In Chile, authorities have detained Cristian Labbé, former mayor of Providencia, on accusations of conspiring to kidnap and murder individuals during General Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship. Labbé, who served as Pinochet’s bodyguard, was allegedly involved in operations at Tejas Verdes, a notorious center for torture and executions. Despite his controversial past, he was repeatedly elected by the diverse, predominantly upper-middle-class constituents of Providencia after the dictatorship ended.
During his tenure as mayor, he was infamous for preserving the remnants of the dictatorship. He staunchly opposed renaming September 11 Avenue, a major thoroughfare that memorializes the date of Pinochet’s coup. Locals often altered street signs, playfully renaming it “Mal Día” or “Terrible” instead of 11 Septiembre.
Moreover, Labbé’s actions extended beyond mere symbolism, committing acts recognizable as human rights violations. When students as young as 14 peacefully occupied high schools across the nation to demand education reforms, Providencia was notably the only area where police responded with tear gas to remove them. Even when elementary school children were present, the use of tear gas in closed settings persisted. Labbé closed various schools unilaterally and attempted to expel students residing outside the borough, counter to a national policy allowing free school choice. In essence, he endorsed extrajudicial measures, including the vicious corporal punishment of tear gas, against minors. When confronted about his actions, he dismissed the concerns of his constituents.
His intimidating demeanor, coupled with a changing demographic in Providencia (the die-hard supporters of the dictatorship moving further away or simply passing away), resulted in his electoral defeat in 2012. Following his loss, he was so disheartened he stopped attending work during his remaining time in office. The inaugural city council meeting under the new mayor erupted in celebration for the new administration, which promptly renamed September 11 Avenue back to its previous title, New Providencia.
What transpired at Tejas Verdes remains uncertain. It is now the job of the courts to uncover the truth. In any case, this exemplifies how Chile serves as a lesson for the more “developed” world in addressing human rights violations.