Evelyn Matthei y figura de Pinochet: “Me duele lo de los DDHH"

Evelyn Matthei, the mayor of Providencia, Chile, recently sparked controversy by expressing support for former dictator Augusto Pinochet. In a radio interview, Matthei lamented the emphasis placed on human rights abuses committed during Pinochet’s regime, saying that it “hurts me about human rights.” Matthei also argued that Pinochet’s policies were necessary to prevent Chile from becoming communist and praised his economic achievements. Matthei’s comments drew strong criticism from human rights groups and politicians across the political spectrum. Many saw her statements as an attempt to rehabilitate Pinochet’s image and downplay the crimes committed under his rule. However, Matthei defended her stance, saying that she was merely expressing an opinion and that she did not condone violations of human rights. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate in Chile over how to remember Pinochet’s legacy and the still-painful memories of the dictatorship-era abuses.