18 Oct 2024 | 01:05 AM UTC
Chile: Protests likely in multiple cities Oct. 18 to commemorate 2019 mass demonstrations
Protests expected across Chile Oct. 18 to commemorate 2019 mass demonstrations. Tight security, transport and business disruptions likely.
Demonstrations are likely in multiple locations throughout Chile Oct. 18 due to the five-year commemoration of the start of the mass protest movement. The 2019 protests lasted several weeks and led to the writing of a new constitution; however, this failed to pass twice in the national elections.
Members of a left-wing coalition, which includes multiple groups such as Block of Popular Organizations (Bloque de Organizaciones Populares), plan to rally at the Universidad de Chile metro station in downtown Santiago, from 18:30. The right-wing organization Patriot Team (Equipo Patriota), has announced a rally in Plaza de la Constitucion, Santiago, outside the Presidential Palace of La Moneda, from 11:00. Government officials in Santiago have announced additional security measures, including the removal of garbage containers and other objects that could be set alight, and have asked businesses to close earlier than usual Oct. 18. In Valparaiso, members of the Revolutionary Left-Wing Movement (Movimiento de Izquierda Revolucionaria, MIR), plan to rally at Plaza Victoria, starting at 18:00.
Heightened security is likely in urban centers, especially along major highways, central squares, and government buildings. Protests are likely to lead to transport and business disruptions. Some demonstrations may turn violent, with vandalism and the destruction of private and public property. Clashes between protesters and police are possible.
Avoid all protests and strictly heed instructions from authorities. If violence breaks out near you, leave the impacted area and seek shelter in a secure non-government building. Do not attempt to cross a roadblock if you encounter one. Plan for delays and alternative routes.
The 2019 protests, known as the "social outburst" (estallido social), began Oct. 18 over a fare increase in Santiago's subway system. The protests quickly expanded to other cities, with participants highlighting broader issues. These demonstrations turned violent and were forcefully met by police. Hundreds of metro stations, supermarkets, and other businesses were set alight and vandalized. Dozens of people were killed in the fires and in clashes between opposing groups of protesters. Investigations also showed that security forces were involved in the killing of at least six people and in injuring hundreds.
The protests, which lasted until early 2020, led to a political agreement to write a new Constitution for Chile. Two Constitutional projects were eventually written, in 2021 and 2023, but both were rejected in national elections.
