cemetery.
Chaos ensued as civilians hurled Molotov cocktails at police vehicles, prompting law enforcement to respond with water cannons.
In response to these disturbing events, President Boric took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to condemn the violence. He expressed his dismay at the intolerance and aggression displayed by some, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in a democracy. He also called for those involved in the acts of violence to face the consequences of the law.
"I categorically condemn these events. Their intolerance and violence should have no place in democracy and those who have participated in these acts must face the rule of law," Boris noted.
Local security authorities reported damage to the La Moneda presidential palace, including broken windows, and announced their intent to press charges related to public disorder.
These recent events bring back memories of the widespread protests against inequality that rocked Chile in 2019, resulting in more than 30 casualties. Human rights organizations have continually raised concerns about the police response during those protests, citing numerous cases of protesters being blinded by rubber bullets and tens of thousands of individuals detained.
As Chile commemorates the painful legacy of the 1973 coup, President Boric and President Lopez Obrador's call for democracy resonates deeply, serving as a reminder that the fight for justice and human rights continues to be a pressing issue in the region.
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