Archbishop of Santiago calls for exemplary punishment against corporal who killed young man

The metropolitan archbishop of Santiago, Héctor Rafael Rodríguez, demanded that an exemplary sanction be imposed on the National Police corporal identified in the death of the young man Darlin Mercado Pérez, considering that a case of this nature must set a precedent to prevent similar events from continuing to occur within the institution.

Referring to the case of Mercado Pérez, who allegedly died at the hands of a police corporal in an incident that occurred in the West sector, the prelate maintained that the authorities must act with firmness and transparency, especially at a time when the National Police is undergoing a reform process.

“We must set an example with this police officer who shot this young man so that other members of the law enforcement agency do not commit these types of errors that, unfortunately, occur frequently,” stated Rodríguez.

The religious leader stated that, in addition to the corresponding sanctions, it is essential to reinforce values-based education at home and in schools to confront the violence affecting society.

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He indicated that the Ministry of Education, together with families, has a decisive role in building citizens who are respectful, supportive, and committed to peaceful coexistence.

“We must make a great effort to educate our children in respect and cordiality. We need to form people who integrate into society to contribute, not to sow violence or cause deaths,” he stated.

Rodríguez insisted that the transformation of the Police must be reflected in the conduct of its officers, noting that police reform will only be effective if it translates into actions that adhere to the law, respect for citizens’ rights, and exemplary behavior by those who have the responsibility of preserving public order.