‘Augusto Pinochet’ the movie opens to violent protest in Santiago, Chile

GlobalPost

Violent protests accompanied the screening Sunday of a documentary — "Pinochet" — glorifying the former military regime of General Augusto Pinochet in Chile's capital Santiago.

According to media reports, police used tear gas and water cannons to break up one demonstration, the Associated Press reported, adding that 22 people were injured in clashes and 64 were arrested.

The New York Times reported that police had sealed off the area around Teatro Caupolican as protesters threw eggs, spat at attendees, and shouted "assassins" and "fascists."

The theater was also the site of political rallies against Pinochet during his 17-year dictatorship. 

About 3,000 opponents of his regime died in torture chambers, BBC pointed out.

According to the AP, the film paints Pinochet — who seized power in 1973, overthrowing the democratically-elected Marxist president Salvador Allende — as a national hero who died victimized by vengeful leftists.

The screening was organized by Corporacion 11 de Septiembre, named for the day when Pinochet seized power, and attended by his grandson, retired Captain Augusto Pinochet Molina, who gave an address to the audience of "Pinochetistas" waving Chilean flags.

"We want to set the record straight on Pinochet," Juan Gonzalez, a retired army officer told the AP.

"We have stoically put up with the lies and cheating and seen how the story has been manipulated."

RTT billed it as the largest gathering of Pinochet supporters since his death in 2006, with his supporters insisting on their right to free speech and expression.

However relatives of the regime's victims have been outraged by his glorification in the controversial film.

More from GlobalPost: Augusto Pinochet: Will opened in Chile, revealing… nothing

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 226 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!