Chile: One million protest in Santiago on October 25 /update 14

Event

One million Chileans marched in Santiago on Friday, October 25, in the biggest protest since the movement began on Friday, October 18. The protest was mostly peaceful, signaling unity and determination for the continued demand in social reforms. Some of the protesters have also continued to call for President Sebastian Piñera's resignation.

A curfew was implemented on Friday, for the seventh consecutive day. The Transportation Ministry announced an additional 24 bus lines would be provided over the weekend. Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the metro are operating with partial service and will run from 07:00 to 20:00 (local time) on Saturday, October 26, and from 08:00 to 20:00 on Sunday, October 27.

Airport operations out of Santiago International Airport (SCL) are expected to run normally. LATAM and Sky Airlines announced on Thursday, October 24, that flights are operating regularly. Residual disruptions from previously canceled flights earlier in the week may continue in the coming days.

Further protests are likely in major urban areas over the coming several days, including in Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción, La Serena, and Curicó. Over 20,000 soldiers have been deployed to maintain order, particularly in the capital Santiago. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. A heightened security presence is also to be expected, particularly during curfews and in the vicinity of protests.

Context

Demonstrations began on October 6 after the Chilean government announced an increase in metro and bus fares. The mass protests escalated in Santiago and other cities over the following days to denounce high costs of living, rising electricity prices, the privatization of water, and other social issues. According to the Chilean National Institute of Human Rights, 2840 people have been arrested and 582 have been injured in the protests. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) indicates that at least 18 people have been killed. The United Nations announced it would send a mission to Chile in order to investigate claims of human rights abuses during the wave of protests.

Advice

Individuals in Chile, particularly in Santiago, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Travelers flying via SCL are advised to confirm flight reservations prior to leaving for the airport and to contact their airline for additional information.