Chile's Coronavirus Lockdown Sparks Widespread Human Rights Abuse

Strategic Insights -

As the pandemic ravages the country, Chilean residents are facing intense repression at the hands of security forces. The lockdown has forced millions out of work, and those in poor neighborhoods are struggling to survive, with protests met with violent crackdowns. Activists and human rights groups have documented arbitrary detentions, abuse, and even torture, while the police deny any wrongdoing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Widespread protests against food shortages and lack of support during the lockdown have been met with violent repression, including teargas, rubber bullets, and arrest.
  • Amnesty International has gathered numerous accounts of arbitrary detentions and abuse, including the indiscriminate use of teargas and rubber bullets against people breaking curfew.
  • At least 30 people died and thousands were wounded during the wave of protests against inequality last year, and activists say human rights violations have continued under the guise of enforcing pandemic orders.
  • Since March, over 163,957 people were detained for "crimes against public health," and arrests in their thousands continue on a daily basis.
  • The government's measures to help vulnerable families, including care packages and a freeze in bill payments, have been deemed insufficient by activists and volunteers.
  • Chile has one of the highest global death rates, with 58.28 deaths per 100,000 population, higher than Brazil's 55.05 deaths.

Statistics:

  • 163,957 people were detained for "crimes against public health" between March 19 and August 2.
  • Over 30 people died and thousands were wounded during last year's protests against inequality.
  • 465 people were shot in the eye by crowd control weapons during the protests.
  • Chile has over 400,000 cases and nearly 11,000 deaths.
  • 58.28 deaths per 100,000 population in Chile, compared to Brazil's 55.05 deaths.

Sources:

  • Amnesty International Chile, quoted statements by Ana Piquer, executive director.
  • Carabineros police force, quoted statements.
  • Reuters, photograph by Iván Alvarado.