Pinochet Renews State of Emergency in Chile

President Augusto Pinochet on Tuesday extended Chile’s state of emergency for 90 days.

Gen. Pinochet has ruled under an almost uninterrupted state of emergency since taking power in a bloody coup in 1973. The decree gives him the power to restrict public meetings, press freedom and freedom of movement.

Church and opposition groups have demanded that the decree be lifted before a presidential referendum later this year. The referendum, expected to be held between September and December, will present voters with a single candidate.