Chile: Student protests planned in multiple cities May 27

Event

Students affiliated with Lucha BAES plan to hold protests in multiple cities throughout Chile May 27. The purpose of the demonstrations is to call for a readjustment and expansion of the Food Scholarship for Higher Education (BAES) program and free education, among other demands.

Lucha BAES has confirmed that activists will stage protests from 11:00 at the following locations, among others:

• Santiago: Plaza Baquedano (also known as Plaza de la Dignidad or Plaza Italia)

• Valparaiso: Plaza Sotomayor

• Temuco: Plaza del Hospital

• Concepcion: Intersection of Paicavi and Avenida los Carrera

• Rancagua: Plaza de los Heroes

• Talca: In front of Universidad Catolica del Maule

• Arica: Universidad de Tarapaca

Related protests are likely to materialize in other locations. Some of the demonstrations are likely to attract thousands of participants, especially the one scheduled in Santiago. Heightened security and disruptions to transport and business are likely around protest sites. Clashes between protesters and police are possible. Acts of vandalism, such as the burning of tires and vehicles and the destruction of public and private property, also cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating near protest-affected areas May 27. Strictly heed authorities' instructions. If you encounter a roadblock, do not attempt to cross it; look for alternative roads or wait for police to clear the affected route.