The other 9/11 – Chile’s 1973 coup

While many people associate the date of 9/11 with the 2001 terrorist actions in the U.S., others also remember 9/11 as the date in 1973 when the Chilean government headed by Salvador Allende was toppled by a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet. Since then, Chileans have been divided over the effects of the coup and the subsequent Pinochet dictatorship; some praise Pinochet’s leadership against communism and in favor of free market measures whereas other denounced widespread human rights abuses and political persecution.

Though sporadic violence erupted yesterday, millions of Chileans domestically and abroad peacefully commemorated the 33^rd anniversary of the coup. At a ceremony in the La Moneda presidential palace attended by Allende’s family, President Michelle Bachelet insisted that her countrymen “work for a better and deeper democracy.” Pinochet had his immunity stripped last week and may be prosecuted for human rights violations committed during his 17-year dictatorship.

For a few people, both anniversaries of 9/11 are viewed in nearly the same light.

Chile, human rights, international politics