The National Institute of Human Rights (Indh) denounced the “untimely presence of military personnel” in the old Arica autodrome. This happened while They developed activities of the National Search and Justice Plan. The proceedings sought to clarify the whereabouts of victims of forced disappearance during the dictatorship.
According to the agency, the work was carried out between July 7 and 10 in a place considered key to research. The minister on visit, Sergio Troncoso Espinozaheaded the actions. State institutions, relatives of victims and human rights organizations participated, revealed the INDH.
The MTO said that according to press and testimonies information of relatives, Army staff arrived at the place without prior coordination. “There was no clear justification or formal mandate” for its intervention during the proceedings, it is read in the public declaration of the agency.
The military presence generated a “serious emotional disturbance for family members.” The INDH explained that they perceived the irruption as an “intimidating act” for the symbolism of their presence in a place linked to executions.
INDH shows solidarity and claims responsibilities
The organism expressed solidarity with the relatives of the victims for the psychological affectation suffered. He stressed that the reaction of those present was based on their historical experiences.
In addition, the INDH demanded that the Army specify the reasons for its “surprise presence” in the place. The institution demanded transparency on the reasons that led to the non -coordinated deployment.
The Institute recalled that Chile has the obligation to provide “justice, truth, reparation and guarantees of non -repetition” to human rights violations. This duty emanates from international treaties and the Political Constitution.
The actions of the National Search Plan “must guarantee the psychological shelter and the dignity of family members.” The INDH emphasized the need to “avoid revictimization” in every procedure.
Therefore, the agency urged the institutions involved to reinforce security protocols. This implies “an adequate inter -institutional coordination in contexts of high emotional and symbolic impact.”
Finally, the INDH announced that it will continue to monitor the case. It will monitor that civil and military authorities adjust their conduct to international human rights standards.
Public Declaration (s) of INDH for untimely presence of military in proceedings of the National Search Plan.https://t.co/FrUwoY7m8w pic.twitter.com/pT0z6crAJH
– INDH Chile (@inddhh) July 11, 2025
