Chile's Controversial Police Verdict: A Case of Blinded Protester Gustavo Gatica

On 8 November 2019, protests erupted in Santiago, Chile, amid widespread unrest over social inequalities. During these demonstrations, Gustavo Gatica, a 21-year-old psychology student, was shot in the face by Lt Col Claudio Crespo, resulting in permanent blindness. Following a 14-month trial, a Santiago court found Crespo responsible for Gatica's injuries but acquitted him of wrongdoing, citing "legitimate defense." This verdict has raised concerns about police accountability and the implications for human rights in Chile.

The Guardian

The protests of 2019 were sparked by public discontent over various social issues, leading millions to take to the streets. Initially, a majority of Chileans viewed these protests positively; however, public sentiment has shifted dramatically over the years. By October 2022, 63% of respondents considered the protests negative. The political landscape has also changed, with the inauguration of far-right president José Antonio Kast in March 2026, who has dismissed the protests as violent and economically damaging.

The Guardian

Gustavo Gatica has become a symbol of police violence in Chile. After the court's decision, he expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the need for accountability to uphold democracy. In contrast, Lt Col Claudio Crespo celebrated the verdict and has been embraced by far-right factions as a defender of public order. Amnesty International's Rodrigo Bustos criticized the ruling, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for future human rights violations.

The Guardian

The acquittal of Crespo has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates. Judith Schönsteiner, a researcher at the Universidad Diego Portales, highlighted the lack of accountability for police actions during the protests, noting that only a small fraction of cases have resulted in convictions. Critics argue that the ruling legitimizes excessive force by law enforcement and undermines the rights of citizens to protest peacefully.

The Guardian

In response to the verdict, Gatica stated, “I am not happy with the outcome... it is relevant for the good of democracy that these cases do not result in impunity.” Meanwhile, Bustos warned that the legal framework governing protests has deteriorated since 2019, making it more likely that human rights violations will occur in future demonstrations.

The Guardian

As Chile prepares for potential future protests, the implications of the Crespo verdict and the recent legislative changes favoring police actions raise concerns among human rights advocates. The situation remains precarious, with experts warning that the current legal environment could lead to further violations of citizens' rights.

The Guardian

• “I think that it is relevant for the good of democracy that these cases do not result in impunity.” — Gustavo Gatica, Blinded Protester

The Guardian

• “When there is impunity, it allows more human rights violations to occur in the future.” — Rodrigo Bustos, Amnesty International

The Guardian

• “If people decide to protest peacefully in Chile for any legitimate reason, there could be violations of their human rights as the legal framework is in a worse state than in 2019,” — Rodrigo Bustos, Amnesty International

The Guardian