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Row over Pinochet funeral speech Army discharges Pinochet grandson
(about 11 hours later)
The grandson of Chile's former military ruler Augusto Pinochet faces military discipline over an unapproved speech he gave at his grandfather's funeral. The grandson of the former military ruler of Chile, General Augusto Pinochet - who died on Sunday - has been discharged from the Chilean army.
Captain Augusto Pinochet Molina praised the general as a great world leader, criticising judges who charged him. Captain Augusto Pinochet Molina had given an unauthorised speech at his grandfather's funeral on Tuesday.
Army sources said the officer's remarks were a grave violation and that he could face dismissal. He praised the general as a great world leader who saved Chile from Marxism.
Chilean Defence Minister Vivianne Blanlot, also at the funeral, said the remarks were "an insult to the state". A Pinochet family spokesman has defended the speech, saying that the captain had acted as a grandson and a man rather than as a military officer.
This is a grave error and we are certain that the army will know what to do President Michelle Bachelet Press reflects funeral passion
Gen Pinochet died on Sunday, aged 91. Thousands died or disappeared during his 17-year-rule, and he was accused of human rights abuses.Gen Pinochet died on Sunday, aged 91. Thousands died or disappeared during his 17-year-rule, and he was accused of human rights abuses.
Despite his human rights record, many Chileans revered Gen Pinochet, believing he saved the country from Marxism and put Chile onto a path of strong economic growth. Despite his human rights record, many Chileans revered Gen Pinochet, believing he saved the country from Marxist rule and put Chile onto a path of strong economic growth.
'Funeral interrupted''Funeral interrupted'
The commander of the Chilean army, Gen Oscar Izurieta, said Captain Pinochet had committed a grave error, leaving no choice but to discharge him.
This is a grave error and we are certain that the army will know what to do President Michelle Bachelet Press reflects funeral passion
However, the family maintained that Captain Pinochet had already been considering leaving the army because he had felt uncomfortable.
Some 5,000 fervent supporters of Augusto Pinochet attended the funeral of the former Chilean leader at a military college in Santiago.Some 5,000 fervent supporters of Augusto Pinochet attended the funeral of the former Chilean leader at a military college in Santiago.
The funeral was interrupted at one point by Capt Pinochet, who defended his grandfather.The funeral was interrupted at one point by Capt Pinochet, who defended his grandfather.
"He was 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," the officer said."He was 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," the officer said.
Ms Blanlot - who was at the service as the lone representative of the government of President Michelle Bachelet - said later: "It is unacceptable for an active service member to make a public statement so politicised it amounts to an insult to the state. His speech also accused the judges who had brought criminal charges against General Pinochet of doing so to further their personal interests and not for the betterment of the country.
"I trust that the army will take the appropriate action as befits such cases," she said. Chilean Defence Minister Vivianne Blanlot, who attended the funeral, said the remarks were "an insult to the state".
This was echoed by President Bachelet on Wednesday.This was echoed by President Bachelet on Wednesday.
"This is a grave error and we are certain that the army will know what to do," she was quoted by news agency AFP as saying. "This is a grave error and we are certain that the army will know what to do," she said, before Captain Pinochet's dismissal was announced.
Chilean media reports quoting Army sources said the Army was poised to announce sanctions against Captain Pinochet for the "very serious violation" of military rules.
Gen Pinochet's body was cremated late on Tuesday and his ashes will be given to his family.Gen Pinochet's body was cremated late on Tuesday and his ashes will be given to his family.
Correspondents say they did not want a grave or memorial to become a focal point for protest.Correspondents say they did not want a grave or memorial to become a focal point for protest.