Special Analysis
Feeling Heal on Human Rights
evidence of human rights violations during the Pinochet era is complicating President Aylwin's moderate approach to the issue and Straining civil-military relations.
Recent discovery in Pisaguaass grave for leftists executed by the military after3 coup has led to public outrage and debate among political parlies about human rights. The far left is pressing for ihe removal of Pinochet as Army Commander and the repeal of his Amnesty Law, which protects human rights violators. Leftist extremists are assassinating military officers accused of atrocities. Center-left politicians in the ruling coalition reportedly feel compelled to pay lipscrvicc to extreme positions to retain the moral high ground. The moderate right is stressing the need for reconciliation, arguing that digging up the past will jeopardize political stability.!
military is on the defensive, showing its discomfort with Aylwin's human rights policy. Pinochet has publicly criticized the Aylwin government's handling of past human rights violations, claiming the "civil war" after3 coup justified repression; the previously moderate Navy Chief recently echoed that position. The Air Force Chief hoi publicly admitted his service commitied abuses under Pinochet.!
Aylwin has moved quickly to limit damage caused by Pisagua.
administration's initial reactionun decision to investigate the atrocity was uncoordinated and that one minister criticized the Court's failure to investigate other military abuses. Aylwin has since consulted with church, military, and opposition party representatives and has emphasized that the military is willing to cooperate in the investigations
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fallout, nevertheless, is likely to narrowroom on issues related to human rights and theas judicial reform. Although the outcry over Pisaguahis creation last monthommission torights abuses, it also shows the trouble he probably willtrying to satisfy Chileans with the pace and scope ofrevelations of atrocities are likely, raising the risk the far*iU increase terrorist activity to show its frustration with
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