Chile: Protests scheduled in Santiago and nationwide November 4, 6 /update 21

Event

The Unitary Central of Workers of Chile (CUT) have called for three protests in Santiago on Monday, November 4, in a day they are calling "Super Lunes." The first is set to begin at 12:00 (local time) at Plaza de Tribunales with the aim of showing the government that the country is not in a normal state. Later, at 17:00, protesters will gather at Plaza Italia, though the CUT also called for nationwide protests at this time. Gatherings can therefore be expected in major squares in urban centers. Later, another nationwide protest is called for 20:00. Protests should be expected across Santiago at that time.

Further, the No+Tag movement has called for another protest in the Metropolitan region on Wednesday, November 6, to demand that the government lowers highway tolls and road taxes. Participants plan to gather at 07:00 (local time) in their vehicles at two locations: Quilicura and San Bernardo, before driving slowly and occupying all lanes on Highway 5 leading to Santiago. Multiple organizations are expected to join the demonstration, including truck drivers, taxi unions, and civil society groups. 

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are expected along the demonstration routes and in Santiago. Clashes cannot be ruled out.

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. Some estimates indicate that 7000 people have been arrested and 20 people have been killed since the start of the protests. 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. Movement participants have now begun to call for the creation of a new Constitution through a Constituent Assembly in order to replace the current charter of rights (magna carta) which dates back to Pinochet's dictatorship.

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.