Chile President Kast stalls INDH reform and postpones presidential pardons

The Chilean government announced a draft law to reform the National Institute of Human Rights (INDH), moving away from the campaign pledge to close the agency. Subsecretary of Human Rights Pablo Mira confirmed the draft's existence but gave no timetable for its introduction to Congress, prompting criticism from both the right, which wants a more rigorous overhaul, and the left, which fears a de‑facto dismantling.

At the same time, President Gabriel Kast faced pressure over the pending pardons for police and military personnel convicted in the 2019‑2021 social unrest. Senator Ignacio Urrutia publicly asked, “Presidente, ¿qué está pasando con el tema de los indultos?” Kast responded that pardons are a presidential prerogative, will be decided case‑by‑case, and are not on the current agenda, as the administration concentrates on its broader legislative reform agenda.