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January 2, 2013

Chile: 8 Ex-Army Officers Charged in Murder of Singer Victor Jara 
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In Chile, eight former army officers have been charged for their role in
the murder of protest singer Victor Jara 40 years ago. Jara was arrested
and tortured after the U.S.-backed overthrow of democratically elected
President Salvador Allende. His hands were smashed so he could not play
guitar before he was shot more than 40 times. A Chilean judge has now
ordered the arrest of two officers believed to have committed the murder
and six others who allegedly acted as accomplices. Human rights lawyer
Nelson Caucoto discussed the significance of the decision.

Nelson Caucoto: "It is historical for this country when people like
Victor Jara and additionally, all of the other victims of the
dictatorship, can have this possibility, that a judge can reach this
level of the process and pinpoint the responsibility of the army
officials."

 

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