Chile: Minister of Justice resigns amid scandal over presidential pardons
Hundreds of people were arbitrarily arrested during the 2019 social uprising. Here in Santiago, December 12, 2019. REUTERS / Pablo Sanhueza
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The President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, confirmed on Saturday January 7 that he had accepted the resignation of his Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Marcela Ríos in the context of the controversy over the pardons granted to people doomed during the social upheaval that preceded Boric's rise to power.
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It was one of Gabriel Boric's campaign promises: to grant
pardons to those convicted during the social upheaval in 2019
, which preceded his coming to power.
The police violently suppressed these mass demonstrations against inequality and the rising cost of living, leaving 30 dead and 400 injured.
Hundreds of demonstrators had been arbitrarily detained, others had been charged.
On December 30, on the recommendations of his Minister of Justice, President Boric pardoned thirteen people instead of the eleven initially planned.
Among them, a convict, already convicted of multiple thefts and burglaries.
This release provokes an outcry in the opposition, which intends to file a complaint against the Minister of Justice, Marcela Ríos, on Monday.
The minister preempted the filing of the complaint by resigning.
Boric recognizes "
irregularities
"
For his part, Gabriel Boric admits irregularities in the process of granting pardons and says he assumes his responsibilities.
"
Due to irregularities in the execution of my decision to grant pardons and also taking into account the need to strengthen the political management of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, I have decided to accept the resignation of Marcela Ríos Tobar from this portfolio
,” said Gabriel Boric on Saturday.
She is replaced by lawyer Luis Cordero.
“
When situations of this nature occur in politics, we must assume our responsibilities.
To replace her, I have decided to appoint the eminent lawyer Luis Cordero Vega
,” he also announced.
Another collateral victim of these presidential pardons, one of Gabriel Boric's most loyal collaborators: his chief of staff, Matias Meza-Lopehandia.
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Chile
Gabriel Boric
Justice