An historic verdict in Chile as eight former military members were convicted for their parts in the murders of 14 people during the bloody initial days of Augusto Pinochet’s fascist dictatorship.  They’re among the first to be convicted of crimes linked to the “Caravan of Death”.

The eight were sentenced to between three and 15 years depending on their role in the killings, which took place on 19th October 1973 in Antofagasta, a particularly gruesome and egregious part of the atrocity.  The judge also ordered reparations of more than A$210,000 for the mothers and widows of the victims and more than A$100,000 for each of the children.

The Caravan of Death was a “delegation” of military men sent to Chile's provincial towns by Pinochet, traveling from prison to prison by helicopter, torturing, maiming, and ruthlessly executing 75 prisoners.  Although more than 3,000 were murdered by Pinochet’s rule, the Caravan killings are more traumatic to Chileans, as most of the victims had turned themselves in to military authorities, had no history of violence, and were not making any threats.  They were arrested because they were Leftists.  Then, they were slaughtered for their politics.