Minister Lincolao accepts apologies from students in Valdivia

A Valdivia guarantee court has ordered a one-year conditional suspension of judicial proceedings against three students from the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh). The students were involved in incidents during an activity featuring the Minister of Science, Ximena Lincolao, at the Isla Teja campus.

During the hearing, the students issued public apologies and acknowledged their actions during the demonstration were inappropriate. Minister Lincolao, participating via teleconference, accepted the apologies, stating, “I was young and mistakes are made,” and noted she did not view the process as personal persecution.

Under the court's ruling, the students must adhere to several conditions over the next year to avoid a formal conviction. These requirements include staying away from the Minister, performing community service, signing in with police every two months, and maintaining their public apologies.