Belisario Velasco

Luis Antonio Belisario Velasco Baraona (5 January 1936 – 24 August 2023) was a Chilean politician and lawyer who served as Minister of the Interior during the first government of Michelle Bachelet (2006–2010).

Early political activity

Velasco joined the Christian Democratic Party in 1957 and developed a long career within the party, maintaining his affiliation throughout his life. In 1971, he entered national party leadership after being invited by Senator Renán Fuentealba to serve as National Secretary of the PDC, at a time of increasing political polarization during the government of President Salvador Allende.

Between 1973 and 1976, Velasco served as managing director of Radio Presidente Balmaceda, a Christian Democratic Party-owned radio station that became one of the first media outlets to report on human rights violations, political repression, detentions, and economic hardship under the dictatorship. His responsibilities included addressing political violence carried out by armed groups that had not laid down their weapons after the return to democracy.

Death

Velasco died on 24 August 2023 at the age of 87 after a prolonged battle with cancer, at his home in Cachagua, accompanied by his family.

Following his death, the Chilean government declared two days of national mourning in recognition of his role in defending democracy and public order during the transition period.