Tag

Augusto Pinochet

All articles tagged with #augusto pinochet

politics2 years ago

Chileans Reject Conservative Constitution in Second Referendum

Chilean voters have rejected a proposed new constitution drafted by a conservative-led committee, meaning the current constitution imposed during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet will remain in force. With 99 percent of the referendum ballots counted, the "against" option prevailed with 55.75 percent of the vote. This is the second time voters have rejected a new constitution, with the previous progressive draft being rejected in September 2022. The process to rewrite the 1980 constitution began in response to mass protests against social inequality in 2019, but enthusiasm has waned due to the pandemic, economic stagnation, and voter fatigue.

world2 years ago

50 Years Later: Reflecting on Pinochet's Coup and the Legacy of Democracy

September 11, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-backed coup in Chile that brought General Augusto Pinochet to power and led to 17 years of brutal military rule. The coup ended a century and a half of constitutional government in Chile and resulted in widespread repression, including murder, torture, and other human rights violations. Pinochet suspended the constitution, dissolved Congress, banned opposition parties, and censored the media. Thousands of Chileans were arrested, tortured, killed, or forced into exile. Despite evading criminal prosecution, Pinochet's dictatorship ended in 1990 with the election of Patricio Aylwin as president.

international-politics2 years ago

Chile's Dark Past: Uncovering the Forgotten Voices of Pinochet's Dictatorship

The United States played a significant role in the 1973 coup in Chile, which led to the rise of an authoritarian right-wing dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet. The U.S. had been meddling in Chile's politics for years, fearing the influence of Marxist President Salvador Allende. The U.S. spent massive amounts on anti-communist propaganda and covert actions to prevent Allende from taking power. Despite these efforts, Allende was elected, and the U.S. continued to support opposition and economic measures against his government. The coup in Chile had unintended consequences in the U.S., galvanizing public opinion and leading to increased human rights concerns and congressional involvement in foreign policy.

film2 years ago

Pablo Larraín: Unsilenced Reflections on Chile's Turbulent Past

Chilean director Pablo Larraín discusses his latest film, "El Conde," which portrays Margaret Thatcher and Augusto Pinochet as vampires. Larraín reflects on his fascination with Pinochet and the impact of the dictator on Chilean culture. He also addresses the question of who is qualified to tell certain stories, expressing frustration with colonial attitudes and the notion that he, as a Chilean filmmaker, should not be allowed to explore the history of his own country. Larraín discusses his previous works, including "Spencer," and his commitment to his Chilean identity and filmmaking.

world2 years ago

"The Impact of Chile's Army Coup: A Transformative Turning Point 50 Years Ago"

Fifty years ago, on September 11, 1973, General Augusto Pinochet led a military coup in Chile, overthrowing President Salvador Allende. The coup resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including torture, killings, and disappearances. Pinochet's regime implemented free-market reforms, limited political freedoms, and repressed opposition. Thousands of Chileans were forced into exile. Decades later, efforts are being made to locate the victims of the dictatorship, and the country continues to grapple with the legacy of this dark period in its history.

film2 years ago

Pablo Larraín's Mesmerizing 'El Conde': Pinochet as a Vampire in Bizarro-World Reckoning

In the mesmerizing film "El Conde" by Pablo Larraín, General Augusto Pinochet is portrayed as an immortal vampire who faked his death to avoid prosecution. Set in Chile, the movie combines elements of tragicomedy, horror, and melodrama to explore the legacy of Pinochet's brutal dictatorship. Shot in black-and-white, the film delves into the dark history of Chile while also presenting a twisted family melodrama. Larraín's provocative and visually stunning work will be released globally on Netflix on September 15.

film2 years ago

"Portraying Pinochet as a Vampire: A Necessary Response to Global Right-Wing Resurgence, Say Pablo Larrain and 'El Conde' Cast"

Chilean director Pablo Larraín presents his scathing satire film "El Conde," portraying former dictator Augusto Pinochet as a 250-year-old vampire living in seclusion after faking his death. The film combines elements of farce and satire to avoid creating empathy for Pinochet, who has never been portrayed in film or TV before. The cast believes the film will either be loved or hated in Chile, sparking a national conversation about the resurgence of the extreme right and the unpunished legacy of Pinochet's regime. "El Conde" will have a limited theatrical release on September 7 and will be available on Netflix globally on September 15.

film2 years ago

Pablo Larrain's 'El Conde': A Bold and Necessary Satire on Fascism and Evil

Chilean director Pablo Larraín's new film "El Conde" portrays former dictator Augusto Pinochet as a 250-year-old vampire living in seclusion after faking his death. The film, shot in black-and-white, stars Jaime Vadell as Pinochet and explores the lack of justice and impunity surrounding his regime. Larraín discusses the urgency to confront Pinochet's legacy and the rise of right-wing politics globally. "El Conde" will have a limited theatrical release on September 7 and will be available on Netflix on September 15.