While early release for good behavior is a standard practice within the Chilean legal system, it does not apply to those found guilty of acts of pedophilia.

Nevertheless, since the administration led by President Jose Antonio Kast took office, this privilege has been granted to 29 inmates convicted of the rape of minors and another 27 convicted of sexual abuse.

Furthermore, the sentence reductions were implemented in such a way that all those affected were released immediately, without their victims or the victims’ families being notified.

Additionally, two prisoners convicted of crimes against humanity committed during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet also benefited from this measure—even though, under international law, such crimes are not subject to a statute of limitations.

The primary figures implicated in these releases were the Minister of Justice, Fernando Rabat, and his undersecretary, Silva, as they signed the corresponding decrees.

Various sectors—including some within the governing parties—called on Kast to dismiss them; however, the president initially kept them in their positions, until Silva was ultimately removed.

jdt/las/car/eam