The Pinochet Case - Essay Example

In the first three parts, a comprehensive chronology will be followed based on four different timelines (BBC News, 2005; CBC News Online, 2004; Amnesty International, 2004; FLACSO, 2002). These timelines have conflicting dates sometimes, but the differences are minor ones. In general, most of the data is completely accurate and reliable when a cross-checking of them is undergone. In the fourth part, a critical analysis will deal with the lessons, parallels, and implications of the Pinochet case while the fifth part will take into consideration the future of Chile under the present state of democracy since Pinochet stepped out of the government.

The main focus will be legal, but a historical point of view is really necessary in order to understand the legal issues. Politics is also relevant in this case as well as sociology.On August 23, 1973, in a very difficult situation due to the domestic strife that arouses across the country, President Allende appointed Augusto Pinochet Ugarte as commander-in-chief of the army. This is a clear sign that Allende trusted Pinochet, but he was completely wrong as on September 11, 1973, the armed forces, led by Pinochet, overthrew Allende in a coup.

Allende killed himself in “El Palacio de la Moneda” instead of surrendering. Pinochet was named head of the governing council called “La Junta”. This was the beginning of a bloody dictatorship with Pinochet as the most prominent leader.Some weeks after the coup, the infamous Caravan of Death took place. It was a death convoy that traveled in October, 1973, to the north and south of Chile in order to kill some dissidents who were imprisoned in those places, especially the members of Chile’s Socialist Party.

In 1974 Pinochet also formed the secret police called the DINA (Dirección de Inteligencia Nacional – National Intelligence Directionate). It was headed by Manuel Contreras.  The DINA was replaced in 1977 by the CNI (Centro Nacional de Información – National Information Center).