Chile: Activist organizations to demonstrate nationwide Oct. 15-18

Event

Several activist organizations, including labor unions and political opposition parties, plan to demonstrate in cities across Chile Oct. 15-18 to commemorate the second anniversary of the massive protest movement of 2019 - a bout of civil unrest that eventually lead to the writing of a new constitution in the country.

Although organizers have as yet not released details for most gatherings, activists will probably rally in prominent squares and near government buildings in major cities, including Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepcion, La Serena, and Antofagasta. The largest demonstration will likely occur around Plaza Italia (formerly known as Plaza Baquedano) in Santiago starting at 17:00 Oct. 18.

Authorities have launched a special security operation with over 5,000 police offices in the Santiago Metropolitan Region in an effort to prevent looting and acts of violence by demonstrators. Business and transport disruptions are likely. The potential for clashes between demonstrators and police will be high; acts of vandalism and looting, including the burning of public transportation and attacks on private businesses, are possible.

Context

The 2019 protests, known as the Estallido Social (Social Explosion) and which started Oct. 18 but continued for several weeks, left at least 34 people dead and more than 3,000 injured; over 8,000 participants were detained. Many of the victims were shot by security personnel or armed civilians, while others died or were injured in fires and unrest associated with the looting of private businesses.

President Sebastian Pinera's administration imposed a state of emergency in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and a nightly curfew during the initial days of the protests. Following a month of unrest, members of most political parties signed an agreement to open a path for writing a new constitution in Chile. While the process was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, 155 individuals were elected in October 2020 and are currently in the process of writing the new constitution.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Strictly heed instructions from authorities. Do not attempt to cross any protester roadblocks; wait for police to reopen the road or look for alternative routes. Allow additional time to reach destinations in major cities and confirm all business appointments.