The Chilean government has passed a bill granting money and other compensation to some 28,000 former political prisoners.
The legislation grants the victims, most victims of torture during the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinoche, a monthly pension of $190, which is less than the minimum monthly wage of $230.
President Ricardo Lagos, who is expected to sign the bill into law within days, described the pension as "austere and symbolic".
The measure, which will cost an estimated $70 million annually, also grants victims and their families access to education, health and housing benefits.
Lawmakers passed the bill after only two days of debate, and the Tuesday night vote came a day after a judge indicted Gen Pinochet (89) in the kidnapping of nine dissidents and the death of one of them — reversing earlier Chilean court decisions to exempt Gen Pinochet from trial on health grounds.
Even right-wing legislators who supported Pinochet approved the bill in the vote. Only two senators, both retired military men, opposed.
Left-wing legislators wanted higher benefits but finally agreed to approve the government-proposed text. Some victims and relatives who sought more benefits protested from the senate stands as the vote took place, and were removed by police.
AP