Historical Events tagged with "pinochet"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Raúl Iturriaga Captured After Avoiding Arrest

August 3rd, 2007 17 years ago

Raúl Iturriaga, the former deputy director of the Chilean National Intelligence Directorate (DINA), was captured after being on the run for several years following his conviction for kidnapping during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. He had been sentenced to 26 years in prison for his involvement in the forced disappearance of a political activist. Iturriaga's capture marked a significant moment in Chile's ongoing efforts to bring justice to the victims of human rights abuses from the military regime.

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Crime & Law

Pinochet Arrested in London Over Extradition Warrant

October 16th, 1998 26 years ago

Augusto Pinochet, the former dictator of Chile, was arrested in London under a warrant issued for extradition to Spain for murder and torture charges. This arrest occurred after a lengthy campaign by human rights activists and the Spanish judiciary. The arrest marked a significant moment in efforts to hold former dictators accountable for human rights violations. Pinochet was in London for medical treatment at the time of his arrest, which drew global attention to his controversial rule in Chile.

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Politics & Government

Chilean Opposition Coalition Wins Against Pinochet

October 5th, 1988 36 years ago

The Chilean opposition coalition successfully defeated Augusto Pinochet in a pivotal referendum, ending his nearly 16 years of authoritarian rule. This event signaled a crucial shift in the nation’s political landscape, as voters opted for the coalition over continued military governance. The plebiscite, held on September 30, 1988, yielded a resounding majority for the opposition, showcasing public dissent against Pinochet's regime. The victory was a testament to years of campaigning and mobilization by various political groups, underscoring a collective dissatisfaction with human rights abuses and political repression in Chile.

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Politics & Government

Pinochet Survives Assassination Attempt

September 7th, 1986 38 years ago

In a coordinated attack, the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front (FPMR) ambushed Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet's motorcade in Santiago, resulting in five of his bodyguards being killed. The attack was part of a broader campaign against the Pinochet regime, which had been characterized by repression and authoritarian rule since the coup in 1973. Although Pinochet survived, the assassination attempt marked a significant escalation in the efforts of leftist groups to destabilize his government. This event highlighted the growing unrest and opposition to his rule during the 1980s.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Brutal Attack on Rodrigo Rojas and Carmen Gloria Quintana

July 2nd, 1986 38 years ago

Rodrigo Rojas and Carmen Gloria Quintana were attacked during a street demonstration against General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship in Chile. They were brutally burnt alive after being mistaken for terrorists by a military patrol. This shocking act of violence occurred against the backdrop of growing unrest and opposition to Pinochet’s regime amidst human rights violations.

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Politics & Government

Chile's Controversial New Constitution Established

September 11th, 1980 44 years ago

A new constitution was ratified in Chile under Augusto Pinochet's regime. This constitution replaced the previous framework and was intended to legitimize the military government's authority. The document has remained contentious, with ongoing debates regarding its legitimacy and the influence of dictatorship over its drafting. Despite reforms over time, many Chileans still grapple with the implications of this foundational legal document.

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Politics & Government

Chilean Youth Event of Acto de Chacarillas

July 9th, 1977 47 years ago

The Acto de Chacarillas was a significant youth rally organized by the Pinochet regime in a lavish display of national pride and ideological commitment. Participants, primarily young members of the military and civil society, gathered to showcase their allegiance to the government, emphasizing national unity under the banner of the dictatorship. The event was marked by a ritualized atmosphere, reminiscent of Francoist Spain, with speeches, military parades, and patriotic displays designed to foster a sense of identity and loyalty among Chilean youth. Held in a military context, the gathering aimed to solidify the regime's power and assert its presence during a time of social unrest and ongoing repression.

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Politics & Government

Orlando Letelier Assassinated in Washington

September 21st, 1976 48 years ago

Orlando Letelier, a former Chilean political leader and critic of Augusto Pinochet's regime, was assassinated in Washington, D.C. by agents of the Chilean government. The attack involved a car bomb that targeted Letelier's vehicle, resulting in his instant death. This act was part of a broader campaign of political repression by Pinochet's regime against dissenters in exile.

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