Chilean Protests and Strikes (2019-20)

Mon Oct 07, 2019

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Image: Demonstrators display flags and banners during a protest against President Sebastian Piñera on October 21st, 2019 in Santiago, Chile [time.com]

On this day in 2019, protests and riots began throughout Chile in response to a raise in the Santiago Metro’s subway fare, the increased cost of living, privatization, and inequality prevalent in the country.

The protests have been called the “worst civil unrest” in Chile since the end of Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship due to the scale of damage to public infrastructure, the number of protesters, and the measures taken by the government to put down the rebellion.

On the 25th of October, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation. As of December 29th, 2019, 29 people have died, nearly 2,500 have been injured, and 2,840 have been arrested.

Human rights organizations have received several reports of violations conducted against protesters by security forces, including torture, sexual abuse and sexual assault.