"Inmates at an infamous high-security military prison in Chile, which houses the perpetrators of dictatorship-era human rights crimes, are set to lose their privileged conditions under plans to incorporate the prison into the public prison network. President Gabriel Boric announced on Monday that Punta Peuco is being transformed into a regular prison to help deal with overcrowding in the penitentiary system."
"It has long been viewed as a symbol of the preferential treatment afforded to those convicted of human rights abuses under Gen Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, who are often allowed to serve their terms away from common criminals in specially designated facilities. The fact that Chile has a special prison like this has no justification, said Boric. From today forward, Chile will no longer have first and secondary category prisoners. Places will be decided according to security criteria, not privilege"
President Gabriel Boric announced Punta Peuco will be transformed into a regular prison to help deal with overcrowding in the penitentiary system. Inmates at Punta Peuco have access to ample common areas, including tennis courts, barbecue facilities, a library and a television room. The prison has been a symbol of preferential treatment for those convicted of human rights abuses under Gen Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship. Boric said Chile will no longer have first and secondary category prisoners and that placements will be decided by security criteria, not privilege. Chile's prison service reports 141 men at Punta Peuco, average age about 80, most former members of Pinochet's intelligence service and secret police, including Miguel Krassnoff, who is serving more than 1,000 years. The prison service cited security concerns when declining to comment on relocation or integration plans. Far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast criticised the decision and accused Boric of seeking to build a legacy.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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