Chile Justice Minister Says Pardons May Be Granted to Human‑Rights Abusers

Justice Minister Fernando Rabat told CNN Chile that the government could consider pardons for prisoners convicted of human‑rights violations during the Pinochet dictatorship and for those convicted of serious crimes, including sexual offences, linked to the 2019 social unrest. He said each request would be evaluated “case‑by‑case,” taking into account the circumstances of the individual and the merits of any additional background.

President José Antonio Kast holds the constitutional authority to grant such pardons, and he has indicated a humanitarian approach for elderly or infirm inmates. Since the start of Kast’s administration in March, about 40 pardon requests have been submitted, but none have been approved. Rabat confirmed that one request was rejected and another is pending a decision.

The proposals have sparked protests, with families of the disappeared and political groups marching from Plaza Baquedano to La Moneda, denouncing the possibility of clemency for those responsible for torture, disappearances and killings. Former Justice Minister Jaime Gajardo and victims’ organisations have condemned the remarks, calling any pardons for grave human‑rights crimes “unacceptable.”