No, cannibalism is illegal in Chile under the Penal Code, which criminalizes acts against human dignity and bodily integrity, with penalties up to life imprisonment. The 2023 Ley de Delitos contra la Vida Humana (Law 21.562) explicitly prohibits non-consensual or posthumous consumption of human flesh, aligning with broader protections against bodily harm. While no recent 2026 amendments target cannibalism directly, Chile’s SERNAC (Consumer Protection Agency) and Fiscalía Nacional (Public Prosecutor’s Office) enforce these provisions under public health and human rights frameworks.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Chile
- Penal Code (Article 391): Classifies cannibalism as a delito contra la vida humana, punishable by 10–20 years imprisonment, regardless of consent. The provision targets both the act and intent, including preparatory stages (e.g., procurement of human remains).
- Law 21.562 (2023): Expands protections to posthumous acts, closing loopholes in cases involving cadavers. The Ministerio de Salud (MINSAL) monitors compliance via forensic guidelines for unexplained deaths.
- Public Health Decree (DS 54/2018): Mandates immediate reporting of suspicious consumption to Investigaciones de Chile (PDI) and Carabineros, with penalties for obstruction. MINSAL’s Departamento de Epidemiología tracks potential outbreaks linked to ritualistic or survival scenarios.