57 arrests during march in memory of Chilean dictatorship victims

Monday 08 September 2025 - 07:15

By: Sahili Aya

57 arrests during march in memory of Chilean dictatorship victims

At least 57 people were detained on Sunday in Santiago following clashes with police during the annual march held in memory of the victims of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship (1973–1990), according to police reports.

The demonstration took place just days before the 52nd anniversary of the military coup led by General Pinochet on September 11, 1973, which overthrew the socialist government of Salvador Allende.

Around 2,000 people gathered near La Moneda presidential palace before marching toward the General Cemetery, about four kilometers north.

“After several incidents along the route, 57 individuals, including 11 minors, were arrested,” police announced on social media, adding that no injuries were reported.

Those arrested face charges including the making and throwing of incendiary devices, disturbing public order, vandalism, and carrying bladed weapons. Demonstrators hurled stones, flares, and Molotov cocktails, while police responded with tear gas and water cannons.

Clashes erupted near La Moneda, at intersections, and around the cemetery, involving masked protesters and riot police.

“The country has no memory. We must build this memory, because denialism is deeply rooted,” said Ana María Carreño, 68, whose father Manuel Antonio and brother Iván Sergio are among the dictatorship’s disappeared.

The Pinochet regime left around 3,200 victims dead or missing, according to human rights organizations.