Santiago de Chile, June 3 (RHC)-- Former Chilean soldier Pedro Barrientos will go on trial in the United States for the arbitrary detention, brutal torture and extrajudicial execution of famous Chilean singer Victor Jara in 1973.

According to the lawsuit: "Soldiers under the direction of Barrientos blindfolded, handcuffed, interrogated, severely beat and tortured Victor Jara.  Lieutenant Barrientos ordered his soldiers to beat and torture Jara even more, to punish him for his political beliefs and his support for President Allende, ” according to the lawsuit.

Victor Jara’s songs reflected his socialist beliefs and inspired millions through his political activism.  He was also Cultural Ambassador during President Salvador Allende’s government, overthrown by General Augusto Pinochet in a U.S.-backed coup.

Barrientos, who moved to the U.S. in 1989 and holds dual citizenship, will face trial on June 17th.