Chilean Babies Stolen During Pinochet Era: Judge Prosecutes, Adoptee Reunites With Mother

Chilean Judge Prosecutes Baby Theft Ring from Pinochet Era: Adoptee's Reunion Brings Hope In a landmark development, a Chilean judge has initiated legal proceedings against five individuals accused of participating in a systematic scheme to steal babies during the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990). This dark chapter in Chilean history saw thousands of infants forcibly separated from their biological mothers and sold into adoption, primarily to families in the United States and Europe. The case has brought renewed attention to the plight of these "Children of Silence," as they are known in Chile. Among those affected is Scott Liebermann, an American citizen who was adopted from Chile. After years of searching, Liebermann recently reunited with his biological mother thanks to a DNA test. "I didn't know what happened," Liebermann shared, "I lived 42 years of my life without knowing I was stolen." His emotional reunion underscores the lasting trauma and the profound need for justice and healing. In response to the ongoing investigation and the widespread suffering, the Chilean government announced the creation of a genetic fingerprint bank. This initiative aims to provide additional resources for tracing origins and facilitate family reunification. The announcement offers a glimmer of hope to many still searching for long-lost relatives, both in Chile and abroad. The ongoing investigation and the government's commitment to family reunification mark a significant step toward addressing the past and providing a path to healing for the victims and their families.