Chile: Student protests cause business and transport disruptions in Santiago Aug. 19

Event

Student protests are causing business and transport disruptions at several locations in central Santiago Aug. 19. Demonstration sites include the Instituto Nacional General Jose Miguel Carrera, located on Calle Arturo Prat; the Liceo de Aplicacion, located on Avenida Ricardo Cumming; and the Internado Nacional Barros Arana, located on Calle Santo Domingo. Protesters have thrown objects, including Molotov cocktails, at police, and authorities are likely to respond by deploying water cannons and tear gas.

As a result of the protests, portions of Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, widely known as Alameda, have been blocked; the avenue is the main thoroughfare through Santiago. Additionally, Avenida Ricardo Cumming is blocked between Calle Romero and Alameda, and Avenida Matucana is blocked between Calle Portales and Calle Santiago.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. If violence occurs, immediately seek shelter in a secure non-governmental building. Allow for additional transport time in central Santiago. Seek alternative routes that avoid protest areas. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; wait for police to dismantle them instead. Heed the instructions of security personnel.