Thousands of protesters — many banging pots and pans in the traditional Latin American manner — gathered peacefully in the main Plaza Italia square in the capital on Monday, chanting “Pinera Out!” and “Get out military!”
(Photo: IANS)
Amid ongoing violent protests in Chile, at least eleven people were killed as the country ordered an overnight curfew for the third day in a row.
Army general Javier Iturriaga announced the curfew would last from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am as protests originally against a hike in metro fares turned into anger at President Sebastian Pinera and the military.
Iturriaga insisted the curfew was “necessary” despite thousands of people demonstrating peacefully in the capital. However, there were scenes of violence and looting in other cities such as Valparaiso, Concepcion and Maipu.
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Thousands of protesters — many banging pots and pans in the traditional Latin American manner — gathered peacefully in the main Plaza Italia square in the capital on Monday, chanting “Pinera Out!” and “Get out military!”
Earlier on Sunday, President told to AFP, “We are at war against a powerful, implacable enemy, who does not respect anything or anyone and is willing to use violence and crime without any limits,” after an emergency meeting with Iturriaga, who has been placed in charge of order and security in the capital.
On Friday, a total of 41 subway stations were damaged and at least 308 people were arrested during protests against an increase in metro faces in Santiago.
The violent protests prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and the deployment of soldiers in the provinces of Santiago and Chacabuco, as well as in the Metropolitan municipalities of Puente Alto and San Bernardo.
Earlier on Friday, President Sebastián Piñera declared a state of emergency in Santiago and gave the military responsibility for security after a day of violent protests over increases in the price of metro tickets.
Clashes broke out between the protesters and the police in several parts of the city throughout the day and the subway was shut after attacks on several stations.
Although Chile has the highest per capita income of Latin America at $20,000, there is widespread frustration at privatized health care and education, rising costs of basic services and falling pensions.
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