OAS removes Salvador Allende portrait from Washington headquarters

The Organization of American States (OAS) has removed a portrait of former Chilean President Salvador Allende from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The image had been displayed at the main entrance since September 2023 as part of a unanimous tribute approved by the OAS Permanent Council to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Chilean coup d'état.

The Chilean Socialist Party (PS) has condemned the removal, describing it as an “affront to the historical memory of Chile” and a violation of democratic values. Critics, including former Chilean ambassador Tomás Pascual, noted that the removal occurred without transparent communication to diplomatic missions.

While the portrait has been moved to the institution's museum, the commemorative plaque dedicated to Allende remains in place. The Chilean mission to the OAS stated that while the organization has the authority to manage its facilities, they have made formal requests to ensure the artwork is preserved and the plaque remains installed.