The former official had been involved in a controversy due to statements where he disparaged the seriousness of the September 11, 1973 coup, which resulted in the death of Allende and several of his closest collaborators that day.

Likewise, human rights’ Attorney Carmen Hertz affirmed regardless of the different opinions on the matter, the coup had been a crime against humanity, which inaugurated State terrorism in Chile.

This week, humanitarian organizations, unions, victims of the military dictatorship and Chilean personalities sent a letter to President Gabriel Boric demanding Fernandez’s removal from office.

The letter points out that the statements made by the ex-official implicitly disregard the cause and effect link between the coup d’état and the subsequent human rights’ violations perpetrated by the dictatorship.

A communiqué from “La Moneda” Palace this Wednesday issued the “voluntary resignation” of Patricio Fernandez from his position.

According to the press release, President Boric considers “human rights’ organizations as fundamental in advancing towards some justice, still insufficient, for the brutal crimes of the dictatorship” and a pillar to keep memory alive when many wanted to forget.

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