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General and President '''Augusto José Ramón Pinochet Ugarte''' (b. [[Valparaíso]], on November 25, 1915–d. [[Santiago]], on December 10, 2006) was a [[Chile]]an [[general]] who became Chile's head of state (or leader) from September 11, 1973 to March 11, 1990 ([[President of Chile|President]] from 1974 to 1990). He came to power as a member of a council of military leaders after the overthrow of the [[communism|communist]] government of President [[Salvador Allende]].  Pinochet restored the [[free market]], traditional western values, and prosperity to Chile after [[tyranny]] under communism.  [[Leftist]]s hated Pinochet for his [[conservative]] policies, to the point of wrongly imprisoning him in [[England]] on political charges long after Pinochet had relinquished power.  He was ultimately released.<ref name=EUvsPinochet>{{cite book|url=https://librospinochetistas.blogspot.com/2022/12/europa-vs-pinochet-indebido-proceso.html|title=Europa vs. Pinochet, Indebido Proceso|author=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]|date=1998|language=es}}</ref>

General and President '''Augusto José Ramón Pinochet Ugarte''' (b. [[Valparaíso]], on November 25, 1915–d. [[Santiago]], on December 10, 2006) was a [[Chile]]an [[general]] who became Chile's head of state (or leader) from September 11, 1973 to March 11, 1990 ([[President of Chile|President]] from 1974 to 1990). He came to power as a member of a council of military leaders after the overthrow of the [[communism|communist]] government of President [[Salvador Allende]].  Pinochet restored the [[free market]], traditional [[Western]] values, and prosperity to Chile after [[tyranny]] under communism.  [[Leftist]]s hated Pinochet for his [[conservative]] policies, to the point of wrongly imprisoning him in [[England]] on political charges long after Pinochet had relinquished power.  He was ultimately released.<ref name=EUvsPinochet>{{cite book|url=https://librospinochetistas.blogspot.com/2022/12/europa-vs-pinochet-indebido-proceso.html|title=Europa vs. Pinochet, Indebido Proceso|author=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]|date=1998|language=es}}</ref>

A polling expert, Marta Lagos, observed in 2023 while thousands of migrants seek the prosperity and freedom in [[Chile]] rather than its [[Marxist]] [[South America]]n neighbors:

A polling expert, Marta Lagos, observed in 2023 while thousands of migrants seek prosperity and freedom in [[Chile]] rather than its [[Marxist]] [[South America]]n neighbors:

{{cquote|“Pinochet, I believe, is the only dictator in Western contemporary history, during this century and the last century, who, 50 years after his coup, is still appreciated by 30 or 40% of a country’s population.<ref>https://apnews.com/article/chile-pinochet-dictatorship-5d500715f016804990d0898ff6d89907</ref>}}

{{cquote|“Pinochet, I believe, is the only dictator in Western contemporary history, during this century and the last century, who, 50 years after his coup, is still appreciated by 30 or 40% of a country’s population.<ref>https://apnews.com/article/chile-pinochet-dictatorship-5d500715f016804990d0898ff6d89907</ref>}}

The Military Government managed to broke the communists, who were heavily armed and trying to start a civil war; rebuilt an economy destroyed by the previous regime; Pinochet's administration grew the middle class until it became the majority of the country, and eradicated extreme poverty; built a health care system that was affordable, efficient, and available to all; created a private retirement pension account system that gave people free choice while at the same time amassing a huge pool of capital that could be invested in the growth of the country; expunged corruption at all levels, most especially among the oligarchs, whom the government broke on in 1980–82; and created a legal and [[Chilean Constitution of 1980|constitutional framework]] that has given Chile peace, order and prosperity since.<ref>{{cite book|title=Pinochet: las "incómodas" verdades|author=Mario Spataro|date=2006|url=https://librospinochetistas.blogspot.com/2023/01/pinochet-las-incomodas-verdades-mario.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=CHILE ESCOGE LA LIBERTAD LA PRESIDENCIA DE AUGUSTO PINOCHET UGARTE|author=Gonzalo Rojas Sanchez|publisher=Zig Zag|date=2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://t.me/realCRP/1701|publisher=Telegram|title=Telegram Statement about Pinochet}}</ref>

The Military Government managed to break the communists, who were heavily armed and trying to start a civil war; rebuilt an economy destroyed by the previous regime; Pinochet's administration grew the middle class until it became the majority of the country, and eradicated extreme poverty; built a health care system that was affordable, efficient, and available to all; created a private retirement pension account system that gave people free choice while at the same time amassing a huge pool of capital that could be invested in the growth of the country; expunged corruption at all levels, most especially among the oligarchs, whom the government broke on in 1980–82; and created a legal and [[Chilean Constitution of 1980|constitutional framework]] that has given Chile peace, order and prosperity since.<ref>{{cite book|title=Pinochet: las "incómodas" verdades|author=Mario Spataro|date=2006|url=https://librospinochetistas.blogspot.com/2023/01/pinochet-las-incomodas-verdades-mario.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=CHILE ESCOGE LA LIBERTAD LA PRESIDENCIA DE AUGUSTO PINOCHET UGARTE|author=Gonzalo Rojas Sanchez|publisher=Zig Zag|date=2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://t.me/realCRP/1701|publisher=Telegram|title=Telegram Statement about Pinochet}}</ref>

As the historian Sebastián Hurtado summarizes it "The United States ([[CIA]]) had no direct participation in the coup (itself), neither in its planning nor in its coordination, and I would dare to say that not even in its incitement [...] but it did want Allende to fall (and did actions to promote that with no relation with the successful coup itself)."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-sabado/noticia/sebastian-hurtado-historiador-estados-unidos-no-tuvo-participacion-directa-en-el-golpe-pero-si-queria-que-allende-cayera/3UXITS4IUNB3RPPB57ILMYDO64/|title=Sebastián Hurtado, historiador: “Estados Unidos no tuvo participación directa en el Golpe, pero sí quería que Allende cayera”|date=August 26, 2023|publisher=La Tercera|language=es}}</ref>

As the historian Sebastián Hurtado summarizes it "The United States ([[CIA]]) had no direct participation in the coup (itself), neither in its planning nor in its coordination, and I would dare to say that not even in its incitement [...] but it did want Allende to fall (and did actions to promote that with no relation with the successful coup itself)."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-sabado/noticia/sebastian-hurtado-historiador-estados-unidos-no-tuvo-participacion-directa-en-el-golpe-pero-si-queria-que-allende-cayera/3UXITS4IUNB3RPPB57ILMYDO64/|title=Sebastián Hurtado, historiador: “Estados Unidos no tuvo participación directa en el Golpe, pero sí quería que Allende cayera”|date=August 26, 2023|publisher=La Tercera|language=es}}</ref>

In 1939 and with the rank of second lieutenant, Augusto Pinochet was transferred to the "Maipo" Regiment garrisoned in Valparaiso, returning in 1940 to the Infantry School. The following year, together with his promotion to lieutenant, he was assigned to the Military School.

In 1939 and with the rank of second lieutenant, Augusto Pinochet was transferred to the "Maipo" Regiment garrisoned in Valparaiso, returning in 1940 to the Infantry School. The following year, together with his promotion to lieutenant, he was assigned to the Military School.

In the midst of a hectic military life, on January 30, 1943, he married Lucía Hiriart Rodríguez in the Sagrados Corazones Church in Santiago. They had five children: Inés Lucía, Augusto Osvaldo, María Verónica, Marco Antonio and Jacqueline Marie.

 

During a hectic military life, on January 30, 1943, he married Lucía Hiriart Rodríguez in the Sagrados Corazones Church in Santiago. They had five children: Inés Lucía, Augusto Osvaldo, María Verónica, Marco Antonio and Jacqueline Marie.

At the end of 1945 he was assigned to the "Carampangue" Regiment in Iquique, and in 1948 he entered the War Academy, where he had to postpone his studies because, despite being the youngest officer, he was assigned to a service commission in the coal zone in Lota.

At the end of 1945 he was assigned to the "Carampangue" Regiment in Iquique, and in 1948 he entered the War Academy, where he had to postpone his studies because, despite being the youngest officer, he was assigned to a service commission in the coal zone in Lota.

The following year, Pinochet returned to his studies at the academy. After obtaining the title of Staff Officer, in 1951 he transferred to the Military School, where he was appointed commandant of the sixth years and professor of the Military Course. At the same time, he taught as an assistant professor at the War Academy in the subjects of Military Geography and Geopolitics. At the same time, he worked as director of the institutional magazine "Cien Águilas" (Hundred Eagles), an organ of diffusion of the officers' headquarters.

The following year, Pinochet returned to his studies at the academy. After obtaining the title of Staff Officer, in 1951 he transferred to the Military School, where he was appointed commandant of the sixth years and professor of the Military Course. At the same time, he taught as an assistant professor at the War Academy in the subjects of Military Geography and Geopolitics. At the same time, he worked as director of the institutional magazine "Cien Águilas" (Hundred Eagles), an organ of diffusion of the officers' headquarters.

At the beginning of 1953, with the rank of major, he was assigned for two years to the "Rancagua" Regiment in Arica. Subsequently, he was appointed professor at the War Academy and returned to Santiago to resume his teaching work. He later furthered his studies and obtained his bachelor's degree, with which he entered the Law School of the University of Chile.

At the beginning of 1953, with the rank of major, he was assigned for two years to the "Rancagua" Regiment in Africa. Subsequently, he was appointed professor at the War Academy and returned to Santiago to resume his teaching work. He later furthered his studies and obtained his bachelor's degree, with which he entered the Law School of the University of Chile.

At the beginning of 1956 he was selected together with a group of officers to form a Military Mission that collaborated in the organization of the Ecuadorian War Academy in Quito, which forced him to suspend his law studies. He remained in that mission for three and a half years, a period in which, along with teaching, he continued his studies in geopolitics, Military Geography and Intelligence Service. At the end of 1959 he returned to Chile and was assigned to the Headquarters of the I Army Division in Antofagasta.

 

At the beginning of 1956, he was selected together with a group of officers to form a Military Mission that collaborated with the organization of the Ecuadorian War Academy in Quito, which forced him to suspend his law studies. He remained in that mission for three and a half years, a period in which, along with teaching, he continued his studies in geopolitics, Military Geography and Intelligence Service. At the end of 1959, he returned to Chile and was assigned to the Headquarters of the I Army Division in Antofagasta.

The following year he was appointed Commander of the "Esmeralda" Regiment, glorious 7th Line. His command was rewarded with his appointment, in 1963, as deputy director of the War Academy.

The following year he was appointed Commander of the "Esmeralda" Regiment, glorious 7th Line. His command was rewarded with his appointment, in 1963, as deputy director of the War Academy.

In 1968 he was appointed Chief of Staff of the II Army Division in Santiago, and at the end of that year he was promoted to Brigadier General, when he was appointed Commander in Chief of the VI Division, garrisoned in Iquique. In his new functions, he was appointed Intendant (s) of Tarapacá, a position in which he tried to put an end to a strike at the Escuela Industrial Superior de Iquique, whose students had taken over the establishment's premises.<ref name=Biografia>{{cite web|url=https://chile-pinochet-nuestro.blogspot.com/p/biografia_21.html|title=BIOGRAFIA|publisher=Chile Pinochet Nuestro}}</ref>

 

In 1968 he was appointed Chief of Staff of the II Army Division in Santiago and, at the end of that year, he was promoted to Brigadier General, when he was appointed Commander in Chief of the VI Division, garrisoned in Iquique. In his new functions, he was appointed Intendant (s) of Tarapacá, a position in which he tried to put an end to a strike at the Escuela Industrial Superior de Iquique, whose students had taken over the establishment's premises.<ref name=Biografia>{{cite web|url=https://chile-pinochet-nuestro.blogspot.com/p/biografia_21.html|title=BIOGRAFIA|publisher=Chile Pinochet Nuestro}}</ref>

General Pinochet was a graduate of the [[School of the Americas]] at Fort Benning, [[Georgia]].

General Pinochet was a graduate of the [[School of the Americas]] at Fort Benning, [[Georgia]].

[[File:Salvador Allende & Fidel Castro.jpg|200px|thumbnail|[[Salvador Allende]] and [[Fidel Castro]] in 1971.]]

[[File:Salvador Allende & Fidel Castro.jpg|200px|thumbnail|[[Salvador Allende]] and [[Fidel Castro]] in 1971.]]

[[File:Intervención militar de 1973.jpg|215px|thumbnail|Military intervention, [[La Moneda|La Moneda Presidential Palace]], 11th of September 1973.]]

[[File:Intervención militar de 1973.jpg|215px|thumbnail|Military intervention, [[La Moneda|La Moneda Presidential Palace]], 11th of September 1973.]]

[[United States]] intelligence reports implicated the marxist Allende in the assassination of several opponents,<ref>http://nixontapeaudio.org/chile/517-004.pdf</ref> while [[KGB]] files smuggled out of Russia by Vasily Mitrokhin indicate that Allende received funds from the Soviet Union.<ref>https://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219461/pinochet-history-nro-symposium</ref> Allende was formally condemned by Chile's parliament for systematically destroying democracy in Chile.<ref>“Declaration of the Breakdown of Chile’s Democracy,” Resolution of the Chamber of Deputies, Chile, August 22, 1973.</ref> The Chilean Chamber of Deputies Resolution of August 22, 1973, accused Allende of support of armed groups, torture, illegal arrests, muzzling the press, confiscating private property, and not allowing people to leave the country. In the infamous "Cuban Packages Scandal" that precipitated the coup, large quantities of weapons were sent from Castro's Cuba to arm pro-Allende terrorists in Chile.<ref>https://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219461/pinochet-history-nro-symposium</ref> Kissinger privately told Nixon that Allende might declare martial law.<ref>http://nixontapeaudio.org/chile/517-004.pdf</ref>  

[[United States]] intelligence reports implicated the Marxist Allende in the assassination of several opponents,<ref>http://nixontapeaudio.org/chile/517-004.pdf</ref> while [[KGB]] files smuggled out of Russia by Vasily Mitrokhin indicate that Allende received funds from the Soviet Union.<ref>https://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219461/pinochet-history-nro-symposium</ref> Allende was formally condemned by Chile's parliament for systematically destroying democracy in Chile.<ref>“Declaration of the Breakdown of Chile’s Democracy,” Resolution of the Chamber of Deputies, Chile, August 22, 1973.</ref> The Chilean Chamber of Deputies Resolution of August 22, 1973, accused Allende of support of armed groups, torture, illegal arrests, muzzling the press, confiscating private property, and not allowing people to leave the country. In the infamous "Cuban Packages Scandal" that precipitated the coup, large quantities of weapons were sent from Castro's Cuba to arm pro-Allende terrorists in Chile.<ref>https://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219461/pinochet-history-nro-symposium</ref> Kissinger privately told Nixon that Allende might declare martial law.<ref>http://nixontapeaudio.org/chile/517-004.pdf</ref>  

By 1973, as a result of covert U.S. aid to Chilean dissidents and financing of pro-democracy protesters, US intelligence indicated Allende would likely lose the next Chilean election if it was held.<ref>http://archive.frontpagemag.com/Printable.aspx?ArtId=15648</ref>  According to ''The Wall Street Journal,'' faced with illegal seizures of farms and factories, of defiance of judicial orders, unchecked street violence and death threats against the judges themselves, the Supreme Court warned on May 26, 1973, in a unanimous and unprecedented message, that Chile faced "a peremptory or imminent breakdown of legality."<ref>https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20040108221609/http://lyd.org/noticias/violencia/what_really.html</ref>  Volodia Teitelboim, the chief ideologue of the Communist Party in Chile, declared that if civil war came, "it probably would signify immense loss of human lives, between half a million and one million."<ref>https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20040108221609/http://lyd.org/noticias/violencia/what_really.html</ref>

By 1973, as a result of covert U.S. aid to Chilean dissidents and financing of pro-democracy protesters, US intelligence indicated Allende would likely lose the next Chilean election if it was held.<ref>http://archive.frontpagemag.com/Printable.aspx?ArtId=15648</ref>  According to ''The Wall Street Journal,'' faced with illegal seizures of farms and factories, defiance of judicial orders, unchecked street violence and death threats against the judges themselves, the Supreme Court warned on May 26, 1973, in a unanimous and unprecedented message, that Chile faced "a peremptory or imminent breakdown of legality."<ref>https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20040108221609/http://lyd.org/noticias/violencia/what_really.html</ref>  Volodia Teitelboim, the chief ideologue of the Communist Party in Chile, declared that if civil war came, "it probably would signify immense loss of human lives, between half a million and one million."<ref>https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20040108221609/http://lyd.org/noticias/violencia/what_really.html</ref>

In January 1971 Pinochet was promoted to Major General and appointed General Commander of the Santiago Army Garrison. Subsequently, at the beginning of 1972, he was appointed Chief of the Army General Staff. Within a convulsed internal political situation, on August 23, 1973, Pinochet was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Army, following the removal of General Carlos Prats González.

In January 1971 Pinochet was promoted to Major General and appointed General Commander of the Santiago Army Garrison. Subsequently, at the beginning of 1972, he was appointed Chief of the Army General Staff. Within a convulsed internal political situation, on August 23, 1973, Pinochet was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Army, following the removal of General Carlos Prats González.

The chaotic situation of the country, the total paralysis of its activities, the daily armed confrontations and the civil war that threatened the nation provoked the military pronunciation (commonly called military coup, however wasn't a coup because it came from the institutions to restore them).

The chaotic situation of the country, the total paralysis of its activities, the daily armed confrontations and the civil war that threatened the nation provoked the military pronunciation (commonly called military coup, however wasn't a coup because it came from the institutions to restore them).

On September 11, 1973 [[La Moneda|La Moneda Palace]] was bombed and Salvador Allende committed suicide, after he rejected the offers made to him to leave the country and surrender.

On September 11, 1973 [[La Moneda|La Moneda Palace]] was bombed and Salvador Allende committed suicide, after he rejected the offers made to him to leave the country and surrender.

The control of the government passed into the hands of a Military Junta headed by Pinochet, who thus became the ruler whose stay in power is the longest in the republican history of the country, followed only by Presidents Joaquín Prieto, Manuel Bulnes, Manuel Montt and Joaquín Pérez, whose terms lasted a decade each.

The control of the government passed into the hands of a Military Junta headed by Pinochet, who thus became the ruler whose stay in power is the longest in the republican history of the country, followed only by Presidents Joaquín Prieto, Manuel Bulnes, Manuel Montt and Joaquín Pérez, whose terms lasted a decade each.

As President of the Military Junta between 1973 and 1981 and as President of the Republic between 1981 and 1990, Augusto Pinochet carried out a series of visits to different cities and towns in Chile, mainly inaugurating numerous development works such as schools, high schools, health clinics, hospitals, housing, bridges and roads, sports centers and CEMA Chile headquarters, attended the inauguration of different private companies and met with the presidents of Bolivia and Argentina seeking a peaceful solution to the border problems. The Military Government Junta carried out a series of reforms as a legislative body. Two major world recessions damaged the economic activity that was beginning to recover.

As President of the Military Junta between 1973 and 1981 and as President of the Republic between 1981 and 1990, Augusto Pinochet carried out a series of visits to different cities and towns in Chile, mainly inaugurating numerous development works such as schools, high schools, health clinics, hospitals, housing, bridges and roads, sports centers and CEMA Chile headquarters, attended the inauguration of different private companies and met with the presidents of Bolivia and Argentina seeking a peaceful solution to the border problems. The Military Government Junta carried out a series of reforms as a legislative body. Two major world recessions damaged the economic activity that was beginning to recover.

General Pinochet headed a [[Augusto Pinochet regime (Chile, 1973–90)|military government for 17 years (1973-1990)]] which suppressed [[communist]] revolutionaries in Chile. In the Pinochet's military government, the Ortúzar Commission (integrated by [[Jaime Guzmán]] as well as other experts) drafted a [[Chilean Constitution of 1980|new Constitution (1980)]], which was approved in a referendum with 67% of the vote. The text established a gradual and legal path for the return to full democracy and introduced a new binomial electoral system that was also made by Guzmán. The constitution introduced an amnesty law for all military officials, and Pinochet granted himself the title of senator for life (''Senador vitalicio'') that would be enacted once Pinochet left the charge of Commander in Chief of the Chilean Armed Forces.   

General Pinochet headed a [[Augusto Pinochet regime (Chile, 1973–90)|military government for 17 years (1973-1990)]] which suppressed [[communist]] revolutionaries in Chile. In Pinochet's military government, the Ortúzar Commission (integrated by [[Jaime Guzmán]] as well as other experts) drafted a [[Chilean Constitution of 1980|new Constitution (1980)]], which was approved in a referendum with 67% of the vote. The text established a gradual and legal path for the return to full democracy and introduced a new binomial electoral system that was also made by Guzmán. The constitution introduced an amnesty law for all military officials, and Pinochet granted himself the title of senator for life (''Senador vitalicio'') that would be enacted once Pinochet left the charge of Commander in Chief of the Chilean Armed Forces.   

General Pinochet instituted [[Free market|free-market]] reforms in Chile in the 1970s that resulted in lower [[inflation]] and an economic boom. During this period, he held a plebiscite on his rule and 75% of the people affirmed their support for his emergency government.   

General Pinochet instituted [[Free market|free-market]] reforms in Chile in the 1970s that resulted in lower [[inflation]] and an economic boom. During this period, he held a plebiscite on his rule and 75% of the people affirmed their support for his emergency government.   

- 2nd Corporal of the Army Roberto Rosales Martínez.

- 2nd Corporal of the Army Roberto Rosales Martínez.

The ''Carretera Austral'' (Southern Highway) was built between 1976 and 1989 and connects several rural towns in the far south of Chile that previously didn't had direct transportation, it is 1240&nbsp;km long, starting in [[Puerto Montt]] and ending in Villa O'Higgins. Today the highway is a touristic destination of Chile because of the beauty of the landscape. This huge and important geopolitical megaproject was built by military personnel, many died because of the rough climate.

The ''Carretera Austral'' (Southern Highway) was built between 1976 and 1989 and connects several rural towns in the far south of Chile that previously didn't have direct transportation, it is 1240&nbsp;km long, starting in [[Puerto Montt]] and ending in Villa O'Higgins. Today the highway is a touristic destination of Chile because of the beauty of the landscape. This huge and important geopolitical megaproject was built by military personnel, and many died because of the rough climate.

[[File:Logo Sí & No Pinochet Plebiscite 1988.png|thumbnail|''Sí'' and ''No'' logos of the [[1988 Chilean national plebiscite]].]]

[[File:Logo Sí & No Pinochet Plebiscite 1988.png|thumbnail|''Sí'' and ''No'' logos of the [[1988 Chilean national plebiscite]].]]

As the highest authority of the military branch, the former general complied with the presidential hierarchy. However, during Patricio Aylwin's term of office, the Army expressed its dissatisfaction on two key occasions.

As the highest authority of the military branch, the former general complied with the presidential hierarchy. However, during Patricio Aylwin's term of office, the Army expressed its dissatisfaction on two key occasions.

The case known by leftist as "''Pinocheques''" was a judicial case in which Augusto Pinochet Hiriart, son of General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte, was being investigated after receiving a payment of 971 million pesos (three million dollars) from the Army, following the sale of the armaments factory "Valmoval", which was part of the Army. But a Chamber of Deputes investigative commission examined every detail of that sale and concluded that the transaction had been convenient for the Army. The involvement of a relative so close to the Commander-in-Chief, was a lack of delicacy, but there was no evidence of malice or fiscal damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogdehermogenes.blogspot.com/2019/02/de-poncio-pilatos-pinochet.html|title=De Poncio Pilatos a Pinochet|language=es|date=February 24, 2019|publisher=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]'s blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Historia de la Revolución Militar Chilena 1973 - 1990|author=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]|publisher=Editorial El Roble|date=2019|url=https://blogdehermogenes.blogspot.com/2018/05/historia-de-la-revolucion-militar_21.html}}</ref>

A judicial case known by [[Leftist]]s as "''Pinocheques''" was an investigation of Augusto Pinochet Hiriart, son of General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte, for receiving payment of 971 million pesos (three million dollars) from the Army, following the sale of the armaments factory "Valmoval" which was part of the Army. But a Chamber of Deputes investigative commission examined every detail of that sale and concluded that the transaction had been convenient for the Army. The involvement of a relative so close to the Commander-in-Chief, was a lack of delicacy, but there was no evidence of malice or fiscal damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogdehermogenes.blogspot.com/2019/02/de-poncio-pilatos-pinochet.html|title=De Poncio Pilatos a Pinochet|language=es|date=February 24, 2019|publisher=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]'s blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Historia de la Revolución Militar Chilena 1973 - 1990|author=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]|publisher=Editorial El Roble|date=2019|url=https://blogdehermogenes.blogspot.com/2018/05/historia-de-la-revolucion-militar_21.html}}</ref>

The "liaison exercise" (''ejercicios de enlace'') happened in December 1990, treated as a routine military maneuver, was actually an expression of the Army's rejection of the possible request for Pinochet's resignation by the Minister of Defense, Patricio Rojas. This possible request would have been motivated by the judicial investigations of officers and by attacks by parliamentarians on the Commander-in-Chief and the military institution.

The "liaison exercise" (''ejercicios de enlace'') happened in December 1990, treated as a routine military maneuver, was actually an expression of the Army's rejection of the possible request for Pinochet's resignation by the Minister of Defense, Patricio Rojas. This possible request would have been motivated by the judicial investigations of officers and by attacks by parliamentarians on the Commander-in-Chief and the military institution.

On May 28, 1993, the "''boinazo''" occurred, the headline "Pinochet's son's checks case reopened" appeared on "La Nación" Newspaper. The case for which Augusto Pinochet Hiriart, son of General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte, was being investigated after receiving a payment of 971 million pesos (three million dollars) from the Army, following the sale of the armaments factory "Valmoval", which was part of the Army. But a Chamber of Deputes investigative commission examined every detail of that sale and concluded that the transaction had been convenient for the Army. The involvement of a relative so close to the Commander-in-Chief, was a lack of delicacy, but there was no evidence of malice or fiscal damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogdehermogenes.blogspot.com/2019/02/de-poncio-pilatos-pinochet.html|title=De Poncio Pilatos a Pinochet|language=es|date=February 24, 2019|publisher=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]'s blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Historia de la Revolución Militar Chilena 1973 - 1990|author=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]|publisher=Editorial El Roble|date=2019|url=https://blogdehermogenes.blogspot.com/2018/05/historia-de-la-revolucion-militar_21.html}}</ref>

On May 28, 1993, the headline "Pinochet's son's checks case reopened" appeared on "La Nación" Newspaper. After the press release, the building of the Armed Forces - a few steps away from [[La Moneda]] - was surrounded by soldiers with war uniforms, painted faces and black berets, this is known as the "''boinazo''".

 

After the press release, the building of the Armed Forces - a few steps away from [[La Moneda]] - was surrounded by soldiers with war uniforms, painted faces and black berets, this is known as the "''boinazo''".

The "''boinazo''" consisted of a reinforcement of the guard of the Armed Forces building by a special group of commandos, carried out during a meeting of the Corps of Generals that lasted eight hours. The cause was similar to that of the previous episode. Given the lack of communication between the Executive and the Army, they sought to avoid what the military branch considered to be a campaign against them.

The "''boinazo''" consisted of a reinforcement of the guard of the Armed Forces building by a special group of commandos, carried out during a meeting of the Corps of Generals that lasted eight hours. The cause was similar to that of the previous episode. Given the lack of communication between the Executive and the Army, they sought to avoid what the military branch considered to be a campaign against them.

Pinochet embarked the Army on a modernization process known as the "Alcazar Plan", which was governed by the concept of "consolidating a professional, technified, flexible and powerful Army".

Pinochet embarked the Army on a modernization process known as the "Alcazar Plan," which was governed by the concept of "consolidating a professional, technified, flexible and powerful Army."

The innovations contemplated in the program ranged from modifications to the uniform to the renewal of military equipment. Likewise, the uniformed officers began to open up to the civilian world, entering universities and some attaining master's or doctorate degrees in various areas, ranging from administration to international relations, including political science.

The innovations contemplated in the program ranged from modifications to the uniform to the renewal of military equipment. Likewise, the uniformed officers began to open up to the civilian world, entering universities and some attaining master's or doctorate degrees in various areas, ranging from administration to international relations, including political science.

On March 8 of the same year, by two votes to one, the Santiago Court of Appeals confirmed Judge Guzmán's decision but changed the classification of the crime from "perpetrator" to "accessory after the fact".

On March 8 of the same year, by two votes to one, the Santiago Court of Appeals confirmed Judge Guzmán's decision but changed the classification of the crime from "perpetrator" to "accessory after the fact".

Hypertension and dental problems, as well as his diabetes, led him to remain hospitalized in the Military Hospital on several occasions and influenced Judge Juan Guzmán Tapia not to order his affiliation, a legal procedure that is carried out for those who are declared prisoners.

Hypertension and dental problems, as well as his diabetes, led him to remain hospitalized in the Military Hospital on several occasions and influenced Judge Juan Guzmán Tapia not to order his affiliation, a legal procedure that is carried out for those who are declared prisoners.

Subsequently, on July 9, 2001, by two votes to one, the Sixth Chamber of the Court of Appeals of Santiago, formed by Justices Amanda Valdovinos, Cornelio Villaroel and Hugo Dolmetsch, decided to temporarily dismiss Augusto Pinochet for health reasons.

Subsequently, on July 9, 2001, by two votes to one, the Sixth Chamber of the Court of Appeals of Santiago, formed by Justices Amanda Valdovinos, Cornelio Villaroel and Hugo Dolmetsch, decided to dismiss temporarily Augusto Pinochet for health reasons.

However, the process against the senator for life ended definitively on July 1, 2002, when the Second Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court decided to dismiss him definitively, considering that the vascular dementia he was suffering from was irreversible.

However, the process against the senator for life ended definitively on July 1, 2002, when the Second Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court decided to dismiss him definitively, considering that the vascular dementia he was suffering from was irreversible.

A frustrated image assassination, with official complicity (or authorship?). All false. Who responds? Nobody. Who perpetrated it? No one.

A frustrated image assassination, with official complicity (or authorship?). All false. Who responds? Nobody. Who perpetrated it? No one.

==His last days==

==His final days==

[[File:Carretera Austral Augusto Pinochet.jpg|250px|thumbnail|''Carretera Austral'' in [[Aysén Region]], built during the Military Government and unofficially named after him by his supporters.]]

[[File:Carretera Austral Augusto Pinochet.jpg|250px|thumbnail|''Carretera Austral'' in [[Aysén Region]], built during the Military Government and unofficially named after him by his supporters.]]

On November 25, 2006, Pinochet turned 91 years old and was seen in public for the last time. From the door of his La Dehesa residence and seated in a chair, the General (r) greeted the supporters who came to greet him on the occasion of his birthday. At the same time, his wife read a speech prepared by Pinochet himself. "Today, near the end of my days, I want to state that I bear no grudge against anyone, that I love my country above all, and that I assume political responsibility for everything I have done...", read one of the paragraphs read by Lucia Hiriart.

On November 25, 2006, Pinochet turned 91 years old and was seen in public for the last time. From the door of his La Dehesa residence and seated in a chair, the General (r) greeted the supporters who came to greet him on the occasion of his birthday. At the same time, his wife read a speech prepared by Pinochet himself. "Today, near the end of my days, I want to state that I bear no grudge against anyone, that I love my country above all, and that I assume political responsibility for everything I have done...", read one of the paragraphs read by Lucia Hiriart.

Two days later, the former ruler was re-arrested after being notified of his indictment for kidnapping and aggravated homicide in one of the aspects of the Caravan of Death case.

Two days later, the former ruler was re-arrested after being notified of his indictment for kidnapping and aggravated homicide in one of the aspects of the Caravan of Death case.

Free of guilt and convictions, he spent his last days in Santiago and Bucalemu.

 

Free of guilt and convictions, he spent his final days in Santiago and Bucalemu.

Pinochet died of a heart attack on December 10, 2006.<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/world/americas/10cnd-pinochet-timeline.html NYTimes</ref>

Pinochet died of a heart attack on December 10, 2006.<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/world/americas/10cnd-pinochet-timeline.html NYTimes</ref>

== Quotes ==

== Quotes ==

{{cquote|When Chileans see what communism is, when Chileans understand the lies, the fallacies, how they are being deceived!, they will realize that this government was right.<ref>[https://twitter.com/MaxiPatriota/status/1625521369420005378]</ref>}}

{{cquote|When Chileans see what [[communism]] is, when Chileans understand the lies, the fallacies, how they are being deceived!, they will realize that this government was right.<ref>[https://twitter.com/MaxiPatriota/status/1625521369420005378]</ref>}}

{{cquote|If I were a politician, I would have given them the pill right now here (lie), as I am not a politician I speak frankly, that is the difference between the others and the speaker.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TsknQaB4d9k]</ref>}}

{{cquote|If I were a politician, I would have given them the pill right now here (lie), as I am not a politician I speak frankly, that is the difference between the others and the speaker.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TsknQaB4d9k]</ref>}}

{{cquote|I believe that no political event, since the birth of Chile to independent life, will have as much transcendence as September 11.}}

{{cquote|I believe that no political event, since the birth of Chile to independent life, will have as much transcendence as September 11.}}