Chile Unveils Plan for Expropriation of Colonia Dignidad Ahead of Presidential Visit

In a significant move, the Chilean government has announced a plan for the partial expropriation of Colonia Dignidad, a former German sect settlement, just days before the visit of the German President. This announcement was made by Chile's Justice Minister Jaime Gajardo during a press conference in Parral, where he outlined the details of the planned expropriation.

The proposal includes the seizure of five key areas within the 183-hectare property, which encompasses the settlement's central facilities, including the residence of its founder, Paul Schäfer, a potato cellar that served as a torture chamber, and the settlement's hospital, where residents were reportedly subjected to forced medication.

Colonia Dignidad, founded in 1961, was notorious for its history of abuse and exploitation, with Schäfer actively supporting the military coup in 1973 and transforming the settlement into a secret torture facility during the Pinochet regime. It is estimated that approximately 100 individuals lost their lives in this location.

Minister for Housing, Carlos Montes, indicated that the government intends to transform the site into a national center for remembrance, reflecting the calls from various human rights organizations and victims' groups for the site to be publicly accessible.

Since 2017, a German-Chilean expert commission has been working to address the legacy of Colonia Dignidad, recommending the establishment of a memorial at the central buildings. However, some former residents currently living on the premises have expressed concerns that the expropriation could undermine their livelihoods, as they operate a restaurant and hotel business on the affected properties.

Karen Cea, representing a human rights organization focused on memorialization and human rights in Colonia Dignidad, described the government's announcement as a historic development, noting that their organization has long advocated for the site to be made publicly accessible.

In recent months, human rights advocates had criticized the Chilean government for delays in addressing the fate of Colonia Dignidad, particularly following a commitment made by President Gabriel Boric nearly nine months ago to pursue expropriation.

This announcement comes just ahead of the visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who previously acknowledged the historical responsibilities of the German foreign office regarding the settlement's troubled past.

The plan for expropriation marks a crucial step in addressing the dark legacy of Colonia Dignidad, as Chile continues to grapple with its historical injustices and the need for collective healing and remembrance.