Augusto Pinochet

Augusto Pinochet took power in 1973.

He deposed the socialist elected president Salvador Allende by military coup with the back of the US. Like most military dictatorship, some liked and others didn’t. For traditionalists, business people and the wealthy, life was good. Those was no crime, except terrorism. For socialists, communists and democrats, there was zero tolerance. Many disappeared and were killed without trial.

Tanks patrolled the streets, helicopters and searchlights patrolled the skies. Curfews was imposed in the evening. Soldiers (sometimes drunk) harassed travellers. Those out after curfew faced prison. Informers were plentiful. Those who spoke out against the regime were jailed. Press was censored. Chileans didn’t know that Argentina almost invaded in 1978. TV was dull with programmes constantly interrupted with messages from Pinochet. There were regular terrorist attacks knocking out public transport, electricity, TV or radio stations. This was publicised by the government, creating a 1984 atmosphere. One observer said “Pinochet created a country alienated and afraid.”

Augusto Pinochet peacefully stepped down in 1990, allowing for democracy to be restored to Chile and he passed away in December 2006.