Chilean President Kast faces backlash over Gatica case ruling

Chilean President José Antonio Kast has faced widespread political and social condemnation following his support for a Santiago Court of Appeals ruling. The court confirmed the acquittal of former police officer Claudio Crespo in a case involving eye injuries sustained by current deputy Gustavo Gatica during the 2019 social protests.

Kast stated on social media that “justice has spoken” and that Crespo was exonerated after being found to have acted in legitimate defense. This stance has been criticized by various figures, including Gatica himself, who described the President as an “ultra-right activist” not fit for office.

Other critics, including the director of the National Institute of Human Rights (INDH) and representatives from Amnesty International, have expressed concern that the President’s validation of the ruling contributes to impunity for police forces regarding cases of repression during social mobilizations.