Kast emphasizes that so far he has not seen any indulgence for the social outbreak: I don't have them on my desk

Presidente José Antonio Kast reiterated on Monday that he has not yet reviewed any pardons related to the social unrest, stating, “I don’t have them on my desk.” During an interview with radio Duna, Kast emphasized that while the Ministry of Justice conducts its analysis, he personally has not seen any such cases approved. This response comes amid growing pressure from within his party and external groups demanding action on pardons linked to the 2019 protests. The issue has gained traction among officials and civil society organizations over the past several months. Various sectors within the ruling coalition have called for transparency and progress on this front. Notably, the Libertarian National Party, which operates outside the government, has publicly urged the administration to provide clearer signals regarding potential pardons. These calls reflect broader public concern over the treatment of individuals convicted during the social upheaval. Fernando Rabat, head of the Ministry of Justice, has maintained that the process is ongoing and not bound by fixed timelines. He explained that all relevant documentation is being collected to ensure decisions are well-founded. Kast echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the executive branch evaluates each case individually based on current circumstances. When asked specifically about the case of conscripted soldier Carlos Robledo, who received a 10-year prison sentence for actions during the protests in La Serena, Kast stated, “The Ministry of Justice can be conducting different analyses. I haven’t seen any pardon. I don’t have them on my desk.” Kast further elaborated on the ethical considerations surrounding such decisions, using Robledo’s case as an example. He posed a hypothetical scenario: “If you were the president, what would you do with a 19-year-old serving in the military, who follows orders but acts differently and is sentenced to 12 years?” His remarks underscored his belief that each case should be considered independently, rather than being influenced by media coverage or public opinion polls. In addition to addressing pardons, Kast also commented on another contentious proposal: the “Listen to Your Heart” initiative introduced by the Libertarian National Party and supported by members of the Republican Party. This bill would require women seeking an abortion to listen to the heartbeat of the fetus before proceeding. When questioned about the initiative, Kast stated that his administration would not introduce legislation that could alienate supporters. He noted that the project might make sense if it were voluntary, contrasting it with Spain’s approach. He criticized the mandatory nature of the requirement, arguing that it creates unnecessary tension. “Forcing this step generates tension that isn’t necessary at this time,” he said. Instead, Kast pointed to efforts aimed at improving birth rates and supporting children in institutional care. He highlighted the government’s work on fostering more adoptive families and reducing the country’s low fertility rate, suggesting that alternative approaches could yield better results.