The Chilean government activated the transformation of Punta Peuco prison into a regular penitentiary, allowing entry of convicts for non-serious crimes from this Tuesday. The measure aims to eliminate special prisons for human rights violators from the dictatorship and optimize resources amid prison overcrowding. However, it faces opposition from inmates' lawyers and Tiltil's mayor, who denounces impacts on local security.
The supreme decree, published in the Official Gazette on November 5, 2025, modifies Punta Peuco's status after Contraloría's approval. Two key considerandos justify the measure: the right to equality before the law and the implausibility of maintaining a special prison for ex-agents convicted of human rights violations during the dictatorship. President Gabriel Boric celebrated the approval, stating the facility will be "at the disposal of the country's needs, particularly the security challenges we face".
Justice Minister Jaime Gajardo emphasized: “The main point is that there will no longer be special prisons for people convicted of serious human rights violations to serve their sentences. That is the most important”. He compared the reconversion to the 2013 closure of Cordillera prison under Sebastián Piñera, marking the end of exclusive facilities. From this Tuesday, convicts for common low-risk crimes will enter, with changes to visits and end of special perks like packages. Current capacity of 133 spots, holding 141 inmates, will expand to 165 via works like new modules, a visit room, and surveillance. Current inmates will not be transferred, and the facility remains men-only; new spots will prioritize low-risk elderly.
Resistance emerged immediately. Lawyer Raúl Meza from Fundación Verdad y Justicia filed a protection appeal in Santiago's Court of Appeals, claiming the decree is “illegal and arbitrary” and violates inmates' rights to life and integrity. The government rejected the claims, citing the Justice Ministry's legal powers, endorsed by Contraloría. “What is anomalous is having a special prison for certain criminals who committed crimes during a specific historical period”, Gajardo stated.
Tiltil's mayor, César Mena (ind. republican), announced an amparo appeal for Thursday and is considering the Constitutional Court, stating the measure “tramples the human rights of all Tiltil inhabitants”. He accused Boric of a “political wink” to candidate Jeannette Jara to boost polls, predicting insecurity, land invasions, and health sector strain in a resource-poor commune: only three security vehicles for 700 km². The community is organizing protests and similar appeals. Full implementation is set for 2026.