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Funeral Set for Augusto Pinochet

HeadlineDec 12, 2006

In Chile, a funeral is being held today for former dictator Augusto Pinochet, who died on Sunday at the age of 91. Street celebrations continue in Santiago to mark the death of the man who brutally ruled the country for 17 years. Supporters of Pinochet lined up for hours on Monday to pay respects for the former dictator. Over 10,000 people filed past his coffin at Santiago’s Military Academy. Meanwhile, street clashes between supporters and opponents of Pinochet continue. Over 100 people have been arrested. On Monday, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet called for calm.

Michelle Bachelet: “In the last hours, we have seen gestures of division which we do not like, but I know that we have, as a country, as a society, ethical strength to rediscover each other. That is the greatness of a country. The greatness is the intimate will of rediscovery based on historical truth. And the presidents of Chile should think of everyone in our past, in our future.”

Bachelet also said Chileans should not forget what happened under General Pinochet. She said, “Only then will we have a constructive vision of our future, guaranteeing respect for the fundamental rights of all Chileans.” Bachelet has decided not to attend today’s funeral. She was once jailed and tortured by the Pinochet regime. The Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzon, who led a campaign to bring Pinochet to justice, also spoke on Monday.

Baltasar Garzon: “Thanks to a Spanish procedure with the Riggs Bank, we have recuperated $9 million that are being given to the victims through the Salvador Allende Foundation. I think that’s an example of what justice can do when acting without borders and in coordination with the different countries involved.”

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