Deep in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, a cult run by former Nazis perpetuated a cycle of horror and destruction. In operation for decades under the leadership of Paul Shafer and influenced by Evangelical Revivalist Christianity, Colonia Dignidad was endorsed by the military dictatorship in Chile.Like many cults, it began with a promise of living off the land and being closer to nature, and far from potential convictions of Nazi crimes. For Paul Shafer, Colonia Dignidad became a pedophile’s paradise, and haven for torture.
When the coupe led by Pinochet overthrew the democratic government in 1973, the bonds between the colony and the government deepened. Each needed something from the other - Colonia Dignidad needed protection to do what it wanted, and Pinochet’s military dictatorship needed a place to carry out unspeakable deeds against enemies of the state.
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