Chile Captures Man Convicted in 1973 Murder of Victor Jara

Police in Chile have apprehended Nelson Haase, a former colonel convicted of kidnapping and murdering singer‑songwriter Victor Jara during Augusto Pinochet’s regime. Haase had fled after his 2023 conviction and was finally located in the Los Lagos region, roughly 950 km south of Santiago.

Victor Jara, a celebrated folk artist and outspoken supporter of socialist president Salvador Allende, was shot 44 times and tortured in 1973, five days after the coup that brought Pinochet to power. His death remains one of the most emblematic atrocities of the 17‑year dictatorship.

Haase had originally been sentenced to 25 years in 2001 and was again found guilty in 2018, receiving 15 years for murder and 10 years for kidnapping. After nearly three years in hiding, authorities tracked him to the town of Puyehue. The arrest follows earlier extradition of other key figures, such as retired lieutenant Pedro Barrientos.

The capture provides closure to survivors and the families of Jara’s victims, and marks a significant milestone in Chile’s continued pursuit of justice against the legacy of the Pinochet era.

By Robert Greenall • 3 hours ago