52 Films by Women Vol 7. 34. 1976 (Director: Manuela Martelli)
Leading a military coup in Chile on September 11, 1973, and installing himself as Head of State, General Augusto Pinochet Duarte remains a controversial figure. To some, he saved the country’s economy, ushering a boom between 1976 and 1979. Far more will recall the brutal repression, his secret police arresting 130,000 people, including foreign nationals, many of whom were tortured. Of those who ‘disappeared’, the number killed is estimated at 3,000. He remained in power for two eight-year terms of office. Attempting to have his rule extended by a further eight years in 1989, Pinochet was rejected by 55% of voters. He relinquished the Presidency in 1990 but remained as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces until 1998. Whilst in London to undergo back surgery in October that year, Spain issued a warrant for his arrest for his part in the torture of Spanish citizens. He was placed under house arrest in the UK until 2000, when he was finally returned to Chile owing to ill health. C...