Augusto Pinochet

About Augusto Pinochet

The Chilean military dictator who ruled from 1973 to 1990. Pinochet overthrew Salvador Allende in a violent coup. His regime killed over 3,000 people, tortured tens of thousands, and drove many into exile. Pinochet implemented free market economic reforms advised by the Chicago Boys, trained at the University of Chicago. The reforms transformed the economy but increased inequality. Pinochet was arrested in London in 1998 on Spanish charges of torture but was released on health grounds. He died in 2006 without facing trial. His legacy divides Chile between economic success and human rights atrocities.