CHILE: DO NOT ISSUE PARDONS TO CONVICTED FORMER CARABINEROS AND MILITARY OFFICIALS

Mr. President,

I am writing to express my concern regarding your recent statements in Chilean national media about the possibility of pardoning former Carabineros and military officials convicted of crimes committed in the context of the 2019 protests, including unlawful killings, torture, and serious bodily injuries.

Beginning in October 2019, what started as student-led demonstrations rapidly expanded nationwide, driven by demands for greater social equality and protection of social and economic rights. Authorities responded by using force disproportionately, largely through operations led by Carabineros. Amnesty International documented multiple instances of serious human rights violations and crimes under international law, including torture, committed during this period by Carabineros against protesters.

More than six years later, impunity continues, with few cases advancing to trial and even fewer resulting in convictions. Pardoning the small number of officers who have been held accountable would further entrench impunity and undermine efforts to reform Carabineros toward greater legality and accountability.

Mr. President, I urge you to ensure accountability for all serious human rights violations and crimes under international law, including those perpetrated by Carabineros and military officials in the context of the 2019 protests, and to refrain from pardoning convicted former Carabinero and military officials.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]