Chile declares state of emergency in Santiago amidst protests

Chile President Sebastian Pinera has declared a “state of emergency” on October 18 due to the protest that broke out in the capital Santiago after the government announced a hike in metro ticket prices. The state of emergency in affected areas has allowed the authorities to restrict the rights to assemble a movement. Subway services have also been suspended due to the protests. High school students had reportedly swarmed subway stations and trapped thousands of commuters on their way from work. 

"I have declared a state of emergency and, to that end, I have appointed Major General Javier Iturriaga del Campo as head of national defence, in accordance with the provisions of our state of emergency legislation," 

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"The entire network is closed due to riots and destruction that prevent the minimum security conditions for passengers and workers," the metro operator said after attacks against nearly all the stations where many gates and turnstiles.

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The Protest

Chile is considered to be Latin America's wealthiest nations. Students protests began earlier this week and hundreds of demonstrators mobbed several stations in Santiago due to a 4 per cent increase in subways fares from about $1 to $1.16. The protests reportedly turned violent on Friday afternoon. The officials had closed down all 136 metro stations in the city. An official claimed that the metro stations will remain closed through the weekend as serious destruction made it impossible to operate trains safely. He further added that there had been more than 200 incidents on Santigo's subway system in the previous days and the protests mostly involved school children and older students jumping barriers and forcing gates. 

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The government has also filed a complaint under the State Security Law which carries prison sentences of three to five years against the protesters. In a speech from the government palace, President Piñera said, “the security of residents, protecting goods, and the rights of each one of our compatriots who have seen complications from the actions of true criminals.” 

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(With ANI inputs)