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September 6, 2013

Family of Chilean Singer Victor Jara Files U.S. Lawsuit over Killing Days Before Coup Anniversary 
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The wife and two daughters of Chilean folk singer Victor Jara have filed
a civil lawsuit in U.S. court against the former military officer they
say killed Jara almost exactly 40 years ago. Victor Jara was shot to
death after the U.S.-backed coup that ousted President Salvador Allende
in 1973. First, Jara's hands were smashed so he could no longer play
guitar. Next Wednesday — September 11 — marks the 40th
anniversary of the coup. Jara's accused killer, Pedro Barrientos, has
lived in the United States for roughly two decades and is now a U.S.
citizen. Jara's family is suing him under federal laws that allow U.S.
courts to hear about human rights abuses committed abroad. Last year,
Chilean prosecutors charged Barrientos and another officer with Jara's
murder, naming six others as accomplices.

 

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