Chile: Nationwide anti-government demonstrations set to continue on October 5 /update 2

Event

Further anti-government demonstrations are set to take place in urban centers nationwide on Monday, October 5, ahead of a constitutional referendum scheduled for October 25. Protesters have called for nationwide rallies on Monday to demand freedom for political prisoners and raise awareness for the issue.

Tensions increased following clashes between police and anti-government protesters in Santiago on Friday, October 2, during which officers are said to have pushed a teenage protester off the Pio Nono bridge into the Mapocho River. Additionally, police fired water cannons and tear gas at some 2000 demonstrators who had gathered at Plaza Italia and at least 16 people were arrested following the clashes. Four police officers and one protester were also injured during the unrest. The gatherings were part of demonstrations against the government of President Sebastián Piñera which have been held in the city every Friday.

A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are possible in the vicinity of all demonstrations, and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The Chilean national plebiscite which is scheduled for October 25 will address whether a new constitution will be drafted to replace the Pinochet-era constitution in the wake of anti-government protests in 2019. Moreover, it will be decided whether it will be determined by a directly elected constitutional convention or a mixed convention of members of Parliament and elected citizens. This new constitution would then be put to another referendum in 2022.

Advice

Those in Chile are advised to monitor developments, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.