RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – About a million people gathered on Friday afternoon in Santiago, Chile, at the largest demonstration since the beginning of protests in the country, according to the Chilean press.
Protests took place peacefully for the most part. Protesters were dressed in red, one of Chile’s national colors, and waving the country’s flags. The demonstration took place in the main streets of downtown Santiago, which is under curfew as of 11 PM (local time).
The mayor of the metropolitan area of Santiago, Karla Rubilar Barahona, published on Twitter a video that shows the extent of protests and a message of support for the demonstrators.
“The metropolitan region is the center stage of a peaceful march with about one million people who represent the dream of a new Chile, without discrimination and distinction,” he wrote. “Our country needs greater dialogue and peaceful marches,” he added.
Although local reports show that the actions are still peaceful, there have been some outbreaks of unrest in parts of Santiago. Some masked demonstrators barricaded and set fire to one of the entrances to the subway. Security forces reacted with water jets and gas bombs.
Protests in Chile
A week ago, Chile experienced a wave of protests throughout the country that began with actions against a small increase in the price of the subway fare. The readjustment was suspended, but the protesters remained on the streets.
As a result of clashes between demonstrators and security forces, Chilean President Sebastián Piñera decreed a state of emergency, and since then, the main Chilean cities have had curfews.
Piñera also announced a package of measures that included an increase in pensions and political reform. Even so, protests continued throughout the country – and in some cases, protesters are calling for the president’s resignation.
At least 19 people have died since last week due to fires in shops, road fatalities, and clashes with security forces.
Congress emptied and driver’s strike
In the early afternoon of Friday, the headquarters of the Chilean Congress, in the city of Valparaiso, was emptied due to the turmoil outside the building. At least two policemen were injured.
In addition, truckers and public transport drivers went on strike in the country. Hundreds of trucks paralyzed the Chilean highways – and individuals in cars or motorcycles joined the demonstrations.
Source: G1