Editing Augusto Pinochet (section)

==Public image==
Pinochet is considered a "hero" by some, and he still has many supporters today. His supporters claim that Pinochet "saved" the country from the establishment of a communist regime in the hands of Salvador Allende (a socialist and noted supporter of [[Fidel Castro]] and the Soviet Union) and a possible [[Civil War|civil war]]. However, like all dictators he has his fair share of critics who consider him to be a vile tyrant. His critics condemn his totalitarian and oppressive methods in ruling Chile and the brutality enforced against opponents of his regime.

In recent years, the [[Alt-Right]]  has made memes about his "Helicopter rides" and have generally celebrated his actions during his rule, describing him often as the "lesser of two evils" compared to Salvador Allende and other socialist dictators such as Castro, whom he disliked.<ref>[https://theintercept.com/2021/02/04/pinochet-far-right-hoppean-snake/ WHAT THE FAR-RIGHT FASCINATION WITH PINOCHET’S DEATH SQUADS SHOULD TELL US], ''The Intercept''</ref>