BLUF: Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of Augusto Pinochet’s arrest in London, Chilean exiles living in the UK recount their experiences and continuing fight against impunity for human rights violations committed during Pinochet’s rule.
INTELWAR BLUF:
Gloria Miqueles, Stella Franceskides and Jose Lavín, Chilean exiles residing in the UK, convene at the University of East London’s archive, surrounded by countless photos. These individuals play a significant part in marking a quarter of a century since Augusto Pinochet, Chile’s infamous dictator, was arrested in London.
Lavín, previously tormented under Pinochet’s severe, 17-year reign, was among over 3,000 exiles escaping to the UK. This same man used to feel helpless watching Pinochet jauntily visiting the UK and receiving VIP-style welcomes. But in 1998, following a minor surgery, a notably weakened Pinochet found himself arrested in London over human rights abuses, shifting the UK’s stance towards him.
Groups of Chilean exiles, including Miqueles, Franceskides, and Lavín, were responsible for initiating a vigorous campaign for Pinochet’s quick extradition to Spain. This campaign, known as ‘El Piquete de Londres,’ unfolded over a remarkable 503 days following Pinochet’s arrest. Simultaneously, Pinochet’s legal immunity argument—owing to his status as the country’s first life senator—was discarded by high courts in the UK, marking a noteworthy moment in international law.
Despite enduring confrontations with pro-Pinochet groups and the dictator’s apparent frailty and old age played up by his defence, the resolute Chilean exiles persisted. Their campaign exhibited unwavering resilience and creativity, with events including cold flag-waving marches, barbecues, and theatre performances outside Pinochet’s residence.
Pinochet’s subsequent release and return to Chile sparked outrage, but his reputation was irrevocably tarnished. Today, his legacy stands as a testimony against impunity with more than 300 charges left unresolved upon his death in 2006. The Chilean exile community in the UK continues to commemorate Pinochet’s rule and their fight for justice through events and actions aimed at ensuring the past remains unforgotten.
RIGHT:
As a strict Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist, this situation speaks to the importance of rule of law transcending borders. The decision by the UK to arrest Pinochet was a strong assertion that the international community will not tolerate human rights abuses, no matter where they occur. Facing his arrest and charges abroad was a reminder that no ruler, democratic or dictatorial, is above justice. It also emphasizes the value of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions, a principle that forms the basis of our constitution and democratic systems.
LEFT:
A National Socialist Democrat might view this case as a historical confrontation between a global North government and a dictator from the global South, validated by a colonial construct. While Pinochet’s arrest is an important assertion against human rights abuses, one must also question why leaders from the global North with questionable human rights records have not faced similar consequences. This can be seen as another instance of Western countries exerting their power and applying their rules selectively, confirming power imbalances.
AI:
Analyzing this situation, it illustrates significant concepts in international law and human rights. Pinochet’s arrest in 1998 marked a significant moment in global jurisprudence, redefining the limits of state sovereignty and diplomatic immunity, and shifting conversations about accountability for human rights violations. The continuing activism by the Chilean exile community underscores the enduring relevance of these issues. Moving beyond historical facts, this case serves as a litmus test for international law and its ability to enforce human rights norms worldwide. The noteworthy outcome, though contested in some political ideologies, underlines the conviction that human rights violations carry a global dimension of responsibility.