Chile: Metro disruptions in Santiago due to violent protests November 28 /update 37

Event

The Santiago Metro has reported several station closures across all of its lines as of 04:30 (local time) on Thursday, November 28, following violent protests and vandalism on Wednesday, November 27. It has said that service will resume at 06:00 on Thursday despite of the station closures. Metro service will end at 21:00 on Wednesday.

Activists blocked main roads leading to Santiago on Wednesday morning, causing significant traffic disruptions. Protesters also targeted upscale areas in the capital, marching through a shopping mall in Las Condes.

Various trade unions have called for additional nationwide protests everyday in Santiago from Thursday, through Sunday, December 1. Protesters will gather at the Tobalaba-Costanera center at 17:00 on Thursday. On Friday, November 29, protesters are holding a "Super Viernes" protest, with the main gathering in Santiago to be held at Plaza Dignidad/Plaza Italia from 17:00. A nationwide protest has been called for Saturday, November 30, with the largest protests likely in Santiago. Finally, on December 1, cyclists' plan to protest from 17:00 at Plaza Dignidad/Plaza Italia to call for President Piñera's resignation.

A heightened security presence, as well as transportation and business disruptions are expected near all demonstrations. Clashes between demonstrators and police officers cannot be ruled out.

Context

President Sebastián Piñera announced on November 17 that the government will allow citizens to vote on a new constitution and that he is willing to consider raising pensions by more than 20 percent. An agreement reached by politicians on November 15 will organize a referendum in April 2020, where Chileans will vote whether to replace the current charter of rights (magna carta) from Pinochet's dictatorship and a new legislative assembly.

At least 26 people have reportedly been killed and another 13,500 wounded since the start of the protests on October 6. Police have arrested 915 people as of November 26. Demonstrations broke out 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. Security forces have been accused of using excessive force and other human rights violations while dealing with the unrest.

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.