In a landmark ruling, Chilean Minister for Human Rights Carlos Aldana delivered a powerful message of accountability for past atrocities.The sentencing, which took place in Chillán, focused on crimes committed between March and April 1974, during a dark period in Chilean history.
Former state representatives were found responsible for the deaths of Rolando Gastón Angulo Matamala, Bartolomé Ambrosio Salazar Veloz, and Ogan Esteban Lagos Marín. Patricio Marabolí Orellana received a 15-year and one-day prison sentence for three counts of murder, while Arturo Manuel Alarcón Navarrete was sentenced to 10 years and one day for the murder of Lagos Marín.
Luis Alberto toledo espinoza and Humberto Artemio Olmedo Álvarez, members of a group known as “the Bad Boys,” received four-year sentences with supervised parole for their roles as accomplices in the murder of Angulo. The case also highlighted the tragic death of 16-year-old Gabriel Cortés Luna on September 18, 1973.
“The reading of the sentence was done symbolically with an act of compensation, in the First Chamber of the Civil Court of Chillán, and in the presence of groups of relatives who are held, removed and politically executed in the Ñuble Department,” stated Minister aldana.
The minister also noted that General Jeldres, who was also implicated in the crimes, requested to receive the sentence at home rather then appear in court. This request was denied by the magistrate.
On the civil side, the Chilean treasury was ordered to pay 700 million pesos (approximately $700,000 USD) in compensation to the victims’ families, with individual payments ranging from 120 to 90 million pesos.
A Long Road to Justice
Teresa Retamal, president of the Chillán Prisoners’ Relatives Association, expressed relief at the convictions but emphasized the ongoing search for answers. “The change of cases from the Chillán court of Appeals to the Concepción case was crucial. We wanted it for 10 years and if Minister Aldana is hear today it is because he did what he had to do,” she said.
“We are still left with the big dilemma of knowing where our relatives are.Here ther were convictions for cases of people who were executed, those who are at least already buried, but others are still held and disappeared,” Retamal added.
Human rights lawyer Patricia Parra, who has represented the families for decades, echoed Retamal’s sentiments. “here we are against the compensation of justice, but it comes very late. Today there are no longer human rights cases that are processed here in Chillán, they are processed in Concepción. The reasons, I beleive that the people of Ñuble know. If these cases had stayed here in the Chillán Court of Appeals, we are sure they would have been dismissed.”
The sentencing hearing marked a critically important step towards justice for the victims and their families,but the search for truth and closure continues for those who remain missing.
In a poignant courtroom scene, Chilean Judge Carlos Aldana addressed the families of victims from the 1973 coup, offering a heartfelt description of the recent sentence handed down in the case.
Recognizing the profound impact of the tragedy, Judge Aldana invited the relatives and their legal representatives to the courtroom. He aimed to clarify the scope of the sentence and address any lingering questions they might have.
“We did everything in our power,” Judge Aldana stated, responding to concerns that information regarding the whereabouts of missing individuals had not been adequately shared during the investigation.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the families expressed their gratitude to the retiring judge. Knowing December 23rd marked his last day on the bench, they showered him with tears, applause, and heartfelt thanks for his dedication to seeking justice.
The case, which has gripped Chile for decades, centers around the brutal aftermath of the 1973 coup that ousted democratically elected President Salvador Allende. The judge’s sentence marks a significant step towards accountability for the human rights abuses committed during that tumultuous period.
## A Long Road to Justice: Interview with Teresa Retamal
**World Today news:** This week saw a landmark ruling in Chillán, Chile, where former state representatives were sentenced for crimes committed during the dark period of 1974. Ms.Teresa Retamal, president of the Chillán Prisoners’ Relatives Association, joins us today to talk about the importance of this ruling.
Ms. Retamal, thank you for being with us.
* **World Today News:** can you share your initial reaction to the sentences handed down?
* **Teresa Retamal:** (Expresses relief and gratitude that the perpetrators are finally being held accountable after decades.)
*(She might mention the names of specific victims and highlight the long struggle for justice)
* **World Today News:** The case involved the deaths of several individuals, including a sixteen-year-old boy. What message does this verdict send to the families of victims?
* **Teresa Retamal:** (This is an prospect for her to speak about the pain and suffering endured by the families,emphasizing that this verdict validates thier long fight for truth and justice.
* **World Today News:** Minister for Human rights Carlos Aldana spoke about the symbolic nature of the sentencing, especially the act of compensation to the victims’ families. What is the significance of this symbolic gesture?
* **Teresa Retamal:** (Elaborate on the importance of acknowledgment and reparation for the families. It could be seen as a step towards healing and reconciliation, recognizing the harm inflicted.)
* **World Today News:** The case also highlighted the atrocities committed by a group nicknamed “the Bad Boys.” What impact did these groups have on Chilean society during that period?
* **Teresa Retamal:** (Provide past context about the brutal tactics used by these groups under the military dictatorship. Discuss the climate of fear and repression that existed
* **World Today News:** General Jeldres, implicated in the crimes, requested to receive his sentence at home. The court denied this request. which message does this send, regarding the accountability of those in power?
* **Teresa Retamal:** (Emphasize the importance of ensuring everyone is equal before the law, nonetheless of their rank or position. The denial of Jeldres’ request strengthens the notion that no one is above justice.)
* **World Today News:** What are the next steps for the Chillán Prisoners’ Relatives Association?
* **Teresa Retamal:** (Outline the ongoing work of the association. This could include continuing to seek justice for other victims, advocating for truth commissions, or supporting initiatives to prevent future human rights abuses.
**World Today News:** Thank you,Ms. Retamal, for sharing your insights.
**(Optional ending):** This verdict serves as a reminder that the fight for justice, truth, and accountability can be long and arduous, but ultimately, it is a fight worth fighting.
