Human rights advocates are relieved after Chilean President, Sebastian Pinera, denies pardons for those jailed over the dictatorship-era crimes.

Chilean President Sebastia Pinera, on Sunday, denied a pardon to people jailed for dictatorship-era crimes.

It's a move likely to ease tensions with the opposition and rights groups over a controversial call for clemency.

Chile's Catholic Church asked President Pinera to free or lessen jail sentences of military officers convicted for human rights violations as well as other criminals.

The church is asking for clemency to mark the country's upcoming bicentennial celebrations.

The pardon request infuriated human right groups and the center-left opposition, rekindling memories of General Augusto Pinochet's 1973-1990 rule that still divides many Chileans.

[Sebastian Pinera, President of Chile]: (male, Spanish)
"Excluded from these (pardon) benefits are those convicted for serious crimes like crimes against humanity. We need to promote a culture of unrestricted respect to human rights."

President Pinera, whose brother was a government minister under Pinochet, says he will still offer pardons to some convicted criminals who are old or sick, (quote,) "as long as these benefits don't hurt the soul of our country."

Rights advocates say President Pinera's decision is positive. But relatives of leftist dissidents kidnapped and jailed during the dictatorship say they will remain alert for any future pardons.

[...]

An estimated 28,000--including former President Michelle Bachelet--were tortured.

For years, human rights advocates have called for tougher penalties on former military officers involved in torture and murder during the military rule.

Pinochet died in 2006 without ever being convicted on charges of human right abuses.