Chilean Parliament Erupts in Controversy Over Ministry of Public Security

A heated debate has erupted in the Chilean Chamber of Deputies over a proposed law on the rules of use of force (RUF) and the creation of the Ministry of Public Security. The controversy centers around a provision that would allow military courts to try police officers accused of crimes committed during their duties in certain circumstances.

Why this matters: This controversy highlights the ongoing struggle to reconcile Chile's past with its present, and the proposed law has significant implications for the country's justice system and the balance of power between the military and civilian authorities. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching consequences for Chile's democratic institutions and its ability to address human rights abuses.

The provision, endorsed by right-wing parties, would allow military courts to try police officers in four scenarios: in a state of constitutional exception, in the protection of critical infrastructure, border areas, or electoral processes. Opposition deputies argue that it would undermine the principle of equality before the law and create a special status for the military.

Deputy Andrés Jouannet (Democrats) defended his vote in favor, citing the need for the military to have guarantees when intervening in high-crime areas. "When they start killing councilors and mayors as happens permanently in Mexico, we will reach out to the military, but it will be too late because the criminals will have been in the towns for a long time and drug trafficking is there today," he said.

However, Deputy Miguel Ángel Calisto (Democrats) expressed reservations, saying the proposal could be challenged in the Constitutional Court. Deputy Leonardo Soto (PS) criticized it as creating a privileged status for the military and undermining due process.

Tensions flared when Deputy Sergio Bobadilla (UDI) called on government officials to apologize for having worn the "miserable shirt" of the "Matapacos" dog, a reference to a dog used to intimidate protesters during Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship. Deputy Consuelo Veloso (independent, FA) fired back, saying "The so-called Negro Matapacos is a dog that yes has a violent name for relatives of Carabineros and they have every reason to bother, but to the right I say: That dog did not kill anyone, while the dog that they continue to raise in the photo every day and every September 11, that genocidal dog killed civilians and uniformed personnel."

Key Takeaways

• Chile's Chamber of Deputies debates law on rules of use of force (RUF) and Ministry of Public Security.
• Controversial provision allows military courts to try police officers in certain circumstances.
• Opponents argue it undermines equality before the law and creates special status for military.
• Proponents cite need for military guarantees in high-crime areas and protecting critical infrastructure.
• Debate highlights ongoing tensions and legacy of Pinochet dictatorship in Chile's political discourse.