Augusto Pinochet Dead
Former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet has died at the age of 91. Just as he did in life, his death has polarized the people of Chile.
Pinochet rose to power in Chile after leading a military junta in 1973 through a coup d’état, deposing the democratically elected President Salvador Allende. He was president of the Republic from 1974 to 1990.
He ruled with an iron fist and his secret police often silenced any who opposed him or his government. Chile’s government says at least 3,197 people were killed for political reasons during Pinochet’s rule.
Pinochet’s death brings to the surface the great emotions and dark history of his rule. Some Chileans praise him for saving Chile from communist rule since he displaced the socialist Allende. Others deplore him for his oppresive an often violent regime.
During my time in Chile, which started five years after Pinochet stepped down from power, people were still very opinonated about him and his regime. I lived with a former Carabinero (police officer) who spent most of his career during Pinochet’s government. My friend’s experience was one of “don’t get noticed and always be careful of what you say.” This kind of attitude seemed to be very common as people always were fearful that something may happen to them.
I heard stories of neighbors who were taken away in the middle of the night and never returned. Others told me of seeing dead bodies in the street or floating down the river. Curfews where common making people prisoners in their own houses.
Pinochet’s rule may have ushered in the free and economic prosperous Chile we know today. Did his means justify this end? That is a tough question to answer. Particularly for those who suffered and lost loved ones at his hand.
Read more about his life, death and Chile’s reaction:
- Pinochet’s Death Sparks Cheers, Tears and Riots
- Pinochet dies after decade evading trial
- BBC coverage
- International Herald Tribune
- Brief biography on Augusto Pinochet
Chile’s Newspapers announce his death:
Posted December 11th, 2006 in In the News.
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I am glad that Pinochet killed and got rid of COMmUNISM in Chile. My parent’s lived through that AYENDE period, and I believe them when they say how difficult it was to survive on half a chicken for an entire week. She also said that THE PEOPLE asked for the Marxist’s removal, and that is why I will always thank Pinochet. I am proud of Pinochet and he will always be a hero to me–no matter how many people he killed!!! I only hope that Cubans, the Chinese, etc.. do the same to get rid of a political party that does not work, and only makes its people suffer. This is why I live in The U.S.A, the only country that lives off of a strong Democracy without the need of Marxist, Socialist ideals. We can buy a whole chicken when ever we want to! Viva Pinochet!
December 19, 2006
Viviana: thanks for your comments and insight into how life was during Allende’s government.
January 3, 2007