Majority of Chileans Oppose Pardons for Human Rights Abusers from Pinochet Era, Right-Wing Support Stands at 53%

Original article: 59% rechaza indultos a condenados por violaciones a los DD.HH. durante la dictadura, pero en la derecha el apoyo llega al 53%

59% of the Chilean populace rejects the idea of granting pardons to military personnel convicted of human rights violations committed during Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship, according to the latest survey from Agenda Criteria, released on September 13, 2026.

The poll, conducted on September 13, 2026, queried 802 participants, aged 18 and older, from various socioeconomic backgrounds across the country, asking: “Considering the military personnel convicted of human rights violations during Augusto Pinochet’s military government, how much do you agree or disagree with granting them a pardon?” The 59% responded that they strongly disagree or disagree.

Meanwhile, 30% of respondents expressed that they are strongly in favor or in favor of granting these pardons, while 11% indicated they were uncertain.

According to the study conducted via an online panel, 91% of those identifying as left-wing disapprove of granting such benefits to the convicted, whereas 53% of right-wing respondents support pardons, and 62% of center-aligned individuals expressed opposition to the initiative.

Among those who do not identify with any political group, 57% strongly disagree or disagree with granting pardons, while 25% are in favor, and 18% remain uncertain.

The Criteria Survey also examined public sentiment regarding whether convicted military personnel should receive a pardon if suffering from a terminal illness. A significant 52% expressed strong disagreement or disagreement with this possibility, while 39% supported it and 9% were unsure.

Dissatisfaction with this pardon option reaches 87% among left-leaning citizens and 52% among centrists. Conversely, right-wing supporters show a 66% approval with only 27% opposing.

Among those lacking any political allegiance, 52% strongly disagree or disagree with pardons, while 32% agree.

The poll results align with recent statements from Justice Minister Fernando Rabat, who confirmed that there are over 100 pardon requests, most linked to incidents occurring in 1973, following the coup d’état.

In an interview on the program «Mesa Central» on T13, Rabat detailed, «There are indeed many applications, over 100. Files are being organized, and a significant number are also on my desk to analyze.» He emphasized that the requests are predominantly concerning events from 1973.

47% Believe Kast Has Increased Political Division

The latest Criteria survey also assessed public perceptions regarding political division in Chile, 53 years after the coup d’état, and the roles various leaders have played in this context.

The survey specifically evaluated former presidents Sebastián Piñera, Michelle Bachelet, Gabriel Boric, and José Antonio Kast, posing the question: “Based on what you know or have heard, what have the following former presidents of Chile done during their administrations concerning political division in society?.” The current president received the lowest rating, with 47% claiming he has harmed by increasing political division, while 34% believe he has done nothing and only 19% think he has helped reduce it.