MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Pinochet's grandson disciplined for praising 1973 coup

Cap. A. Pinochet Molina

Chile's president Michelle Bachelet called on the Army to sanction the grandson of former dictator Augusto Pinochet Ugarte who during a surprise funeral speech Tuesday openly praised the 1973 coup which ousted the elected government of president Salvador Allende.

"This is a grave violation of military discipline and I trust the Army will take the appropriate action as befits such cases", said Ms Bachelet during a press conference Wednesday at Government House La Moneda.

Captain Augusto Pinochet Molina, grandson of the dictator (1973/1990), gave an unapproved political speech praising the general as a great world leader and criticizing the judges who charged him for killings and human rights abuse.

Defense Minister Vivianne Blanlot, who assisted to the funeral ceremony in representation of the Bachelet administration, said the speech was "an insult to the (Chilean) state" and confirmed that the Army would sanction Captain Pinochet for not requesting to talk at the funeral ceremonies of his grandfather at the Military Academy.

"It is unacceptable for an active service member to make a public statement so politicized, it amounts to an insult to the state", she said.

Army Commander in Chief Oscar Izurieta also pointed out that the young Captain would be disciplined for acting out of protocol and making political statements.

According to Chilean Army regulations he could face dismissal from the force.

"Statements made by the mentioned officer do no represent the Army's doctrine or official position", said the Army in an release adding that in the original coordination program, Captain Pinochet's intervention was not included in the official funeral ceremony.

Captain Pinochet Molina, son of Augusto Pinochet Hiriart on Tuesday walked up to the podium where seconds before his cousins, Rodrigo Garcia and Maria Jose Martinez had made brief, emotive speeches about their grandfather.

But Captain Pinochet had no qualms and was cheered by the over 5.000 people following the funeral ceremony when he recalled his grandfather "as a man who defeated at the height of the Cold War the Marxist model, which tried to impose its totalitarian model not by vote, but more directly by force of arms"

But "the battle was even harder in his old age. It was the enemy which hit him hardest, he was attacked on the emotional side making him feel and watch as his wife and family were vexed and humiliated by judges acting more interested in making a name than following the course of Justice".

Former dictator Pinochet died Sunday at the age of 91 and in spite of his iron fisted 17 year rule, when thousands died or disappeared, 60.000 people paid respects to his casket and even more revere him as the man who saved Chile from Marxism and put the country on the path to strong economic recovery.

General Pinochet's body was cremated late on Tuesday and his ashes given to his family, which does not want his grave or memorial to become a focal point for protests.