Politicians from both sides of the aisle and the Jewish community called for an investigation into a "Nazi school" Monday, as the institute's founder announced plans to teach the ideology of Adolf Hitler on the remote southern island of Chiloé.
The town of Ancúd, the second largest settlement on the main island of the Chiloé archipelago, was the unlikely site of numerous large, swastika-bearing posters in recent days. The so-called "Art school, President General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte" — named after the former far right dictator (1973-1990) — announced plans to recruit students ahead of its opening March 28.
Marcelo Isaacson, executive director of the Jewish Community of Chile (CJCH), told The Santiago Times that extreme right activity is "not uncommon" in the country. The one-time Nazi, cult, torture center Colonia Dignidad, is the most notorious example but, Isaacson says, extreme groups operate throughout the country.
He called for a law condemning incitement of hatred Monday, claiming the recently-passed anti-discrimination bill — fast-tracked following the murder of Daniel Zamudio at the hands of self-named neo-Nazis — is still lacking.
"The difference with Europe is that Chile lags behind on its regulation condemning these kind of activities. These Nazis hide themselves behind the right of freedom of expression," he said.
The founder of the Nazi-inspired school, Godofredo Rodríguez Pacheco, told local press he hopes to lay the first steps for a political party. The swastika-dominated posters defined the school's aim as "strengthening the political right in the Chiloé Region," prompting former Dep. Gabriel Ascencio of the center-left Christian Democrat (DC) party to call on his counterparts to join him in condemnation of the initiative.
Deputy for Chiloé, Alejandro Santana of the center-right National Renewal party, also strongly rejected the Nazi education, balking at suggestions of a connection between the establishment right and extremist groups.
"We don't have any idea of who they are, or who is behind this so-called link with a Nazi school," he told press.
Ascencio, DC Dep. Gabriel Silber and CJCH President Gerardo Gorodischer met with Interior Minister Rodrigo Pañailillo to present records on neo-Nazi groups operating in the Los Lagos Region Monday. They demanded an investigation by intelligence services and the investigative police (PDI) into the school's links to other extremist groups.
"The resources and infrastructure make us believe that this isn't simply a case of one man talking to the media, but instead there may be greater coordination at work here and therefore we call for a thorough investigation," Silber said in a press release.

READ MORE: ‘Nazi school’ prompts outrage and calls for anti-hate legislation