In a controversial measure that has raised multiple criticisms, the Government has decided to revoke a total of 27 grace pensions awarded to victims of the social outbreak, as confirmed by the Comptroller’s Office this Friday.
The controversy broke out after a CGR report was revealed, in which it was detected that 58 beneficiaries had criminal records. Furthermore, it was highlighted that 19 of the files did not present any medical history.
Although it is understandable that measures are taken in the face of irregularities in the delivery of grace pensions, the way in which this process has been carried out raises serious questions about justice and arbitrariness in the Government’s actions.
First of all, it is worrying that the revocation of these pensions is based on criminal records without taking into account the context in which they occurred. Many of these people were victims of police violence during the social outbreak, a period marked by state repression and serious human rights violations. Is it fair to punish those who have already suffered so much?
Furthermore, the lack of medical history in some records does not automatically justify the revocation of a pension. Many of these people may have been left with physical or psychological consequences as a result of the repression during the protests, which would justify their need for financial support.
The Government’s decision to revoke these pensions without a thorough and fair review of each individual case seems more like a political measure intended to generate headlines and appease certain sectors of society that have criticized the provision of benefits to people involved in social protests.
Additionally, the discrepancy in the number of pensions revoked, initially noted as 27 and later corrected to 25, reflects a lack of transparency and clarity in the process, raising even more doubts about the legitimacy of these actions.
It is important to remember that grace pensions are a reparation mechanism for people who have suffered harm during social or political conflicts, and their revocation without due process and a fair evaluation of each case puts at risk trust in the institutions and in the Rule of law.
In this sense, it is essential that the Government acts with responsibility and respect for the rights of all people, especially those who have been victims of state violence. Justice must not be selective or subject to political considerations, but must be impartial and guarantee respect for the human rights of all citizens.
In a public statement, CODEPU expressed on February 20 its deep concern and disagreement with this measure, which it considers extremely serious and contrary to the principles of justice and reparation.
During the social outbreak, Chile faced one of the most serious human rights crises in its recent history. CODEPU denounces the punishment policy deployed by the State, which resulted in widespread violations of human rights committed by state agents. These violations include deaths, eye trauma, injuries and abuse of preventive detention, practices that have left deep consequences in Chilean society.