Minister Rabat Confirms Pending Pardon Requests
In a recent session of the Senate's Human Rights, Nationality, and Citizenship Committee, Justice and Human Rights Minister Fernando Rabat disclosed that there are currently 28 requests for pardons under review. This announcement followed a query from Senator Fabiola Campillai, the committee's president, who raised concerns about the number of requests associated with state agents convicted for actions that occurred during the dictatorship and the social uprising. Campillai also questioned whether the exercise of this power could lead to impunity.
Minister Rabat elaborated on the existing legal framework under which these requests are assessed, noting the distinction between the current law and potential future legal amendments. He emphasized that the current legislation grants the President the authority to make decisions regarding specific pardons. He stated, "Today, there is an existing law that empowers the President of the Republic to issue resolutions concerning particular pardons." Furthermore, he assured that each case would be evaluated individually, asserting that "these specific pardons will be processed on a case-by-case basis, considering the details associated with each application."
Regarding the specifics of the pardon requests, Rabat indicated that of the 28 pending requests, nearly 20 were submitted before March 11, 2026, while the remaining cases cover various matters, not all related to the social upheaval. This session also aimed to review the legislative priorities of the Justice Ministry and discuss policies focused on protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including children, adolescents, and the elderly.
As reported by radio.uchile.cl.
