Chile: Justice ratifies convictions against former Pinochet secret police officers

Published at: 19/03/2026 04:05 PM

This Thursday, the Supreme Court of Chile ratified the prison sentences against Pedro Espinoza and Juvenal Piña, former members of the National Intelligence Directorate (DINA).

The country's highest court dismissed the defense appeals and confirmed the responsibility of both in crimes committed during the military regime. This judicial decision represents a new step in the resolution of pending cases for human rights violations that occurred five decades ago in the nation.

For this reason, the sentence was carried out corresponding to the qualified kidnapping of Rodolfo Núñez Benavides, a member of the Communist Party. Investigations determined that officers were actively involved in the arrest and subsequent disappearance of the victim.

The magistrates based their ruling on evidence that proves the direct participation of those convicted today in the repressive structure that operated systematically in the country.

This ruling is in addition to a series of judicial proceedings that seek to punish crimes against humanity committed between 1973 and 1990. During that period, official figures record more than 40,000 victims of various abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture and murders.

The Chilean judicial system keeps dozens of similar files under review to clarify the whereabouts of hundreds of citizens who are still missing.

Mazo News Team