Sample letter to the President of Chile
With copies to the other Chilean authorities listed on this page. Please copy
and paste at your convenience and send your letter to the e-mail addresses
and/or fax numbers provided.
TO: President of Chile
internet@presidencia.cl,
presidencia@segegob.cl,
gestionypartes@presidencia.cl
CC: mingab@minrel.cl,
minrel@minrel.cl,
subsec@minrel.cl,
presicam@congreso.cl,
ddhhcam@congreso.cl,
presisen@senado.cl,
ddhhsen@senado.cl,
asuntosnav@armada.cl,
actinav@armada.cl,
asuntospub@armada.cl,
planif@armada.cl,
prensanav@armada.cl
Fax: (56) (2) 690-4020, 690-4970
Mr. Ricardo Lagos
President of Chile
Santiago, Chile
Dear Mr. President,
I understand that the Esmeralda, now a roving goodwill ship for Chile, was one
of the navy vessels used as a detention and torture centre by the Chilean Navy
in 1973 during a period of systematic and widespread torture following the
military coup led by Augusto Pinochet.
I also understand that no one has yet been prosecuted in connection to the
administration of torture on the Esmeralda.
In spite of the judicial initiatives undertaken in Chile to investigate cases of
past human rights violations, I am concerned that the Esmeralda continues to be
considered by the authorities as an appropriate representation of Chile. The
ship certainly does not represent the victims and their families, who deserve
full respect, as I am sure you will agree.
Under these circumstances, I hereby respectfully ask for the cooperation of the
Chilean Government and Navy in helping to clarify the events which took place on
the Esmeralda and to bring those responsible to justice. While justice is not
done, the ship cannot in good conscience be given the title of "Ambassador of
all Chileans". Although I am perfectly aware that the Chilean Government has a
position of non intervention in judicial matters, it is also true that it bears
a direct responsibility in assisting the courts in the prosecution of the crimes
against humanity committed during the military dictatorship.
Sincerely yours,
Name and address
Date
