By Delisa Morris
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America
SANTIAGO, Chile – On Monday Afternoon, a bomb exploded next to an underground train station in the Chilean capital of Santiago at least ten people were wounded.
The blast occurred during lunchtime at a fast-food restaurant in a small shopping and eating plaza next to the Escuela Military metro station. The area, Las Condes, is known as an affluent residential and shopping neighborhood.
Some Chilean officials believe that this was an act of terrorism. Currently, no group has claimed responsibility, and the police said the attack was being investigated.
“This is an act that has all the hallmarks of a terrorist deed,” Alvaro Elizalde, the government’s chief spokesman said in remarks made to journalists outside La Moneda presidential place. “There is no doubt. And it has been carried out with the intention of hurting innocent people.”
He added that the government will invoke anti-terrorism laws. Apparently, anti-terrorism laws give prosecutors additional powers to allow for harsher sentencing for persons guilty of terrorism.
“It was an abominable act, and we will apply the full weight of the law, including antiterrorist laws,” said President Michelle Bachelet. “What happened today was horrible, but Chile is and will remain a stable nation.”
Chile has not suffered an attack of this magnitude for at least 20 years. The country, which returned to democracy in 1990 after a 17-year dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet, is normally one of Latin America’s most stable countries.
However, there have been a few low-level attacks by anarchist groups in recent years, including one this past July. Monday’s blast may put pressure on Bachelet to respond at a time when her popularity is drooping. Currently her plate if full with a reform drive and Chile’s ever worsening economy.
“At 2pm local time an explosive device was detonated in the centre by the metro station, and at the moment investigations are being carried out to determine the origin,” said Mario Rozas, head of police communications.
Interior Minister Mahmud Aleuy said review of security cameras near the bomb cite revealed two suspects planting the device in a metal container, possible a trash can, outside the fast-food restaurant and escaping in a car.
Luckily, none of the injuries were fatal. A Venezuelan man in his 30s suffered trauma to his leg and a woman had at least one of her fingers amputated. A few other people suffered from hearing loss.
By coincidence, this week Chile commemorates the 41st anniversary of the 1973 military coup that removed socialist President Salvador Allende from power. The events of the coup still divide the country. Traditionally, the anniversary is a time of protests that often turn violent.
The metro was operating normally on Monday evening.
For more information, please see:
the guardian – Chile: bomb explodes in Santiago metro station – 8 Sept. 2014
The Wall Street Journal – Chile Subway-Station Blast Injures at Least Seven – 8 Sept. 2014
LA Times – Chile official says subway blast apparently a ‘terrorist act’ – 9 Sept. 2014
TIME – Suspected Anarchist Bombing Wounds at Least 10 People in Santiago – 8 Sept. 2014
