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Chilean Court Clears Officer in Blinding Protest Case

2/12/2026

28 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Chilean court absolved Lt Col Claudio Crespo of wrongdoing for shooting and blinding Gustavo Gatica during the 2019 protests.
Gustavo Gatica plans to appeal and says the verdict fosters impunity.
The ruling raises concerns about heavy-handed policing as Chile prepares for President José Antonio Kast's inauguration.
Activists warn the protests framework has worsened.
Only 219 of over 11,500 human rights cases have led to prosecutions.

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Story summary

A Chilean court absolved Lt Col Claudio Crespo of wrongdoing for shooting and blinding Gustavo Gatica during the 2019 protests.
Gustavo Gatica plans to appeal and says the verdict fosters impunity.
The ruling raises concerns about heavy-handed policing as Chile prepares for President José Antonio Kast's inauguration.
Activists warn the protests framework has worsened.
Only 219 of over 11,500 human rights cases have led to prosecutions.