Physical abuse of prisoners, particularly by the Carabinero uniformed police, remains a problem. Most laws limiting political expression and civil liberties were eliminated by constitutional reforms in 1989. Scores of publications present all points of view, although self-censorship regarding Chile's recent political history is widespread. Radio station ownership is both pubic and private. The national television network is state-run, but open to all political voices.
Chile has a strong trade union movement.
Government corruption is comparatively minor for the region, although military graft has not been investigated. A 1993 indigenous rights law guarantees that Indian lands cannot be embargoed, sold, expropriated, or taxed. New government-promoted development projects continue to threaten Mapuche Indian lands in the south of Chile. The appointment of a non-Native American to head the government's Indian development agency was viewed by Mapuches as emblematic of the agency's failure to protect them.