by Peter Lazenby, Morning Star, 15.05.2012
Carlos Carillo was 17 when they came for him. It was 1974. He was active with the MIR – Chile’s Revolutionary Left Movement.
The elected government of Salvador Allende had been overthrown in a US-backed military coup. Universities and colleges across the country were raided by the armed forces. Thousands of left political activists were imprisoned, and many killed, including hundreds packed into Santiago football stadium.
The coup, and the murder of opponents by the military, created an international outcry. It brought threats to trade with Chile from some countries, including Britain.
Britain’s Labour government was among several who negotiated the release into exile of hundreds of political prisoners.
For those involved in the world of education or music, the organisation Musiko-Musika, which was created by the Chilean musician Mauricio Venegas and English musician Rachel Pantin is hosting the World Music In Education Conference 2012 which will take place on the 14th and 15th June at St Ethelburga’s Centre, Bishopsgate London. This is an opportunity for teachers, musicians, LEA music services, extended schools providers and arts managers to meet together over two days to focus on improving and extending the cultural range and diversity of music provision for young people. For more information about the event visit: 
