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General '''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 1973 to 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 is credited with restoring the [[free market]], traditional western values, and prosperity to Chile after hardship 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.

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>}}

 

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>

==Family==

==Family==

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 name="nixontapeaudio.org">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 name="nationalreview.com">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 name="nationalreview.com"/> Kissinger privately told Nixon that Allende might declare martial law.<ref name="nixontapeaudio.org"/>  

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 name="web-beta.archive.org">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 name="web-beta.archive.org"/>

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, [[Jaime Guzmán]] drafted a new Constitution (1980), which was approved in a referendum, that 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 he left the post 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.   

During his time in power, including the 1973 coup, at least 1,200 people were killed or vanished in the military crackdown on [[Left Wing Terrorism in Chile]]. The most common estimate is that 3,000 were killed,<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.u999999k/2/hi/americas/6167237.stm BBC profile]</ref> while other estimates go as high as 10,000. Of the confirmed 2,774 Marxist guerrillas and left-wing radicals killed or missing in the 17 years of the Chilean military government, 1,522 died or disappeared between 11 September and 31 December 1973.<ref>[http://www.lahistoriaparalela.com.ar/2008/01/16/la-verdad-olvidada-del-terrorismo-en-chile/ La verdad olvidada del terrorismo en Chile]</ref> In addition, over a quarter million Chileans were arrested. Universities were purged of terrorist sympathizers, Marxist books were burned, and rival political parties banned.  Thousands of members of the Socialist Party of Chile and the Communist Party of Chile fled the country out of fear of the [[secret police]], which allegedly tortured citizens.<ref>Augusto Pinochet Biography http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/pinochet.html</ref>

During his time in power, including the 1973 coup, at least 1,200 people were killed or vanished in the military crackdown on [[Left Wing Terrorism in Chile]]. The most common estimate is that 3,000 were killed but that number comes from the questionable [[Rettig Report]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.u999999k/2/hi/americas/6167237.stm BBC profile]</ref> Of the confirmed 2,774 Marxist guerrillas and left-wing radicals killed or missing in the 17 years of the Chilean military government, 1,522 died or disappeared between 11 September and 31 December 1973.<ref>[http://www.lahistoriaparalela.com.ar/2008/01/16/la-verdad-olvidada-del-terrorismo-en-chile/ La verdad olvidada del terrorismo en Chile]</ref> In addition, over a quarter million Chileans were arrested. Universities were purged of terrorist sympathizers, Marxist books were burned, and rival political parties banned.  Thousands of members of the Socialist Party of Chile and the Communist Party of Chile fled the country out of fear of the [[secret police]], which allegedly tortured citizens.<ref>Augusto Pinochet Biography http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/pinochet.html</ref>

A new Constitution of the Republic was promulgated in Chile in 1980, which authorized General Pinochet to serve as president for another eight-year term, to be followed by a plebiscite on his presidency.

A new [[Chilean Constitution of 1980|Constitution of the Republic]] was promulgated in Chile in 1980, which authorized General Pinochet to serve as president for another eight-year term, to be followed by a plebiscite on his presidency.

Pinochet allowed the [[Chicago Boys]] to move Chile into a market economy, privatizing many inefficient government businesses, and opening the country to foreign investment. The stability that his government gave encouraged foreign investors to come to Chile. His minister, [[José Piñera]], started one of the first [[private pension accounts|Individual capitalization]] pension systems in the world, which has been highly successful. [[Hernán Büchi]] was responsible for reintroducing economic liberal policies at the end of the government.

Pinochet allowed the [[Chicago Boys]] to move Chile into a market economy, privatizing many inefficient government businesses, and opening the country to foreign investment. The stability that his government gave encouraged foreign investors to come to Chile. His minister, [[José Piñera]], started one of the first [[private pension accounts|Individual capitalization]] pension systems in the world, which has been highly successful. [[Hernán Büchi]] was responsible for reintroducing economic liberal policies at the end of the government.

The head of the attack on Pinochet, was César Bunster, and the communist military chief who has publicly confessed to having been the mastermind of that attack, was Guillermo Teillier, both have never been prosecuted because the courts have held that prescription does operate for them.<ref>{{cite book|title=Historia de la Revolución Militar Chilena 1973 - 1990|author=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]|publisher=Editorial El Roble|date=2019}}</ref>

The head of the attack on Pinochet, was César Bunster, and the communist military chief who has publicly confessed to having been the mastermind of that attack, was Guillermo Teillier, both have never been prosecuted because the courts have held that prescription does operate for them.<ref>{{cite book|title=Historia de la Revolución Militar Chilena 1973 - 1990|author=[[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]]|publisher=Editorial El Roble|date=2019}}</ref>

The men who were killed were:

The men who were killed were:

- Army Corporal 1st Corporal Miguel Angel Guerrero Guzmán.

- Army Corporal 1st Corporal Miguel Angel Guerrero Guzmán.

- 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]].]]

The NED financed numerous leftist entities like trade unions, academic and journalistic organizations. Pinochet knew this and described it as "an act of intervention that cannot be viewed with pleasure by the majority of Chileans, including broad sectors of the opposition".<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_20.html}}</ref>

The NED financed numerous leftist entities like trade unions, academic and journalistic organizations. Pinochet knew this and described it as "an act of intervention that cannot be viewed with pleasure by the majority of Chileans, including broad sectors of the opposition".<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_20.html}}</ref>

The subsequent free presidential elections were won by the [[Christian Democrat]] [[Patricio Aylwin]] with 55.2% of the vote, to whom Pinochet handed over the presidency on March 11, 1990. Nevertheless, Pinochet remained at the head of the Army.

The subsequent free presidential elections were won by the [[Christian Democrat]] [[Patricio Aylwin]] with 55.2% of the vote, to whom Pinochet handed over the presidency on March 11, 1990. Nevertheless, Pinochet remained at the head of the Army until 1998.

==Concertación governments==

==Concertación governments==

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 name="De Poncio Pilatos a Pinochet">{{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''". There was no evidence of malice or fiscal damage in the case.<ref name="De Poncio Pilatos a Pinochet"/><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 "''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.

==Detention in London==

==Detention in London==

 

In 1998, the [[leftists]] who had long hated Pinochet arranged for his arrest while he was in [[London]] receiving medical treatment. An unprecedented arrest warrant was issued in [[Spain]] by judge [[Baltasar Garzón]] for alleged [[human rights]] violations with the charges of "genocide, terrorism and torture" that is accused of being responsible during his government. [[Margaret Thatcher]] was a vocal supporter of Pinochet during the arrest. The stunt failed, and Pinochet was subsequently returned to Chile due to his ill health after a year and five months of detention in England. He returned to his country on March 3, 2000. Upon his return, he had to face numerous lawsuits filed against him in the courts. On June 5, the Court of Appeals decided -by 13 votes to nine- to strip the senator for life of his immunity, a measure that was ratified by the Supreme Court by 14 votes to six. He was later indicted and charged with '[[kidnapping]]' 19 supporters of Salvador Allende (Left Wing Terrorists) during the 1973 coup in which Pinochet took power. The Chilean [[Supreme Court]] suspended the prosecution in July 2002, again due to Pinochet's continuing poor health.

In 1998, the [[leftists]] who had long hated Pinochet arranged for his arrest while he was in [[London]] receiving medical treatment. An unprecedented arrest warrant was issued in [[Spain]] by judge [[Baltasar Garzón]] for alleged [[human rights]] violations with the charges of "genocide, terrorism and torture" that is accused of being responsible during his government. [[Margaret Thatcher]] was a vocal supporter of Pinochet during the arrest. The stunt failed, and Pinochet was subsequently returned to Chile due to his ill health after a year and five months of detention in England. He returned to his country on March 3, 2000. Upon his return, he had to face numerous lawsuits filed against him in the courts. On June 5, the Court of Appeals decided -by 13 votes to nine- to strip the senator for life of his immunity, a measure that was ratified by the Supreme Court by 14 votes to six. He was later indicted and charged with '[[kidnapping]]' 19 supporters of Salvador Allende (Left Wing Terrorists) during the 1973 coup in which Pinochet took power. The Chilean [[Supreme Court]] suspended the prosecution in July 2002, again due to Pinochet's continuing poor health.<ref name=EUvsPinochet/><ref name=Biografia/>

==Trials, persecution and revenge against him==

==Trials, persecution and revenge against him==

[[Image:342px-Pinochet de Civil.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Augusto Pinochet in civilian outfit.]]

[[Image:342px-Pinochet de Civil.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Augusto Pinochet in civilian outfit.]]

On January 29, 2001, Judge Juan Guzmán Tapia put him on trial "as the author of the crimes of kidnapping and aggravated homicide" in the "Caravan of Death" case, after medical examinations proved that his state of health allowed him to face justice.

On January 29, 2001, Judge Juan Guzmán Tapia put him on trial "as the author of the crimes of kidnapping and aggravated homicide" in the "Caravan of Death" case, after medical examinations proved that his state of health allowed him to face justice.

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.

==The hoax about the General's money accounts==

==The hoax about the General's money accounts==

On May 28, 2004, the Court of Appeals approved the dismissal of the former military officer in the "Operation Condor" case, a decision that was ratified by the Supreme Court three months later.

On May 28, 2004, the Court of Appeals approved the dismissal of the former military officer in the "[[Operation Cóndor]]" case, a decision that was ratified by the Supreme Court three months later.

Likewise, the existence of millionaire accounts in the name of Augusto Pinochet in the [[Riggs Bank]] in the [[United States]], an entity strongly questioned for irregularities and money laundering, was made public.

Likewise, the existence of millionaire accounts in the name of Augusto Pinochet in the [[Riggs Bank]] in the [[United States]], an entity strongly questioned for irregularities and money laundering, was made public.

In view of the uncertainty about the origin of the funds, Judge Sergio Muñoz took charge of the investigation as a jurisdictional minister. Both Pinochet and his family members were questioned, while the Internal Revenue Service filed a complaint against him for possible "maliciously incomplete or false" declarations and his assets were seized.

In view of the uncertainty about the origin of the funds, Judge Sergio Muñoz took charge of the investigation as a jurisdictional minister. Both Pinochet and his family members were questioned, while the Internal Revenue Service filed a complaint against him for possible "maliciously incomplete or false" declarations and his assets were seized.

At the same time, the retired soldier underwent new medical examinations, which confirmed that he suffered from moderate subcortical dementia. However, the diagnosis did not prevent Minister Juan Guzmán from putting him on trial as the author of nine aggravated kidnappings and one aggravated homicide in the "Operation Condor" case.

At the same time, the retired soldier underwent new medical examinations, which confirmed that he suffered from moderate subcortical dementia. However, the diagnosis did not prevent Minister Juan Guzmán from putting him on trial as the author of nine aggravated kidnappings and one aggravated homicide in the "Operation Cóndor" case.

Days before, Pinochet had been disqualified for the third time for his alleged responsibility in the murder of former Army Commander-in-Chief Carlos Prats and his wife, Sofía Cuthbert, which took place in [[Buenos Aires]] in 1974. But that was not all. Almost at the end of the year, a serious vascular accident that caused him to lose consciousness forced him to be hospitalized in the Military Hospital, where he remained for some days. 2005 did not start off much better. On January 4, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal filed by his defense to annul his indictment, so the following day he was notified of his house arrest, which he served in his plot of land in Los Boldos, [[Valparaíso Region]].

Days before, Pinochet had been disqualified for the third time for his alleged responsibility in the murder of former Army Commander-in-Chief Carlos Prats and his wife, Sofía Cuthbert, which took place in [[Buenos Aires]] in 1974. But that was not all. Almost at the end of the year, a serious vascular accident that caused him to lose consciousness forced him to be hospitalized in the Military Hospital, where he remained for some days. 2005 did not start off much better. On January 4, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal filed by his defense to annul his indictment, so the following day he was notified of his house arrest, which he served in his plot of land in Los Boldos, [[Valparaíso Region]].

The following month, the former officer suffered a new health crisis and had to be transferred to the Military Hospital after suffering a fainting spell due to a decrease in blood flow.

The following month, the former officer suffered a new health crisis and had to be transferred to the Military Hospital after suffering a fainting spell due to a decrease in blood flow.

On June 7, the full Court of Appeals decided to strip him of his immunity in the context of the investigation into the secret accounts at Riggs Bank. However, on the same day, the Fourth Chamber of the Court of Appeals revoked the indictment against him in the Operation Condor case. Two weeks later, Pinochet was again hospitalized in the Military Hospital after suffering two consecutive fainting spells while having breakfast at home.

On June 7, the full Court of Appeals decided to strip him of his immunity in the context of the investigation into the secret accounts at Riggs Bank. However, on the same day, the Fourth Chamber of the Court of Appeals revoked the indictment against him in the Operation Cóndor case. Two weeks later, Pinochet was again hospitalized in the Military Hospital after suffering two consecutive fainting spells while having breakfast at home.

At the beginning of July, justice stripped him of his immunity for the fifth time in the framework of the so-called Operation Colombo. A month later, his wife and his son Marco Antonio were prosecuted as accomplices to tax fraud, being detained in the Military Hospital and in the Capuchinos Prison annex, respectively.

At the beginning of July, justice stripped him of his immunity for the fifth time in the framework of the so-called Operation Colombo. A month later, his wife and his son Marco Antonio were prosecuted as accomplices to tax fraud, being detained in the Military Hospital and in the Capuchinos Prison annex, respectively.

In October, the Plenary of the Supreme Court confirmed his dismissal for four offenses investigated in the "Riggs" case and during November he was interrogated on several occasions by Ministers Carlos Cerda and Víctor Montiglio.  

In October, the Plenary of the Supreme Court confirmed his dismissal for four offenses investigated in the "Riggs" case and during November he was interrogated on several occasions by Ministers Carlos Cerda and Víctor Montiglio.  

In May, the general (r) is indicted for the aggravated kidnapping of Arturo Barría Araneda, a victim of the Operation Colombo case. Pinochet was detained, but regained his freedom in early June.

In May, the general (r) is indicted for the aggravated kidnapping of Arturo Barría Araneda, a victim of the Operation Colombo case. Pinochet was detained, but regained his freedom in early June.

A month later, the former ruler is stripped of his immunity in the Caravan of Death case. In July he is also interrogated by Minister Alejandro Solís about the crime of General Carlos Prats and his wife Sofía Cuthbert. On August 18, Pinochet was stripped of his immunity for the crime of embezzlement of public funds in the Riggs case.

A month later, the former ruler is stripped of his immunity in the Caravan of Death case. In July he is also interrogated by Minister Alejandro Solís about the crime of General Carlos Prats and his wife Sofía Cuthbert. On August 18, Pinochet was stripped of his immunity for the crime of embezzlement of public funds in the Riggs case.

In September and October, the courts ordered two new disqualifications of the former ruler: for kidnapping and torture in Villa Grimaldi, and for illicit association and kidnapping in the Berríos case.

In September and October, the courts ordered two new disqualifications of the former ruler: for kidnapping and torture in Villa Grimaldi, and for illicit association and kidnapping in the Berríos case.<ref name=Biografia/>

===Gold bullion hoax===

===Gold bullion hoax===

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>

== See also ==

== See also ==

*[[Augusto Pinochet regime (Chile, 1973–90)]]

*[[Augusto Pinochet regime (Chile, 1973–90)]]

*[[Military Political Prisioners of Chile]]

*[[Military Political Prisioners of Chile]]

*[[Gallery of Chilean Heroes]]

*[[Gallery of Chilean Heroes]]

*[[Miguel Krassnoff]]

*[[Miguel Krassnoff]]

*[[Jair Bolsonaro]]

*[[Jair Bolsonaro]]

== External links ==

== External links ==

*[https://odysee.com/@CapitalistChile:0/THE-PINOCHET-DOCUMENTARY-360p:4?lid=1fd9653478d44db1f87cc8647f820a8669cc3b81 The Pinochet Documentary - English subtitles]

*[https://odysee.com/THE-PINOCHET-DOCUMENTARY-360p:4?lid=1fd9653478d44db1f87cc8647f820a8669cc3b81 The Pinochet Documentary - English subtitles]

*[https://odysee.com/@CapitalistChile:0/the-augusto-pinochet-story-never-told:5 Pinochet, the story never told]

*[https://odysee.com/the-augusto-pinochet-story-never-told:5 Pinochet, the story never told]

*[https://librospinochetistas.blogspot.com/ Pinochetist Books]

== References ==  

== References ==  

[[Category:Patriots]]

[[Category:Patriots]]

[[Category:Anti-Communism]]

[[Category:Anti-Communism]]

[[Category:Pro Second Amendment]]

[[Category:Cold War in Chile]]

[[Category:Anti-Communists]]