Chile President Urges Justice on Coup Anniversary

[Judi Lynn]

Chile President Urges Justice on Coup Anniversary
World | Agence France-Presse | Updated: September 12, 2014 10:03 IST

Santiago: Chile's president marked the 41st anniversary on Thursday of the coup that brought Augusto Pinochet to power by urging those with details about crimes committed during the dictatorship to come forward.

The September 11, 1973 coup led to the overthrow of socialist president Salvador Allende.

The day of commemoration ended with clashes between protesters and police in at least seven districts of the capital Santiago.

Six police were hurt, one of them shot in the foot, and 10 demonstrator were detained, police said in a preliminary tally.

Indeed, the date remains divisive 24 years after the return of democracy in the South American country. The late Pinochet still has fervent supporters despite his regime's "dirty war" against leftist opponents, when 3,200 people were killed and 38,000 tortured.

"Enough of the painful waiting and unjustified silences," President Michelle Bachelet said at an emotional ceremony in the La Moneda Palace.

"It is essential that those who have relevant information surrender it, whether they're military or civilian."

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