# Chilean government skips official coup anniversary ceremony

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chilean-political-tension-over-dictatorship-era-pardons
> Updated: 2026-09-10T11:53:00.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 2.

Human rights organizations in Chile have formally rejected legislative efforts to grant pardons to individuals convicted of crimes against humanity during the 1973–1990 military dictatorship. Protesters delivered a letter to President José Antonio Kast expressing opposition to a project promoted by right-wing factions that could benefit over 700 inmates, including 370 convicted of human rights violations.

As the 53rd anniversary of the military coup approached, the Kast administration maintained a subdued tone. For the first time since the return to democracy, the Chilean government will not hold an official institutional commemoration at La Moneda Palace. President Kast has opted to maintain his regular agenda, including activities in the Los Ríos Region, rather than delivering a national message or participating in ecumenical ceremonies. Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado defended the decision, stating the government aims to focus on current national priorities and avoid political extremes, while noting that the administration respects the various sensitivities surrounding the September 11 date.

While the presidency remains silent on the historical event, Security Minister Martín Arrau is coordinating significant police deployment in Santiago to monitor potential unrest, specifically targeting areas such as Villa Francia, Bajos de Mena, Estación Central, Puente Alto, and sectors of San Bernardo. In response to the lack of official commemoration, the Communist Party and various civic organizations have announced large-scale mobilizations and independent ceremonies at the General Cemetery and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights to honor the victims of the dictatorship.

## Claims

- The Chilean government will not hold an official institutional commemoration at La Moneda Palace for the 53rd anniversary of the military coup. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- President José Antonio Kast will maintain his regular agenda and will be working in the Los Ríos Region. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The government of José Antonio Kast has attempted to downplay the 53rd anniversary of the military coup. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Miguel Krassnoff Martchenko was a soldier during the military dictatorship that ruled from 1973 to 1990. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Miguel Krassnoff Martchenko has received multiple convictions totaling more than 1,000 years in prison. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The president has not yet pardoned the 153 military personnel and repressors imprisoned for their roles during the dictatorship. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Thousands of Chileans marched in the streets to honor the victims of the Pinochet regime. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado stated that the government respects various sensitivities regarding the September 11 date. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The administration's decision to skip official ceremonies is based on a desire to focus on the future and the priorities of the people. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Various organizations are planning ceremonies to honor victims of the military dictatorship, including visits to the General Cemetery and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Security Minister Martín Arrau will coordinate police deployment in Santiago to monitor potential unrest and mobilizations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Communist Party President Lautaro Carmona announced a large civic and political mobilization by the left to mark the 53rd anniversary of the coup. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Chile government skips official 53rd anniversary of military coup ceremonies

Chile's government will not hold official ceremonies at La Moneda for the 53rd anniversary of the 1973 coup, as President Kast maintains a regional agenda in Los Ríos.

35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-kast-administration-downplays-53rd-anniversary-of-pinochet-coup

### 2026-08-27: Chilean rights groups reject pardons for dictatorship-era criminals

Chilean human rights organizations have petitioned President José Antonio Kast to reject legislative efforts to pardon individuals convicted of crimes against humanity during the Pinochet dictatorship.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-rights-groups-reject-pardons-for-dictatorship-convicts

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Cite as: Chilean government skips official coup anniversary ceremony. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chilean-political-tension-over-dictatorship-era-pardons