Chilean President Kast proposes case-by-case pardon reviews

President José Antonio Kast has sparked a national political debate in Chile by suggesting that pardons could be analyzed on a case-by-case basis, particularly in exceptional humanitarian situations. Kast noted that, according to various jurists, it is not appropriate for individuals to die in prison, proposing that requests be evaluated based on specific personal circumstances.

This stance has met resistance from various political sectors. Deputy Gael Yeomans of the Frente Amplio argued that crimes against humanity must be served and are not negotiable based on age or illness. She has requested detailed information from the Ministry of Justice regarding the number, nature, and criteria of current pardon requests to ensure transparency.

Former Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Luis Cordero, emphasized that the government must respect the Constitution and international law, stating that crimes against humanity should not be eligible for pardons. Currently, the Ministry of Justice is reviewing over 100 pardon requests, many of which involve human rights violations committed during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Among the notable cases is that of Miguel Krassnoff, who has expressed confidence in his imminent release.