Anti-government protests have erupted across Chile, with demonstrators clashing with police in scenes of significant unrest. Security forces deployed crowd-control measures as tensions escalated on the streets, highlighting growing public anger over political and economic issues facing the country

Massive Unrest In Chile: Protesters Clash Violently With Police

Anti-government protests have broken out in Chile following President Gabriel Boric's latest State of the Nation address. Demonstrators took to the streets as police deployed water cannons to disperse crowds amid growing public anger over key political and economic issues. The unrest highlights continuing tensions between the government and opposition groups.

Chile Protests Erupt After President's State Of The Nation Address | WION

Multiple clashes were reported across Chile on Tuesday as the country marked the third anniversary of the deadly 2019 protests. In the capital city of Santiago, protesters lit fires and threw rocks at the police.

Chile protests: Clashes erupt across Chile; protesters lit fires, throw rocks at police

After the start of mass wave of social unrest, people in Chile are now voting to scrap dictatorship era constitution.Chile is holding referendum to scrap the old constitution which will be replaced by a new one.

Authorities sanitize polling stations as Chile goes to polls after protests

Protest erupted in Chile amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Protesters has clashes with the police in Santiago's El Bosque. Police spray tear gas, water cannons at the protesters. Watch this video to know more on this.

Protest erupts in Chile amid the COVID-19 lockdown, protesters clash with police in Santiago

In a fresh round of protests, clashes erupted between thousands of demonstrators and police in Chile's Santiago on Friday.&nbsp;

The rally took place in the Plaza Italia, which is the epicenter of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chilean-lawmakers-warn-democracy-at-stake-as-violence-spikes-264996">massive citizen protests </a>against President Sebastian Pinera's government.

Police entered the plaza in mid-afternoon and used tear gas, water cannons to disperse protesters. However, after two hours of tussle, demonstrators finally occupied the plaza, reports AFP.

"We are going to continue in the struggle until Pinera gives in to the people's demands," said Luis Rojas, 46.

The anti-government protests are continuing in Chile for more than two months. The protests initially began in Santiago over the rise in the metro fare but quickly escalated to serious social unrest since the end of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet nearly 30 years ago. The anger in Chile is over the inequality and especially aims&nbsp;at the elites who control much of the country's weatlh.&nbsp;

At least 26 people have died so far in the unrest, injuring&nbsp;and arresting&nbsp;thousands. Pinera has been blamed by the Opposition, human rights groups and activists for failing to act quickly and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-human-rights-violations-occurred-during-chile-protests-human-rights-watch-264755">rights abuses </a>by the security persnonel.&nbsp;On Monday, the Chilean President also signed a decree that called for a plebiscite on April 26 to decide the fate of current constitution which is in force swince Pinochet's rule.&nbsp;

Many people in Chile feel that replacing the current Constitution will end a dark and repressive chapter of country's history and solve the current crisis.&nbsp;

On Friday, a fire also broke out in the Cine Arte Alameda, a cultural centre that had operated for nearly three decades.&nbsp;

The witnesses said that the fire broke out after police fired tear gas shells. However, no officials have so far responded to such claims.&nbsp;

The fire was brought under control after an hour but the centre was completely destroyed, according to the deputy commander of the Santiago Fire Brigade.

The cinema owner said that no workers were injured in the fire.&nbsp;

(with inputs from&nbsp; AFP and Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

In a fresh round of protests, clashes erupted between thousands of demonstrators and police in Chile's Santiago on Friday. The rally took place in the Plaza Italia, which is the epicenter of the massive citizen protests against President Sebastian Pinera's government.

In a fresh round of protests, clashes erupted between thousands of demonstrators and police in Chile's Santiago on Friday. The rally took place in the Plaza Italia, which is the epicenter of the massive citizen protests against President Sebastian Pinera's government. Police entered the plaza in mid-afternoon and used tear gas, water cannons to disperse protesters. However, after two hours of tussle, demonstrators finally occupied the plaza, reports AFP. "We are going to continue in the struggle until Pinera gives in to the people's demands," said Luis Rojas, 46. The anti-government protests are continuing in Chile for more than two months. The protests initially began in Santiago over the rise in the metro fare but quickly escalated to serious social unrest since the end of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet nearly 30 years ago. The anger in Chile is over the inequality and especially aims at the elites who control much of the country's weatlh. At least 26 people have died so far in the unrest, injuring and arresting thousands. Pinera has been blamed by the Opposition, human rights groups and activists for failing to act quickly and rights abuses by the security persnonel. On Monday, the Chilean President also signed a decree that called for a plebiscite on April 26 to decide the fate of current constitution which is in force swince Pinochet's rule. Many people in Chile feel that replacing the current Constitution will end a dark and repressive chapter of country's history and solve the current crisis. On Friday, a fire also broke out in the Cine Arte Alameda, a cultural centre that had operated for nearly three decades. The witnesses said that the fire broke out after police fired tear gas shells. However, no officials have so far responded to such claims. The fire was brought under control after an hour but the centre was completely destroyed, according to the deputy commander of the Santiago Fire Brigade. The cinema owner said that no workers were injured in the fire. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Chile: Violent clashes erupt in new round of protests

2019: The year of global outrage

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-police-suspend-use-of-birdshot-against-protesters-after-outcry-over-eye-injuries-263242">Chile's child protection agency</a> announced Wednesday it had received 327 complaints against security forces for violating the rights of children and adolescents during a month of social unrest.

A wave of social protests since October 18 has left 22 people dead and more than 2,000 injured, some 200 seriously, according to prosecutors.

Patricia Munoz, who leads an agency created by the government to protect children's rights, said her office "received 327 complaints for violations of the fundamental rights of children and adolescents because of the crisis."

Munoz criticized the police and said there had been many cases of children "injured in the context of everyday life, such as when going out to buy bread with their mother."

Watch: After several weeks of protest, Chilean lawmakers agree on a referendum&nbsp;

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"We are talking about children who were not even participating in demonstrations, which makes the police behaviour even more serious," Munoz told a press conference.

She indicated she will take legal action in cases where it had not already been initiated by another agency.

The National Institute of Human Rights, another public body, has filed another 384 complaints of human rights violations by security forces against protesters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-president-pinera-condemns-police-violence-as-unrest-stretches-for-over-four-weeks-262781">Amid an outcry over eye injuries suffered by more than 200 demonstrators</a>, Chile's police on Tuesday suspended the use of birdshot against protesters.

Chile's child protection agency announced Wednesday it had received 327 complaints against security forces for violating the rights of children and adolescents during a month of social unrest.

Chile's child protection agency announced Wednesday it had received 327 complaints against security forces for violating the rights of children and adolescents during a month of social unrest. A wave of social protests since October 18 has left 22 people dead and more than 2,000 injured, some 200 seriously, according to prosecutors. Patricia Munoz, who leads an agency created by the government to protect children's rights, said her office "received 327 complaints for violations of the fundamental rights of children and adolescents because of the crisis." Munoz criticized the police and said there had been many cases of children "injured in the context of everyday life, such as when going out to buy bread with their mother." Watch: After several weeks of protest, Chilean lawmakers agree on a referendum "We are talking about children who were not even participating in demonstrations, which makes the police behaviour even more serious," Munoz told a press conference. She indicated she will take legal action in cases where it had not already been initiated by another agency. The National Institute of Human Rights, another public body, has filed another 384 complaints of human rights violations by security forces against protesters. Amid an outcry over eye injuries suffered by more than 200 demonstrators, Chile's police on Tuesday suspended the use of birdshot against protesters.

Police facing charges of violating childrens' rights during Chile protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-president-pinera-condemns-police-violence-as-unrest-stretches-for-over-four-weeks-262781">Chile's police</a> said Tuesday they had suspended the use of birdshot during street protests amid an outcry over eye injuries suffered by more than 200 demonstrators.

The decision was announced by the head of the Carabinero police, Mario Roza, after a month of protests over socio-economic inequality and other problems.

Police say the birdshot pellets are made of rubber but some studies say they also contain metal.

"As a prudent step, use of this non-lethal ammunition as a riot tool has been ordered suspended," said Roza.

A study by the University of Chile of ammunition extracted from injured protesters found birdshot composed of 20 per cent rubber and the remaining 80 per cent consisting of silica, barium sulfate and lead, which meant the pellets were as hard as "a skateboard wheel," the report said.

Roza explained that following the report an internal investigation was conducted which also found "discrepancies" with the information provided by the company that sells the birdshot.

Watch: After several weeks of massive protest Chilean lawmakers agree on referendum

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Beginning Tuesday, he said, the birdshot could only be used in the same manner "as firearms, as an extreme measure and exclusively for self-defence when there is an imminent threat of death."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-to-vote-on-new-constitution-in-response-to-protests-262297">Protesters who have been injured</a> in the eye have become a symbol of the demonstrations.

The number of injured people exceeds victims in other protest zones across the world, including in France during the yellow vest protests, in Hong Kong and in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to the Medical University of Chile and Chilean human rights groups.

The demonstrations reached their one-month mark Monday. They have included <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-wounded-in-chile-as-police-fires-rubber-bullets-and-tear-gas-at-protesters-262182">near-daily street protests</a> that began with high school students refusing to pay a subway ticket hike but have since mushroomed into the deepest social crisis in the South American country since the return of democracy in 1990.

Chile's police said Tuesday they had suspended the use of birdshot during street protests amid an outcry over eye injuries suffered by more than 200 demonstrators.

Chile's police said Tuesday they had suspended the use of birdshot during street protests amid an outcry over eye injuries suffered by more than 200 demonstrators. The decision was announced by the head of the Carabinero police, Mario Roza, after a month of protests over socio-economic inequality and other problems. Police say the birdshot pellets are made of rubber but some studies say they also contain metal. "As a prudent step, use of this non-lethal ammunition as a riot tool has been ordered suspended," said Roza. A study by the University of Chile of ammunition extracted from injured protesters found birdshot composed of 20 per cent rubber and the remaining 80 per cent consisting of silica, barium sulfate and lead, which meant the pellets were as hard as "a skateboard wheel," the report said. Roza explained that following the report an internal investigation was conducted which also found "discrepancies" with the information provided by the company that sells the birdshot. Watch: After several weeks of massive protest Chilean lawmakers agree on referendum Beginning Tuesday, he said, the birdshot could only be used in the same manner "as firearms, as an extreme measure and exclusively for self-defence when there is an imminent threat of death." Protesters who have been injured in the eye have become a symbol of the demonstrations. The number of injured people exceeds victims in other protest zones across the world, including in France during the yellow vest protests, in Hong Kong and in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to the Medical University of Chile and Chilean human rights groups. The demonstrations reached their one-month mark Monday. They have included near-daily street protests that began with high school students refusing to pay a subway ticket hike but have since mushroomed into the deepest social crisis in the South American country since the return of democracy in 1990.

Chile police suspends use of birdshot against protesters after outcry over eye injuries

State workers in Chile promised to launch a massive, nationwide walk-off early on Tuesday, a sign protesters were not yet satisfied following the government's decision to rewrite the country's heavily critiqued dictatorship-era constitution.

The new round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-to-amend-constitution-a-key-demand-of-protesters-261376">rallies and strikes over inequality</a> and social injustices follow almost a month of unrest in Chile.

The demonstrations have sometimes devolved into arson, riots and looting, leaving at least 20 dead and wreaking billions of dollars of damage to public infrastructure and private businesses. Santiago's public transport system has been hobbled.

Truck drivers and protesters set up barricades on Tuesday on at least two major highways connecting the capital Santiago with outlying cities and ports, prompting huge back-ups on key regional arteries.

The road blockages prompted the Valparaiso-based upper and lower chambers of congress to suspend activities for the day.

Lawmakers said the move was "unprecedented" with one, Marcelo Diaz, a socialist, telling local TV: "Today more than ever congress needs to be making an effort to work at an accelerated pace because the people are demanding that we find concrete solutions."

In downtown Santiago, the streets were unusually quiet as buses scaled back service and many people refrained from commuting to work in anticipation of protests.

Schools and businesses throughout the capital of 6 million people were largely closed, and construction workers scrambled to board up shops and restaurants in anticipation of continued riots.

Valentina Donosa, 21, a university student who funds her education by selling bread on the street, said she was not in favour of the vandalism but that something significant had to change.

"I am in favour of the movement and of making a noise because to be honest, if you go to protest outside the Moneda (presidential palace) with white doves, nothing happens," she said.

Elsa Fuentes, 56, an empanada pastry seller, said she would not be joining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-in-chile-set-fire-to-university-loot-church-260963">the protests</a>.

"People want everything for free and they have done a lot of damage," she said.

President Sebastian Pinera's center-right administration said on Sunday Chile's Congress should begin the process of writing a new constitution to replace the current one which dates back to the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Many protesters said it was not enough, saying a referendum vote, not Congress, should determine the steps forward in redrafting the country's 1980 Constitution.

State workers in Chile promised to launch a massive, nationwide walk-off early on Tuesday, a sign protesters were not yet satisfied following the government's decision to rewrite the country's heavily critiqued dictatorship-era constitution.

State workers in Chile promised to launch a massive, nationwide walk-off early on Tuesday, a sign protesters were not yet satisfied following the government's decision to rewrite the country's heavily critiqued dictatorship-era constitution. The new round of rallies and strikes over inequality and social injustices follow almost a month of unrest in Chile. The demonstrations have sometimes devolved into arson, riots and looting, leaving at least 20 dead and wreaking billions of dollars of damage to public infrastructure and private businesses. Santiago's public transport system has been hobbled. Truck drivers and protesters set up barricades on Tuesday on at least two major highways connecting the capital Santiago with outlying cities and ports, prompting huge back-ups on key regional arteries. The road blockages prompted the Valparaiso-based upper and lower chambers of congress to suspend activities for the day. Lawmakers said the move was "unprecedented" with one, Marcelo Diaz, a socialist, telling local TV: "Today more than ever congress needs to be making an effort to work at an accelerated pace because the people are demanding that we find concrete solutions." In downtown Santiago, the streets were unusually quiet as buses scaled back service and many people refrained from commuting to work in anticipation of protests. Schools and businesses throughout the capital of 6 million people were largely closed, and construction workers scrambled to board up shops and restaurants in anticipation of continued riots. Valentina Donosa, 21, a university student who funds her education by selling bread on the street, said she was not in favour of the vandalism but that something significant had to change. "I am in favour of the movement and of making a noise because to be honest, if you go to protest outside the Moneda (presidential palace) with white doves, nothing happens," she said. Elsa Fuentes, 56, an empanada pastry seller, said she would not be joining the protests. "People want everything for free and they have done a lot of damage," she said. President Sebastian Pinera's center-right administration said on Sunday Chile's Congress should begin the process of writing a new constitution to replace the current one which dates back to the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Many protesters said it was not enough, saying a referendum vote, not Congress, should determine the steps forward in redrafting the country's 1980 Constitution.

No end in sight to Chile unrest as massive strike, more protests planned

Chile protest turns violent; At least 18 dead, 7000 people arrested. Watch video to know more.

Chile protest turns violent; At least 18 dead, 7000 people arrested

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 4th, 2019

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Saturday announced a major government reshuffle, a day after more than one million people took to the streets in a massive protest for economic and political change.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Saturday announced a major government reshuffle, a day after more than one million people took to the streets in a massive protest for economic and political change. "I asked all ministers to resign in order to form a new government and to be able to respond to these new demands," he said in an address to the nation, adding that a highly controversial state of emergency might be lifted Sunday if "circumstances permit." The military also announced that an overnight curfew would be lifted Saturday. "We are in a new reality," Pinera said. "Chile is different from what it was a week ago." The government has been struggling to craft an effective response to the massive protests that were sparked by a rise in subway fares but fueled by a growing list of economic and political demands that include Pinera's resignation. The breadth and ferocity of the demonstrations appear to have caught the government of Chile -- long one of Latin America's richest and most stable countries -- off guard. Another reshuffling At least 19 people have died in the worst political violence in decades, and there has been widespread looting and arson. Pinera, who assumed office in March 2018, had already shuffled his cabinet twice in 15 months as doubts grew about a slowing economy and his leadership. One of the most controversial members in the current cabinet is Interior Minister Andres Chadwick, the president's cousin. The police and army troops have been accused of using unnecessary force in putting down the protests. The United Nations is sending a team to investigate allegations of abuse. More than one million people, representing a range of political backgrounds and from all social classes, took to the streets of Santiago and other cities on Friday in some of the largest protests ever seen in this country of 18 million. Demonstrators carrying indigenous and national flags sang popular resistance songs from the 1973-90 Augusto Pinochet dictatorship era. Santiago's governor Karla Rubilar praised the march, saying it represented "the dream of a new Chile." Police said 820,000 people marched in the capital.

Chilean president vows major reshuffle after week of protests

Protesters rallied in Santiago and around the country on Thursday afternoon as President Sebastian Pinera sent the first of a promised raft of legislation to Congress in a bid to address calls for an end to Chile's entrenched inequality.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered for mainly peaceful demonstrations which on Thursday included dancing, some displays of nudism, carnival-type costumes, and effigies of Pinera. There were also more instances of looting at supermarkets and clashes with police.

Prosecutors said on Thursday that since Wednesday night 734 more people had been charged in connection with protests, looting and arson nationwide, with 324 taken into custody in Santiago. More than 7,000 have been charged since Saturday.

Protests that started over a hike to public transport fares boiled over on Friday into riots that have left at least 16 people dead, hundreds injured and millions of dollars' worth of damage to businesses and infrastructure.

An online poll conducted by local company Activa Research of 2,090 people between Oct. 22-23 found 83 per cent of respondents said they supported the goals of the demonstrators, but 72.5 per cent said they did not support violence as a method of protest.

'Opportunity for Chile'

Pinera, a billionaire businessman, spoke to the nation on Thursday morning in a televised broadcast, saying he had heard "loud and clear" the demands of Chileans.

The president said he would send a bill to Congress later on Thursday that would overturn a recent hike in electricity rates, one of several measures he said he hopes will turn the violent demonstrations into an "opportunity" for Chile.

He said he would follow it on Friday with a bill to increase the minimum pension by 20 per cent.

"I will keep sending projects to Congress to ... breathe life into this social agenda," Pinera said.

Ivan Flores, president of the opposition-led chamber of representatives, said lawmakers would skip a previously-planned recess to fast-track the reforms.

Octavio Solis, 43, an unemployed security guard, said he hoped the government acted quickly.

"We're tired of all this, the protests, the looting. It's a disaster. This isn't the Santiago we once knew," Solis said as he waited in line to receive an unemployment payment.

"We need good salaries and pensions for our elderly."

Human rights

Copper miners in Chile, the world's top producer, said the riots had mostly spared production but problems persisted with port facilities, public transport and supply chains.

Most of Chile's private miners, including BHP Group Ltd, Anglo American Plc&nbsp;and Teck Resources Ltd, reported minimal impacts to their operations on Thursday.

Truck drivers slowed traffic to a crawl on a major route connecting Santiago to port cities on Thursday, driving slowly in solidarity with protesters.

Chile's defence minister, Alberto Espina, said the authorities had launched investigations into allegations of abuse by security forces, as footage shared on social media purported to show excessive force used by police and soldiers.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the authenticity of the footage.

"Let the institutions do their work," Espina told reporters on Thursday, calling on members of the public to be patient. "I ask that we don't prejudge."

UN&nbsp;human rights boss Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile, wrote on Twitter on Thursday that she would send a mission to her home country to investigate allegations of human rights violations.

The Chilean government said it would welcome a UN&nbsp;delegation, along with representatives of global NGO Human Rights Watch.

Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribera said on Thursday that there was "no chance" the government would call off two major global meetings in Santiago in the coming months, including welcoming US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping.

Hernan Larrain, the justice minister, said the curfew and state of emergency would only be called off once violent attacks had ceased.

He said the deployment of the armed forces had been welcomed in poorer neighbourhoods where self-defence groups of people in yellow jackets have sprung up to patrol with rough weapons including bats and metal bars.

"We must value the work they have done to contain this situation," he said.

Protesters rallied in Santiago and around the country on Thursday afternoon as President Sebastian Pinera sent the first of a promised raft of legislation to Congress in a bid to address calls for an end to Chile's entrenched inequality.

Protesters rallied in Santiago and around the country on Thursday afternoon as President Sebastian Pinera sent the first of a promised raft of legislation to Congress in a bid to address calls for an end to Chile's entrenched inequality. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered for mainly peaceful demonstrations which on Thursday included dancing, some displays of nudism, carnival-type costumes, and effigies of Pinera. There were also more instances of looting at supermarkets and clashes with police. Prosecutors said on Thursday that since Wednesday night 734 more people had been charged in connection with protests, looting and arson nationwide, with 324 taken into custody in Santiago. More than 7,000 have been charged since Saturday. Protests that started over a hike to public transport fares boiled over on Friday into riots that have left at least 16 people dead, hundreds injured and millions of dollars' worth of damage to businesses and infrastructure. An online poll conducted by local company Activa Research of 2,090 people between Oct. 22-23 found 83 per cent of respondents said they supported the goals of the demonstrators, but 72.5 per cent said they did not support violence as a method of protest. 'Opportunity for Chile' Pinera, a billionaire businessman, spoke to the nation on Thursday morning in a televised broadcast, saying he had heard "loud and clear" the demands of Chileans. The president said he would send a bill to Congress later on Thursday that would overturn a recent hike in electricity rates, one of several measures he said he hopes will turn the violent demonstrations into an "opportunity" for Chile. He said he would follow it on Friday with a bill to increase the minimum pension by 20 per cent. "I will keep sending projects to Congress to ... breathe life into this social agenda," Pinera said. Ivan Flores, president of the opposition-led chamber of representatives, said lawmakers would skip a previously-planned recess to fast-track the reforms. Octavio Solis, 43, an unemployed security guard, said he hoped the government acted quickly. "We're tired of all this, the protests, the looting. It's a disaster. This isn't the Santiago we once knew," Solis said as he waited in line to receive an unemployment payment. "We need good salaries and pensions for our elderly." Human rights Copper miners in Chile, the world's top producer, said the riots had mostly spared production but problems persisted with port facilities, public transport and supply chains. Most of Chile's private miners, including BHP Group Ltd, Anglo American Plc and Teck Resources Ltd, reported minimal impacts to their operations on Thursday. Truck drivers slowed traffic to a crawl on a major route connecting Santiago to port cities on Thursday, driving slowly in solidarity with protesters. Chile's defence minister, Alberto Espina, said the authorities had launched investigations into allegations of abuse by security forces, as footage shared on social media purported to show excessive force used by police and soldiers. Reuters could not immediately confirm the authenticity of the footage. "Let the institutions do their work," Espina told reporters on Thursday, calling on members of the public to be patient. "I ask that we don't prejudge." UN human rights boss Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile, wrote on Twitter on Thursday that she would send a mission to her home country to investigate allegations of human rights violations. The Chilean government said it would welcome a UN delegation, along with representatives of global NGO Human Rights Watch. Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribera said on Thursday that there was "no chance" the government would call off two major global meetings in Santiago in the coming months, including welcoming US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping. Hernan Larrain, the justice minister, said the curfew and state of emergency would only be called off once violent attacks had ceased. He said the deployment of the armed forces had been welcomed in poorer neighbourhoods where self-defence groups of people in yellow jackets have sprung up to patrol with rough weapons including bats and metal bars. "We must value the work they have done to contain this situation," he said.

Chile protesters stay in streets as Pinera says their demands 'loud and clear'

Why people are protesting in Chile?

Chile's president declared a state of emergency in Santiago Friday night and gave the military responsibility for security after a day of violent protests over an increase in the price of metro tickets.

Throughout Friday, protestors clashed with riot police in several parts of the capital and the subway system was shut after attacks on stations in some of the worst violence the city has seen in years.

At least 16 buses were torched and a dozen metro stations totally destroyed.

Around midnight President Sebastian Pinera declared a state of emergency and appointed Major General Javier Iturriaga del Campo as head of national defence.

"The objective of this state of emergency is very simple but very profound: to ensure public order and peace for the inhabitants of Santiago," Pinera said in a statement.

The state of emergency is initially for 15 days and restricts freedom of movement and assembly. Due to the emergency, the National Football Association has suspended matches this weekend.

General Iturriaga said the military would patrol major trouble spots in the city of seven million but would not impose a curfew at present.

"We are not going to restrict any personal freedom for now," he said.

Violent clashes escalated as night fell and the headquarters of the ENEL Chile power company and a Banco Chile branch, both in the city centre, were set on fire and several metro stations hit with Molotov cocktails. The ENEL tower blaze was put out with no one injured, firefighters said.

Barricades were erected in several parts of the city and masked protestors armed with sticks and stones clashed with riot police, who repelled them with water cannon and tear gas.

Residents in many districts of Santiago banged their pots in a show of support for the protestors.

Attacks on metro stations

The unrest started as a fare-dodging protest mainly by students against the hike in metro ticket prices, which increased from 800 to 830 peso ($1.13 to $1.17) for peak-hour travel, following a 20 peso rise in January.

The fare hike was blamed on rising oil prices and a weaker peso.

There had been several fare-dodging actions in recent days, organized on social media, but the protests escalated Friday, tapping into general discontent among many Chileans amid an economic slowdown and calls for reforms to labour and tax laws and the pension system.

Attacks on metro stations forced the closure of the entire subway system -- the key form of public transport in the congested and polluted city, carrying three million passengers a day.

"The entire network is closed due to riots and destruction that prevent the minimum security conditions for passengers and workers," the metro operator said on Twitter, after attacks against nearly all the 164 stations where many gates and turnstiles were destroyed.

The Santiago Metro, at 140 kilometres (90 miles) the largest and most modern in South America, is expected to remain closed this weekend and could reopen gradually next week.

Closure of the metro forced many Santiago residents to walk home, sometimes long distances, resulting in scenes of chaos.

Pinera slammed the protestors as criminals.

"This desire to break everything is not a protest, it's criminal," he said in a radio interview.

On Thursday, 133 people had been arrested for causing damage to metro stations, estimated at up to 500 million peso ($700,000).

Chile's president declared a state of emergency in Santiago Friday night and gave the military responsibility for security after a day of violent protests over an increase in the price of metro tickets.

Chile's president declared a state of emergency in Santiago Friday night and gave the military responsibility for security after a day of violent protests over an increase in the price of metro tickets. Throughout Friday, protestors clashed with riot police in several parts of the capital and the subway system was shut after attacks on stations in some of the worst violence the city has seen in years. At least 16 buses were torched and a dozen metro stations totally destroyed. Around midnight President Sebastian Pinera declared a state of emergency and appointed Major General Javier Iturriaga del Campo as head of national defence. "The objective of this state of emergency is very simple but very profound: to ensure public order and peace for the inhabitants of Santiago," Pinera said in a statement. The state of emergency is initially for 15 days and restricts freedom of movement and assembly. Due to the emergency, the National Football Association has suspended matches this weekend. General Iturriaga said the military would patrol major trouble spots in the city of seven million but would not impose a curfew at present. "We are not going to restrict any personal freedom for now," he said. Violent clashes escalated as night fell and the headquarters of the ENEL Chile power company and a Banco Chile branch, both in the city centre, were set on fire and several metro stations hit with Molotov cocktails. The ENEL tower blaze was put out with no one injured, firefighters said. Barricades were erected in several parts of the city and masked protestors armed with sticks and stones clashed with riot police, who repelled them with water cannon and tear gas. Residents in many districts of Santiago banged their pots in a show of support for the protestors. Attacks on metro stations The unrest started as a fare-dodging protest mainly by students against the hike in metro ticket prices, which increased from 800 to 830 peso ($1.13 to $1.17) for peak-hour travel, following a 20 peso rise in January. The fare hike was blamed on rising oil prices and a weaker peso. There had been several fare-dodging actions in recent days, organized on social media, but the protests escalated Friday, tapping into general discontent among many Chileans amid an economic slowdown and calls for reforms to labour and tax laws and the pension system. Attacks on metro stations forced the closure of the entire subway system -- the key form of public transport in the congested and polluted city, carrying three million passengers a day. "The entire network is closed due to riots and destruction that prevent the minimum security conditions for passengers and workers," the metro operator said on Twitter, after attacks against nearly all the 164 stations where many gates and turnstiles were destroyed. The Santiago Metro, at 140 kilometres (90 miles) the largest and most modern in South America, is expected to remain closed this weekend and could reopen gradually next week. Closure of the metro forced many Santiago residents to walk home, sometimes long distances, resulting in scenes of chaos. Pinera slammed the protestors as criminals. "This desire to break everything is not a protest, it's criminal," he said in a radio interview. On Thursday, 133 people had been arrested for causing damage to metro stations, estimated at up to 500 million peso ($700,000).

Chile president declares state of emergency after violent protests

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