Nearly 300 detained in Chile at protests marking Pinochet coup anniversary

Nearly 300 individuals were detained in Chile on Saturday during protests marking the 53rd anniversary of the 1973 military coup led by Augusto Pinochet. The demonstrations, which took place across key locations in Santiago, were a response to the regime's legacy of violence and human rights abuses. In total, 198 incidents of violence were reported, resulting in 284 arrests, marking an 80% increase compared to the previous year. No civilians were injured, and no damage was caused to public transportation.

The main protests occurred at Santiago's General Cemetery, where the mausoleum of the Allende family, who was the country's socialist president prior to the coup, is located. Other significant demonstrations took place at the La Moneda presidential palace and Chile's National Stadium. The stadium was notably used as a detention and torture center following the coup.

For the first time since the return of democracy in 1990, there were no official commemorative events organized by the government. This decision was made by José Antonio Kast, who was elected as Chile's president earlier this year and is known for his sympathetic stance towards Pinochet and his dictatorship. Among those arrested were 16 foreigners and 31 minors. Security Minister Martín Arrau stated that despite the unrest, there were no civilian injuries and no damage to public transport infrastructure.

Among the protesters were the daughter and former senator of the deceased president, Isabel Allende, as well as former president Gabriel Boric. Both figures were present to denounce the military regime's actions. The demonstrations also highlighted the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition of the atrocities committed during the Pinochet dictatorship.