Chile: Multiple demonstrations take place nationwide July 14

Event

Various demonstrations have been reported in several regions of Chile, including in the Santiago Metropolitan, Valparaíso, Bío Bío, Tarapacá and O'Higgins regions on Tuesday, July 14. Reportedly, protesters are demanding the government's approval of a bill that will allow the withdrawal of 10 percent of national pension funds as an exceptional measure to face the economic crisis derived from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Most demonstrations started around 21:00 (local time) and were organised on social media. While demonstrators in some quarantined areas have mostly protested from within their buildings using pans, groups in areas with fewer restrictions have gathered on streets, and some have barricaded roads and looted shops.

Clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported in the city of Valparaíso on Avenida Francia. Clashes have also been reported in Vina del Mar and San Felipe. Looting of shops has been reported in several main cities and social media footage has also shown the use of fireworks.

As of Tuesday night (local time) there have been no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests.

Further protests and associated disruptions are likely in the near term. A heightened security presence is also to be expected.

Advice

Those in Chile are advised to avoid all public demonstrations, adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate localized disruption near any protest sites.