World Notes

During General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte's 17-year rule over Chile, few ever doubted the ruthlessness of his military regime. But last week a shocking report from the civilian government that succeeded Pinochet detailed for the first time just how murderous that regime had been. More than 2,000 political opponents were killed, the result of a "systematic policy of extermination" that included torture by electric shock, burning, asphyxiation and rape.

Last week's grisly accounting fulfilled a promise by President Patricio Aylwin to investigate past abuses, a pledge he made last year shortly after he was democratically elected. Whether anyone will ultimately be brought to justice remains uncertain. While still in power, the military decreed an amnesty that shields its agents from prosecution for political crimes committed between 1973 and 1978, and Pinochet, who remains head of the army, has warned against putting any of his men on trial. To help the nation heal its wounds, Aylwin is proposing giving financial compensation to the families of victims, including pension, health and housing benefits.