Chilean President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-president-pinera-condemns-police-violence-as-unrest-stretches-for-over-four-weeks-262781">Sebastian Pinera</a>, whose government has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-violent-clashes-erupt-in-new-round-of-protests-270712">rocked by riots</a> over inequality, ignited a fresh wave of anger after claiming that "many" videos on social media of police abuse of demonstrators were "fake news," and unrest was being fomented by foreign governments.

Pinera told CNN Chile in an interview that there had been a "gigantic" disinformation campaign with videos circulating on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that had been "filmed outside of Chile or misrepresented."

"There has doubtless been some participation by foreign governments and institutions," he said.

Pinera's comments were first screened by CNN on December&nbsp;15, but only gained widespread renown on Thursday when they became the subject of intense debate.

On Friday, after Santiago residents were called to a "K-Pop rally" in the city's central Plaza Italia, thousands of people gathered to bang pots and pans and chant anti-government slogans, with a massive deployment of police who moved in to disperse them with water cannons and tear gas.

Pinera has been blamed by the political opposition, human rights organizations and activist groups for failing to act more quickly on widespread claims of rights abuses by security forces policing the protests since they began over inequality on October&nbsp;18. With more than 26 people killed during the unrest and thousands more injured and arrested, Pinera's approval ratings have tumbled to as low as 10 per cent.

The claims of foreign interference are not new: the US&nbsp;State Department said it had seen indications of Russian “influence” on the unrest, “skewing it through the use and abuse of social media, trolling.”

However, Pinera's claims were met with fury from both his political opponents and members of his own governing coalition, Chile Vamos.

Manuel Jose Ossandon, a senator for centre-right party National Renewal, told La Tercera newspaper: "Enough. Chile is living a decisive moment. These declarations don't help, they divide."

Sergio Micco, the head of Chile's Human Rights Institute which has reviewed online content as part of an investigation into police handling of the protests, told a local radio station that while the group had seen misleading material, the "immense majority" was authentic.

And Jorge Abbott, Chile's attorney general, said: "At the moment, the images we have analyzed don't fall in that category (of coming from abroad)."

On Thursday night, the president tweeted that he had not expressed himself "clearly enough" and said human rights abuses "should always be condemned."

Last week, the government gave prosecutors a report it said had been sent to its intelligence agency by an undisclosed source that analyzed 5 million social media accounts tweeting at the peak of the unrest.

The report, the government confirmed, highlighted that one in five tweets about the unrest was generated outside of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildfire-in-chilean-port-city-of-valparaiso-leaves-700-homeless-270514">Chile</a>, and among the most active accounts were fans of Korea's K-pop culture.

Friday's call for a "K-Pop rally" in Santiago included the ambitious promise of a closing concert by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/k-pop-fans-brave-seouls-christmas-chill-to-buy-bts-merch-270013">South Korean megaband BTS</a>.

During the evening, as protesters gathered, the nearby Alameda Art Center, whose lobby has been used as a triage center by volunteer medics during the protests, was set alight and almost totally destroyed, Santiago firefighters said.

There were widespread claims on social media that the fire was started by a police tear gas canister, though firefighters said they could not confirm the cause of the blaze and police did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Firefighters were also called to the San Sebastian University in the nearby Bellavista district, which was significantly vandalized and set alight during the protest.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, whose government has been rocked by riots over inequality, ignited a fresh wave of anger after claiming that "many" videos on social media of police abuse of demonstrators were "fake news," and unrest was being fomented by foreign governments.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, whose government has been rocked by riots over inequality, ignited a fresh wave of anger after claiming that "many" videos on social media of police abuse of demonstrators were "fake news," and unrest was being fomented by foreign governments. Pinera told CNN Chile in an interview that there had been a "gigantic" disinformation campaign with videos circulating on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that had been "filmed outside of Chile or misrepresented." "There has doubtless been some participation by foreign governments and institutions," he said. Pinera's comments were first screened by CNN on December 15, but only gained widespread renown on Thursday when they became the subject of intense debate. On Friday, after Santiago residents were called to a "K-Pop rally" in the city's central Plaza Italia, thousands of people gathered to bang pots and pans and chant anti-government slogans, with a massive deployment of police who moved in to disperse them with water cannons and tear gas. Pinera has been blamed by the political opposition, human rights organizations and activist groups for failing to act more quickly on widespread claims of rights abuses by security forces policing the protests since they began over inequality on October 18. With more than 26 people killed during the unrest and thousands more injured and arrested, Pinera's approval ratings have tumbled to as low as 10 per cent. The claims of foreign interference are not new: the US State Department said it had seen indications of Russian “influence” on the unrest, “skewing it through the use and abuse of social media, trolling.” However, Pinera's claims were met with fury from both his political opponents and members of his own governing coalition, Chile Vamos. Manuel Jose Ossandon, a senator for centre-right party National Renewal, told La Tercera newspaper: "Enough. Chile is living a decisive moment. These declarations don't help, they divide." Sergio Micco, the head of Chile's Human Rights Institute which has reviewed online content as part of an investigation into police handling of the protests, told a local radio station that while the group had seen misleading material, the "immense majority" was authentic. And Jorge Abbott, Chile's attorney general, said: "At the moment, the images we have analyzed don't fall in that category (of coming from abroad)." On Thursday night, the president tweeted that he had not expressed himself "clearly enough" and said human rights abuses "should always be condemned." Last week, the government gave prosecutors a report it said had been sent to its intelligence agency by an undisclosed source that analyzed 5 million social media accounts tweeting at the peak of the unrest. The report, the government confirmed, highlighted that one in five tweets about the unrest was generated outside of Chile, and among the most active accounts were fans of Korea's K-pop culture. Friday's call for a "K-Pop rally" in Santiago included the ambitious promise of a closing concert by South Korean megaband BTS. During the evening, as protesters gathered, the nearby Alameda Art Center, whose lobby has been used as a triage center by volunteer medics during the protests, was set alight and almost totally destroyed, Santiago firefighters said. There were widespread claims on social media that the fire was started by a police tear gas canister, though firefighters said they could not confirm the cause of the blaze and police did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Firefighters were also called to the San Sebastian University in the nearby Bellavista district, which was significantly vandalized and set alight during the protest.

Chilean President Pinera sparks fury with fake news claims

700 left homeless as wildfire rages in Chilean port city of Valparaiso

More than 245 homes have been destroyed and 700 people left destitute after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighters-fire-in-chilean-city-of-valparaiso-destroys-about-50-homes-270111">forest fire</a> tore through a low-income area of the Chilean seaside city of Valparaiso on Christmas Eve.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-may-have-violated-protocols-chiles-president-pinera-263751">President Sebastian Pinera</a> said on Thursday during a tour of the affected zone that there was evidence the fire had been started deliberately.

"I deeply regret that what should have been a good night, a night of peace, should have been so profoundly altered by this tragedy," he said.

Valparaiso, known for its colorful wood-frame houses, is popular among tourists in the South American country.

The fire broke out in a forested area on the outskirts of the city and spread toward the coast, hitting the Rocuant and San Roque hills, a jumble of settlements that overlook the city.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Chile Christmas fire-&nbsp;Wildfire destroyed over 150 homes

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Inhabitants fled their homes just moments before sitting down to their Christmas Eve dinner, some losing all their belongings and even pets.

Marta Pinto, 78, said her granddaughter spotted the fire coming down the hill and raised the alarm.

"They took me to the house of a niece because I suffer from lung disease," she told Reuters. "My husband arrived and said: 'Love, we have lost everything.' I´ve cried all my tears already. My heart is so sore for everything that has happened to us, to our neighbors, in this tremendous tragedy."

Juan Silva Suazo, 68, said he had lost his home and all of the possessions he spent 45 years accumulating.

"So many years of sacrifice, it has cost me so much to make my house and now that I´m retired, I have no way of making it back," he said. "I have polio, I cannot stand for a long time, or sit for a long time either as I have osteoporosis in my hips, knees and feet. We are sleeping in a bathroom right now, it´s terrible."

Chile´s forestry commission said the fire was only fully brought under control at midday on Thursday with the help of nine firefighting teams, five helicopters and two water trucks. A total of 132 hectares of vegetation were destroyed, it added.

Agriculture Minister Antonio Walker said the high temperatures at the height of the Southern Hemisphere summer, which runs from December to March, and dry conditions caused by a historic drought currently blighting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chilean-lawmakers-warn-democracy-at-stake-as-violence-spikes-264996">Chile</a> had provided fertile ground for the fire.

Valparaiso's mayor Jorge Sharp, said on Wednesday he had filed a criminal complaint with the courts against those who started the fire, once they are identified.

"That this fire was intentionally started is, from various indications, clear and we want to know who is responsible and why they would want to cause so much damage to Valparaiso," he said.

More than 245 homes have been destroyed and 700 people left destitute after a forest fire tore through a low-income area of the Chilean seaside city of Valparaiso on Christmas Eve.

More than 245 homes have been destroyed and 700 people left destitute after a forest fire tore through a low-income area of the Chilean seaside city of Valparaiso on Christmas Eve. President Sebastian Pinera said on Thursday during a tour of the affected zone that there was evidence the fire had been started deliberately. "I deeply regret that what should have been a good night, a night of peace, should have been so profoundly altered by this tragedy," he said. Valparaiso, known for its colorful wood-frame houses, is popular among tourists in the South American country. The fire broke out in a forested area on the outskirts of the city and spread toward the coast, hitting the Rocuant and San Roque hills, a jumble of settlements that overlook the city. Also Watch: Chile Christmas fire- Wildfire destroyed over 150 homes × Inhabitants fled their homes just moments before sitting down to their Christmas Eve dinner, some losing all their belongings and even pets. Marta Pinto, 78, said her granddaughter spotted the fire coming down the hill and raised the alarm. "They took me to the house of a niece because I suffer from lung disease," she told Reuters. "My husband arrived and said: 'Love, we have lost everything.' I´ve cried all my tears already. My heart is so sore for everything that has happened to us, to our neighbors, in this tremendous tragedy." Juan Silva Suazo, 68, said he had lost his home and all of the possessions he spent 45 years accumulating. "So many years of sacrifice, it has cost me so much to make my house and now that I´m retired, I have no way of making it back," he said. "I have polio, I cannot stand for a long time, or sit for a long time either as I have osteoporosis in my hips, knees and feet. We are sleeping in a bathroom right now, it´s terrible." Chile´s forestry commission said the fire was only fully brought under control at midday on Thursday with the help of nine firefighting teams, five helicopters and two water trucks. A total of 132 hectares of vegetation were destroyed, it added. Agriculture Minister Antonio Walker said the high temperatures at the height of the Southern Hemisphere summer, which runs from December to March, and dry conditions caused by a historic drought currently blighting Chile had provided fertile ground for the fire. Valparaiso's mayor Jorge Sharp, said on Wednesday he had filed a criminal complaint with the courts against those who started the fire, once they are identified. "That this fire was intentionally started is, from various indications, clear and we want to know who is responsible and why they would want to cause so much damage to Valparaiso," he said.

Wildfire in Chilean port city of Valparaiso leaves 700 homeless

Helicopters dropped thousands of gallons of water on the outskirts of the Chilean port city of Valparaiso on Wednesday to extinguish a fire that destroyed more than 150 homes. #WION #Chile #Chilefire

Chile Christmas fire: Wildfire destroyed over 150 homes

A&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in a poor neighbourhood of the coastal&nbsp;Chilean&nbsp;city&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-chiles-violent-unrest-enters-into-fifth-week-death-toll-rises-to-23-263990">Valparaíso</a>&nbsp;destroyed dozens of houses on Tuesday and&nbsp;firefighters struggled to control the blaze, authorities said.

Inhabitants fled their&nbsp;homes&nbsp;in the middle of Christmas Eve festivities, some losing all their belongings and even pets, a&nbsp;witness said.

"The entire&nbsp;Valparaíso&nbsp;Fire&nbsp;Department with support from neighboring units is deployed. The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;has consumed&nbsp;about&nbsp;50&nbsp;homes,"&nbsp;firefighters said on Twitter. Two nearby neighbourhoods were being evacuated, they said.

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Great hose advancement drills this week by Valparaiso Fire Department. <a href="https://t.co/qSTD9xruit">pic.twitter.com/qSTD9xruit</a>
— John Kroll (@gysgtkroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/gysgtkroll/status/952315279895416832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The blaze, fed by high Southern Hemisphere summer temperatures and strong winds, started in a forested area and spread to the&nbsp;city,&nbsp;firefighters said.

Valparaiso, known for its colourful wood-frame houses, is popular among tourists in the South American country.

A fire in a poor neighbourhood of the coastal Chilean city of Valparaíso destroyed dozens of houses on Tuesday and firefighters struggled to control the blaze, authorities said.

A fire in a poor neighbourhood of the coastal Chilean city of Valparaíso destroyed dozens of houses on Tuesday and firefighters struggled to control the blaze, authorities said. Inhabitants fled their homes in the middle of Christmas Eve festivities, some losing all their belongings and even pets, a witness said. "The entire Valparaíso Fire Department with support from neighboring units is deployed. The fire has consumed about 50 homes," firefighters said on Twitter. Two nearby neighbourhoods were being evacuated, they said. Great hose advancement drills this week by Valparaiso Fire Department. pic.twitter.com/qSTD9xruit — John Kroll (@gysgtkroll) January 13, 2018 × The blaze, fed by high Southern Hemisphere summer temperatures and strong winds, started in a forested area and spread to the city, firefighters said. Valparaiso, known for its colourful wood-frame houses, is popular among tourists in the South American country.

Fire in Chilean city of Valparaíso destroys about 50 homes

A Chilean Air Force cargo plane with 38 on board has disappeared from radar en route to Antarctica, Chilean air force said.

"A C-130 Hercules aircraft took off at 16:55 (19:55 GMT) from the city of Punta Arenas to the President Eduardo Frei Antarctic Base... 38 people are traveling," the Air Force said in the statement.

According to the statement issued by the Chilean Air Force, there are 17 crew members and 21 passengers on the plane. The cargo plane of the Chilean Air Force was heading to King George Island, off the coast of Antarctica towards Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva.

The Chilean Air Force in the statement said that the aircraft was carrying out logistical support tasks, transferring personnel for the revision of the floating fuel supply pipeline at the base and for carrying out anticorrosive treatment of national facilities in the area.

A state of alert was declared after communication with plane was lost, and a search and rescue team was activated.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Chilean Air Force cargo plane with 38 on board has disappeared from radar en route to Antarctica, Chilean air force said. "A C-130 Hercules aircraft took off at 16:55 (19:55 GMT) from the city of Punta Arenas to the President Eduardo Frei Antarctic Base.

A Chilean Air Force cargo plane with 38 on board has disappeared from radar en route to Antarctica, Chilean air force said. "A C-130 Hercules aircraft took off at 16:55 (19:55 GMT) from the city of Punta Arenas to the President Eduardo Frei Antarctic Base... 38 people are traveling," the Air Force said in the statement. According to the statement issued by the Chilean Air Force, there are 17 crew members and 21 passengers on the plane. The cargo plane of the Chilean Air Force was heading to King George Island, off the coast of Antarctica towards Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva. The Chilean Air Force in the statement said that the aircraft was carrying out logistical support tasks, transferring personnel for the revision of the floating fuel supply pipeline at the base and for carrying out anticorrosive treatment of national facilities in the area. A state of alert was declared after communication with plane was lost, and a search and rescue team was activated. (With inputs from agencies)

Antarctica-bound plane 'disappears' with 38 aboard: Chilean Air Force

From France to India, the Chilean feminist chant 'the rapist is you' is being used to send out a message.

Gravitas: Chilean feminist chant 'the rapist is you' garners traction worldwide

Women make a statement against gender violence in Chile, Chilean feminist song goes viral "The Rapist is you""

Chilean feminist song goes viral "The Rapist is you""

'The rapist is you': Chile protest anthem against sexual violence goes global

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chile-unveils-55-billion-stimulus-plan-as-economy-shrinks-265904">Chile&nbsp;is investigating</a> "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;European&nbsp;country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday.

"Chilean international organisms are investigating whether or not there is direct international&nbsp;interference," Ribero told reporters.

"What we do know is that in the days after October 18, there was an important share of internet use coming from a country in&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;Europe to&nbsp;Chile," he said.&nbsp;

He did not name the country nor give further details about the nature of the alleged&nbsp;interference.

"There is excessive internet traffic" around that period, Ribero said, including the "creation of false profiles."

Ribera's comments come after Russia denied US accusations that it used online trolling to stir up tensions in&nbsp;Chile, where 23 people have died in weeks of violent demonstrations that swept the South American country from October 18.

In a late October phone call to his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-21-dead-after-bus-flips-in-chile-265797">Chile&nbsp;counterpart Sebastian Pinera</a>, US President Donald Trump "denounced foreign efforts to undermine Chilean institutions, democracy or society," according to the White House.

Chile is investigating "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an Eastern European country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday.

Chile is investigating "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an Eastern European country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday. "Chilean international organisms are investigating whether or not there is direct international interference," Ribero told reporters. "What we do know is that in the days after October 18, there was an important share of internet use coming from a country in Eastern Europe to Chile," he said. He did not name the country nor give further details about the nature of the alleged interference. "There is excessive internet traffic" around that period, Ribero said, including the "creation of false profiles." Ribera's comments come after Russia denied US accusations that it used online trolling to stir up tensions in Chile, where 23 people have died in weeks of violent demonstrations that swept the South American country from October 18. In a late October phone call to his Chile counterpart Sebastian Pinera, US President Donald Trump "denounced foreign efforts to undermine Chilean institutions, democracy or society," according to the White House.

Chile probes Eastern European interference in protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-21-dead-after-bus-flips-in-chile-265797">Chile</a> launched a massive $5.5 billion stimulus package after data showed its economy contracted 3.4 per cent in October&nbsp;the largest year-on-year drop in a decade as widespread social unrest continues.

The package unveiled by Finance Minister Ignacio Briones on Monday includes boosting 2020 public spending by $3.03 billion, to support small, medium and large businesses.

Another $525 million are earmarked for other initiatives like the renovation of the metro system in Santiago, which has sustained serious damage since protests erupted on October 18.

"Estimates show that this agenda will generate 100,000 new jobs next year," Briones said.

But the measures will mean a real increase in public spending next year of 9.8 per cent as compared to 2019, pushing the fiscal deficit up to 4.4 per cent of gross domestic product.

"Like any Chilean household that faces unforeseen trouble, we will turn to our savings and our borrowing capacity, while remaining aware that both have limits that cannot be exceeded," Briones said.

The government announced the stimulus measures after the central bank reported the worrisome GDP figures for October.

The 3.4 per cent drop was far greater than the one percent decrease anticipated in official estimates and represented the economy's worst performance since 2009 at the height of the global economic crisis.

"Economic activity during the month was affected by the drop-in services, commerce, and manufacturing," the central bank said.

Mining activity Chile accounts for nearly a third of the world's copper production grew by two percent, but non-mining sectors contracted by four percent, the bank said.

The government's plan "loses meaning if we do not manage to isolate the vandals, looters, narcos and all those who threaten our democracy," said interior min

Chile launched a massive $5.5 billion stimulus package after data showed its economy contracted 3.4 per cent in October the largest year-on-year drop in a decade as widespread social unrest continues.

Chile launched a massive $5.5 billion stimulus package after data showed its economy contracted 3.4 per cent in October the largest year-on-year drop in a decade as widespread social unrest continues. The package unveiled by Finance Minister Ignacio Briones on Monday includes boosting 2020 public spending by $3.03 billion, to support small, medium and large businesses. Another $525 million are earmarked for other initiatives like the renovation of the metro system in Santiago, which has sustained serious damage since protests erupted on October 18. "Estimates show that this agenda will generate 100,000 new jobs next year," Briones said. But the measures will mean a real increase in public spending next year of 9.8 per cent as compared to 2019, pushing the fiscal deficit up to 4.4 per cent of gross domestic product. "Like any Chilean household that faces unforeseen trouble, we will turn to our savings and our borrowing capacity, while remaining aware that both have limits that cannot be exceeded," Briones said. The government announced the stimulus measures after the central bank reported the worrisome GDP figures for October. The 3.4 per cent drop was far greater than the one percent decrease anticipated in official estimates and represented the economy's worst performance since 2009 at the height of the global economic crisis. "Economic activity during the month was affected by the drop-in services, commerce, and manufacturing," the central bank said. Mining activity Chile accounts for nearly a third of the world's copper production grew by two percent, but non-mining sectors contracted by four percent, the bank said. The government's plan "loses meaning if we do not manage to isolate the vandals, looters, narcos and all those who threaten our democracy," said interior min

Chile unveils $5.5 billion stimulus plan as economy shrinks

At least 21 people were killed after a bus in northern Chile went off a road on Sunday (December 01) night, falling some 40 metres (131 feet) into a ravine.

According to reports, the accident took place in the mountainous area of Antofagasta at about 2315 local tile (0215GMT).

Officials report 50 people were on board. Initial reports had the number of dead at 15, before the number of fatalities were raised to 21. At least another 21 people were injured.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

At least 21 people were killed after a bus in northern Chile went off a road on Sunday (December 01) night, falling some 40 metres (131 feet) into a ravine. According to reports, the accident took place in the mountainous area of Antofagasta at about 2315 local tile (0215GMT).

At least 21 people were killed after a bus in northern Chile went off a road on Sunday (December 01) night, falling some 40 metres (131 feet) into a ravine. According to reports, the accident took place in the mountainous area of Antofagasta at about 2315 local tile (0215GMT). Officials report 50 people were on board. Initial reports had the number of dead at 15, before the number of fatalities were raised to 21. At least another 21 people were injured. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

At least 21 dead after bus flips in Chile

Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country's 30-year-old democracy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-chiles-violent-unrest-enters-into-fifth-week-death-toll-rises-to-23-263990">Five weeks of unrest</a> over inequality and shabby social services have left at least 26 dead and more than 13,500 injured, prosecutors said. Riots have hobbled the capital's public transport system, once the envy of Latin America, and caused billions in losses for private business.

The deal, struck between ruling party and opposition lawmakers, acknowledged the government had done too little, too late to stem the crisis. "The country is confronting a crisis of violence and vandalism that threatens our democracy," begins the two-page document.

A fresh round of attacks and rioting earlier this week sent Chile's peso plummeting to a new low against the dollar at the market close on Wednesday. Forecasts for economic growth and unemployment are increasingly grim.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-may-have-violated-protocols-chiles-president-pinera-263751">Sebastian Pinera </a>urged Congress earlier on Wednesday to push forward with bills he introduced weeks ago to ramp up intelligence gathering and toughen penalties against still-rampant looting and destruction.

"Violence is causing harm that may become irreparable to the body and soul of our society," Pinera said from the La Moneda presidential palace.

Lawmakers agreed in the Wednesday-night deal to push forward with "resolve" the security reforms, urging Pinera to use the "constitutional tools" at his disposal to quell the violence, while protecting human rights.

Similar riots have erupted in countries across Latin America, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-holds-another-national-strike-as-week-of-protests-rolls-on-264843">Colombia</a>, Ecuador and Bolivia in recent months as unrest has spiraled into violence and demands for political, social and economic reforms.

Chile´s Interior Ministry reported that police arrested 915 people Tuesday, while the number of "serious incidents" overnight had nearly doubled from the previous day.

Vandals looted a major hotel in the seaside tourist city of La Serena, turning over tables, ripping paintings off walls and breaking windows. Protesters also targeted upscale areas of Santiago, marching through a shopping mall in the ritzy mountainside suburb of La Dehesa earlier in the week and another in Las Condes on Wednesday.

Officials had shut key commuter metro stations by mid-afternoon Wednesday throughout the capital's business area, known as Sanhattan for its gleaming skyscrapers and designer stores, as protests grew.

Pinera's efforts to quell the violence have so far come up short, despite promises to beef up pensions, the minimum wage and healthcare benefits. The country's normally fractious political parties have agreed to work together on a new constitution, though differences remain.

Protests appear driven by mistrust that politicians will keep their promises to bring significant change, and enduring fury over police handling of demonstrators.

Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country's 30-year-old democracy.

Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country's 30-year-old democracy. Five weeks of unrest over inequality and shabby social services have left at least 26 dead and more than 13,500 injured, prosecutors said. Riots have hobbled the capital's public transport system, once the envy of Latin America, and caused billions in losses for private business. The deal, struck between ruling party and opposition lawmakers, acknowledged the government had done too little, too late to stem the crisis. "The country is confronting a crisis of violence and vandalism that threatens our democracy," begins the two-page document. A fresh round of attacks and rioting earlier this week sent Chile's peso plummeting to a new low against the dollar at the market close on Wednesday. Forecasts for economic growth and unemployment are increasingly grim. President Sebastian Pinera urged Congress earlier on Wednesday to push forward with bills he introduced weeks ago to ramp up intelligence gathering and toughen penalties against still-rampant looting and destruction. "Violence is causing harm that may become irreparable to the body and soul of our society," Pinera said from the La Moneda presidential palace. Lawmakers agreed in the Wednesday-night deal to push forward with "resolve" the security reforms, urging Pinera to use the "constitutional tools" at his disposal to quell the violence, while protecting human rights. Similar riots have erupted in countries across Latin America, including Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia in recent months as unrest has spiraled into violence and demands for political, social and economic reforms. Chile´s Interior Ministry reported that police arrested 915 people Tuesday, while the number of "serious incidents" overnight had nearly doubled from the previous day. Vandals looted a major hotel in the seaside tourist city of La Serena, turning over tables, ripping paintings off walls and breaking windows. Protesters also targeted upscale areas of Santiago, marching through a shopping mall in the ritzy mountainside suburb of La Dehesa earlier in the week and another in Las Condes on Wednesday. Officials had shut key commuter metro stations by mid-afternoon Wednesday throughout the capital's business area, known as Sanhattan for its gleaming skyscrapers and designer stores, as protests grew. Pinera's efforts to quell the violence have so far come up short, despite promises to beef up pensions, the minimum wage and healthcare benefits. The country's normally fractious political parties have agreed to work together on a new constitution, though differences remain. Protests appear driven by mistrust that politicians will keep their promises to bring significant change, and enduring fury over police handling of demonstrators.

Chilean lawmakers warn democracy at stake as violence spikes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-awakened-graffiti-across-shattered-city-reflects-protest-intensity-264674">Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations"</a> as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force.

HRW said the police, known as Carabineros, "committed serious human rights violations, including excessive use of force in the streets and abuses in detention," during the protests.

The New York-based rights group had received hundreds of disturbing reports of abuse, including cases of beatings and sexual assault, Jose Miguel Vivanco, HRW's director for the Americas, told a press conference in Santiago.

"We believe that the abuses are not isolated cases, they are not coincidences," said Vivanco.

The rights groups said in a statement it met with President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago on Tuesday, recommending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-chiles-violent-unrest-enters-into-fifth-week-death-toll-rises-to-23-263990">a series of reforms</a> to help prevent police misconduct.

Watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them

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The reforms were needed "in the wake of compelling evidence of excessive use of force and abuses against demonstrators and bystanders."

Among its recommendations is a thorough reform of the Chilean police, including reviewing detention protocols for identity checks, setting up internal control mechanisms and strengthening police training.

"We recognise the value of the Human Rights Watch report and the recommendations that have been made to us," said Lorena Recabarren, the Chilean minister with responsibility for human rights.

She said the findings "concern us and, of course, are ones we receive with pain."

Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations" as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force.

Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations" as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force. HRW said the police, known as Carabineros, "committed serious human rights violations, including excessive use of force in the streets and abuses in detention," during the protests. The New York-based rights group had received hundreds of disturbing reports of abuse, including cases of beatings and sexual assault, Jose Miguel Vivanco, HRW's director for the Americas, told a press conference in Santiago. "We believe that the abuses are not isolated cases, they are not coincidences," said Vivanco. The rights groups said in a statement it met with President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago on Tuesday, recommending a series of reforms to help prevent police misconduct. Watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them The reforms were needed "in the wake of compelling evidence of excessive use of force and abuses against demonstrators and bystanders." Among its recommendations is a thorough reform of the Chilean police, including reviewing detention protocols for identity checks, setting up internal control mechanisms and strengthening police training. "We recognise the value of the Human Rights Watch report and the recommendations that have been made to us," said Lorena Recabarren, the Chilean minister with responsibility for human rights. She said the findings "concern us and, of course, are ones we receive with pain."

'Serious' human rights violations occurred during Chile protests: Human Rights Watch

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-chiles-violent-unrest-enters-into-fifth-week-death-toll-rises-to-23-263990">month of intense protests</a> against inequality and police repression in Santiago have transformed the Chilean capital's streetscape into a caterwaul of graffiti whose messages reflect the deep discontent in this once genteel Latin American city.

The warm, dry air typical of springtime now bears the lingering sting of teargas, and shops and office blocks have become fortresses, adorned with metal curtains to protect them from demonstrators' stones or Molotov cocktails.

Commuters move past blackened barricades smoldering across many streets and take their chances at busy road junctions where traffic lights have been vandalized.

The subway network, one of Latin America's most modern, continues to run at half-strength, with more than 20 stations still closed after arson attacks.

Grey and sandstone walls have been blanketed with colorful murals.

"The street is ours," proclaims one message on a closed gate. Walls bear war cries, jokes, political demands, rejections of injustice and inequality and claims against "murderous" police.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-may-have-violated-protocols-chiles-president-pinera-263751">President Sebastian Pinera</a> is addressed frequently and bluntly, with one scrawl reading: "Resign. Nobody wants you."

The messages also reflect a horrifying, and largely unique, characteristic of the Chilean protests: the injuries to more than 200 people's eyes by police rubber bullets or tear gas cannisters.

"Now it is a privilege to have both eyes," spits one. A poster shows Chile's long thin nation cascading as a stream of blood from an injured eye.

Police insist they have followed protocol in the use of force and that all allegations of wrongdoing that have been reported will be thoroughly investigated.

Also watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them - Amnesty

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The police chief last week suspended the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-police-suspend-use-of-birdshot-against-protesters-after-outcry-over-eye-injuries-263242">use of rubber bullets</a> and ordered further tests after a university study suggested they were only 20 per cent&nbsp;rubber and contained lead.

In Plaza Italia, rechristened Plaza de la Dignidad for having been the focal point for mass mobilizations, parts of the pavement have been ripped up and a statue of a military hero mounted on horseback has been swathed in flags, scarves and paint.

There, some find the city's changed face heartbreaking while others see it as emblematic of broader changes that must come.

"I far prefer this painted and awakened Chile to a passive and quiet oasis," said Miguel Delso, a 32-year-old architect, who was demonstrating with a group of colleagues and architecture students.

Antonio Rivas, a 25-year-old Venezuelan engineer who migrated to Santiago, saw things differently: "I don't understand why, to ask for fair and just treatment, you have to go out and destroy everything," he said as he took pictures on his cell phone of paint-streaked walls.

On the four-lane Alameda thoroughfare that marchers stream down towards Plaza Italia each afternoon, traffic is replaced by enterprising street vendors offering demonstrators everything they might need to make their point.

T-shirts with diverse slogans reflect the long list of causes, while flags and scarves share the pavement with gas masks, eye goggles, slingshots and nets of marbles and spray bottles of water and bicarbonate of soda, to neutralize the effect of teargas.

Many young protesters readily compare Chile's protest action with similar upheavals around the world.

In Lastarria, the most popular tourist area of downtown Santiago, a mural reinterpreting Pablo Picasso's celebrated Guernica features Pinera as a snorting bull, police special forces as horses, clouds of teargas, flames from burning metro stations and rubber bullets in the air.

A little further, a poster bears a picture of massive crowds, with words of promise, or of warning: "Never again will they have the comfort of our silence."

A month of intense protests against inequality and police repression in Santiago have transformed the Chilean capital's streetscape into a caterwaul of graffiti whose messages reflect the deep discontent in this once genteel Latin American city.

A month of intense protests against inequality and police repression in Santiago have transformed the Chilean capital's streetscape into a caterwaul of graffiti whose messages reflect the deep discontent in this once genteel Latin American city. The warm, dry air typical of springtime now bears the lingering sting of teargas, and shops and office blocks have become fortresses, adorned with metal curtains to protect them from demonstrators' stones or Molotov cocktails. Commuters move past blackened barricades smoldering across many streets and take their chances at busy road junctions where traffic lights have been vandalized. The subway network, one of Latin America's most modern, continues to run at half-strength, with more than 20 stations still closed after arson attacks. Grey and sandstone walls have been blanketed with colorful murals. "The street is ours," proclaims one message on a closed gate. Walls bear war cries, jokes, political demands, rejections of injustice and inequality and claims against "murderous" police. President Sebastian Pinera is addressed frequently and bluntly, with one scrawl reading: "Resign. Nobody wants you." The messages also reflect a horrifying, and largely unique, characteristic of the Chilean protests: the injuries to more than 200 people's eyes by police rubber bullets or tear gas cannisters. "Now it is a privilege to have both eyes," spits one. A poster shows Chile's long thin nation cascading as a stream of blood from an injured eye. Police insist they have followed protocol in the use of force and that all allegations of wrongdoing that have been reported will be thoroughly investigated. Also watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them - Amnesty × The police chief last week suspended the use of rubber bullets and ordered further tests after a university study suggested they were only 20 per cent rubber and contained lead. In Plaza Italia, rechristened Plaza de la Dignidad for having been the focal point for mass mobilizations, parts of the pavement have been ripped up and a statue of a military hero mounted on horseback has been swathed in flags, scarves and paint. There, some find the city's changed face heartbreaking while others see it as emblematic of broader changes that must come. "I far prefer this painted and awakened Chile to a passive and quiet oasis," said Miguel Delso, a 32-year-old architect, who was demonstrating with a group of colleagues and architecture students. Antonio Rivas, a 25-year-old Venezuelan engineer who migrated to Santiago, saw things differently: "I don't understand why, to ask for fair and just treatment, you have to go out and destroy everything," he said as he took pictures on his cell phone of paint-streaked walls. On the four-lane Alameda thoroughfare that marchers stream down towards Plaza Italia each afternoon, traffic is replaced by enterprising street vendors offering demonstrators everything they might need to make their point. T-shirts with diverse slogans reflect the long list of causes, while flags and scarves share the pavement with gas masks, eye goggles, slingshots and nets of marbles and spray bottles of water and bicarbonate of soda, to neutralize the effect of teargas. Many young protesters readily compare Chile's protest action with similar upheavals around the world. In Lastarria, the most popular tourist area of downtown Santiago, a mural reinterpreting Pablo Picasso's celebrated Guernica features Pinera as a snorting bull, police special forces as horses, clouds of teargas, flames from burning metro stations and rubber bullets in the air. A little further, a poster bears a picture of massive crowds, with words of promise, or of warning: "Never again will they have the comfort of our silence."

'Chile awakened': Graffiti across shattered city reflects protest intensity

The death toll from violent unrest in Chile rose to 23 on Friday as the country entered its fifth week of social unrest.

Looting and demonstrations took place in cities across the South American nation, and an agreement on a political roadmap that will see Chile draft a new constitution has halted neither the anger, nor the bloodshed.

Furious Chileans have since October 18 been protesting social and economic inequality, and against an entrenched political elite that comes from a small number of the wealthiest families in the country, among other issues.

The crisis is the worst in three decades of Chilean democracy and has led to around 2,000 injuries, including some 280 people who suffered eye damage from shotgun pellets.

The latest death was a 13-year-old boy who an interior ministry official said was run over by a van during protests in Arica, about 1,300 miles (2,100 kilometres) north of the capital Santiago.

Thousands of people gathered again on Friday in Plaza Italia, the centre of the demonstrations in Santiago and the site of weekly rallies that have seen massive turnout since the social upheaval broke out.

"We cannot ease up. We have to keep expressing ourselves because we have not achieved anything, because the repression continues and also (the government) keeps signing fake agreements, like the peace deal," Claudia Ortolani, a young protester, told AFP.

Nearby, hooded men were squaring off against police, who broke up the crowd with tear gas and water cannons.

Meanwhile, about a hundred people protested outside the Costanera Center, the largest mall in South America, as around twenty riot police guarded the entrance to the building.

Violence rages&nbsp;

While protests earlier in the week not been huge, the outbursts of violence multiplied in the capital's metro area on Thursday and Friday.

The anger in the streets had eased after last week's agreement by Congress to draft a new Constitution.

But with people back on the streets in force again, President Sebastian Pinera's government again appealed for calm.

Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel issued a "deep and sincere call to all political forces" to end the unrest.

But in Quilicura, north of Santiago, a shopping centre was set on fire and looted by a crowd while in Puente Alto, another working-class area, a gas station, a police headquarters and businesses were attacked.

In the northern city of Antofagasta, a motorist injured five people when he ran down protesters, while a supermarket was ransacked.

Looting, barricades and fires were also recorded in the port of Valparaiso and the city of Vina del Mar, and in Concepcion in the south.

"This situation ... affects our offer to take charge," said police general Enrique Basseletti, after complaints from people irate that they had not seen police on their streets.

Blumel said that 2,500 trainee police officers would be put on the streets early to bolster the force.&nbsp;

On Thursday, authorities arrested 700 people in the unrest. That followed the police decision to suspend the use of birdshot against protesters, following an outcry over eye injury victims.

The death toll from violent unrest in Chile rose to 23 on Friday as the country entered its fifth week of social unrest. Looting and demonstrations took place in cities across the South American nation, and an agreement on a political roadmap that will see Chile draft a new constitution has halted neither the anger, nor the bloodshed.

The death toll from violent unrest in Chile rose to 23 on Friday as the country entered its fifth week of social unrest. Looting and demonstrations took place in cities across the South American nation, and an agreement on a political roadmap that will see Chile draft a new constitution has halted neither the anger, nor the bloodshed. Furious Chileans have since October 18 been protesting social and economic inequality, and against an entrenched political elite that comes from a small number of the wealthiest families in the country, among other issues. The crisis is the worst in three decades of Chilean democracy and has led to around 2,000 injuries, including some 280 people who suffered eye damage from shotgun pellets. The latest death was a 13-year-old boy who an interior ministry official said was run over by a van during protests in Arica, about 1,300 miles (2,100 kilometres) north of the capital Santiago. Thousands of people gathered again on Friday in Plaza Italia, the centre of the demonstrations in Santiago and the site of weekly rallies that have seen massive turnout since the social upheaval broke out. "We cannot ease up. We have to keep expressing ourselves because we have not achieved anything, because the repression continues and also (the government) keeps signing fake agreements, like the peace deal," Claudia Ortolani, a young protester, told AFP. Nearby, hooded men were squaring off against police, who broke up the crowd with tear gas and water cannons. Meanwhile, about a hundred people protested outside the Costanera Center, the largest mall in South America, as around twenty riot police guarded the entrance to the building. Violence rages While protests earlier in the week not been huge, the outbursts of violence multiplied in the capital's metro area on Thursday and Friday. The anger in the streets had eased after last week's agreement by Congress to draft a new Constitution. But with people back on the streets in force again, President Sebastian Pinera's government again appealed for calm. Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel issued a "deep and sincere call to all political forces" to end the unrest. But in Quilicura, north of Santiago, a shopping centre was set on fire and looted by a crowd while in Puente Alto, another working-class area, a gas station, a police headquarters and businesses were attacked. In the northern city of Antofagasta, a motorist injured five people when he ran down protesters, while a supermarket was ransacked. Looting, barricades and fires were also recorded in the port of Valparaiso and the city of Vina del Mar, and in Concepcion in the south. "This situation ... affects our offer to take charge," said police general Enrique Basseletti, after complaints from people irate that they had not seen police on their streets. Blumel said that 2,500 trainee police officers would be put on the streets early to bolster the force. On Thursday, authorities arrested 700 people in the unrest. That followed the police decision to suspend the use of birdshot against protesters, following an outcry over eye injury victims.

As Chile's violent unrest enters into fifth week, death toll rises to 23

Chilean police and soldiers backed by their commanders have carried out "generalized" attacks on people protesting over inequality with the intention of "punishing and harming" them, Amnesty International said in a report published on Thursday (November 21).

Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them - Amnesty

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said on Thursday that police may have broken protocols in responding to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-facing-charges-of-violating-childrens-rights-during-chile-protests-263502">month of protests</a>, and prosecutors will investigate whether they violated human rights.

His comments came after Amnesty International released a report denouncing a "deliberate policy" of wounding protesters during the unrest that broke out last month and has so far resulted in 22 deaths.

"If those protocols were not met, and I think it is possible that in some cases they were not met, that will be investigated by the prosecutor's office and will be sanctioned by the courts of justice," Pinera said in a meeting with foreign media.

Furious Chileans have been protesting social and economic inequality, and against an entrenched political elite, among other issues.

The National Institute of Human Rights has reported about 2,000 injuries, while health organisations claim that more than 280 people have suffered eye damage from shotgun pellets.

No police officers have been killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-police-suspend-use-of-birdshot-against-protesters-after-outcry-over-eye-injuries-263242">the demonstrations</a> but the human rights institute said some 1,600 officers have been wounded.

The prosecutor's office reported that from October 31, around 1,089 criminal investigations have been opened into allegations of police violence, 24 for alleged instances of torture and nine for cases of alleged sexual abuse or rape.

Pinera has previously condemned what he said were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-president-pinera-condemns-police-violence-as-unrest-stretches-for-over-four-weeks-262781">abuses committed by police</a>, and promised,&nbsp;"there will be no impunity" for both protesters and security forces.

Watch: After several weeks of protests, Chilean lawmakers agree on referendum

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Chile's police had on Tuesday announced they would suspend the use of birdshot against protesters, following an outcry over the more than 200 demonstrators who have suffered eye injuries.

The Amnesty report released Thursday said Chilean security forces are "carrying out widespread attacks using unnecessary and excessive force with the intention of injuring and punishing protesters."

"The intention of the Chilean security forces is clear: to injure demonstrators in order to discourage protest, even to the extent of using torture and sexual violence against protesters," Amnesty's Americas director Erika Guevara-Rosas said in a statement.

The report also found 23 instances of human rights violations, which it said were "not isolated or sporadic incidents, but reveal a consistent pattern of violations throughout the country, indicating the modus operandi of the security forces."

The Chilean government "categorically rejects" the Amnesty report, Chile's human rights under-secretary Lorena Recabarren said in a press conference, while the Chilean police said that it had no "intention to harm" protesters.

Demonstrations continued in the capital Santiago on Thursday as well as in the port city of Valparaiso and in Concepcion, southern Chile's largest city.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said on Thursday that police may have broken protocols in responding to a month of protests, and prosecutors will investigate whether they violated human rights.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said on Thursday that police may have broken protocols in responding to a month of protests, and prosecutors will investigate whether they violated human rights. His comments came after Amnesty International released a report denouncing a "deliberate policy" of wounding protesters during the unrest that broke out last month and has so far resulted in 22 deaths. "If those protocols were not met, and I think it is possible that in some cases they were not met, that will be investigated by the prosecutor's office and will be sanctioned by the courts of justice," Pinera said in a meeting with foreign media. Furious Chileans have been protesting social and economic inequality, and against an entrenched political elite, among other issues. The National Institute of Human Rights has reported about 2,000 injuries, while health organisations claim that more than 280 people have suffered eye damage from shotgun pellets. No police officers have been killed in the demonstrations but the human rights institute said some 1,600 officers have been wounded. The prosecutor's office reported that from October 31, around 1,089 criminal investigations have been opened into allegations of police violence, 24 for alleged instances of torture and nine for cases of alleged sexual abuse or rape. Pinera has previously condemned what he said were abuses committed by police, and promised, "there will be no impunity" for both protesters and security forces. Watch: After several weeks of protests, Chilean lawmakers agree on referendum Chile's police had on Tuesday announced they would suspend the use of birdshot against protesters, following an outcry over the more than 200 demonstrators who have suffered eye injuries. The Amnesty report released Thursday said Chilean security forces are "carrying out widespread attacks using unnecessary and excessive force with the intention of injuring and punishing protesters." "The intention of the Chilean security forces is clear: to injure demonstrators in order to discourage protest, even to the extent of using torture and sexual violence against protesters," Amnesty's Americas director Erika Guevara-Rosas said in a statement. The report also found 23 instances of human rights violations, which it said were "not isolated or sporadic incidents, but reveal a consistent pattern of violations throughout the country, indicating the modus operandi of the security forces." The Chilean government "categorically rejects" the Amnesty report, Chile's human rights under-secretary Lorena Recabarren said in a press conference, while the Chilean police said that it had no "intention to harm" protesters. Demonstrations continued in the capital Santiago on Thursday as well as in the port city of Valparaiso and in Concepcion, southern Chile's largest city.

Police may have violated protocols: Chile President Pinera

<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

Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahathir-warns-of-possible-trade-sanctions-on-malaysia-257152">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said on Wednesday he would consider a cabinet reshuffle to address growing public discontent over his young government's handling of the country, days after a stinging by-election loss.

His Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition suffered its worst electoral defeat on Saturday since coming to power last May when the opposition scored a more than 15,000-vote majority in a by-election for the Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat.

Mahathir said leaders in his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) outfit, which contested the by-election under the PH banner, felt a cabinet reshuffle was needed to address public complaints on issues such as high living costs and the economy.

"As the prime minister, I am responsible for a cabinet reshuffle. I have listened to their views, and I will consider their position on having a cabinet reshuffle," Mahathir said at a news conference broadcast on the party's Facebook page.

"But it won't be today or tomorrow, but after we study and consider the achievements and abilities of our current ministers. After that, then we will discuss the possibility of having a cabinet reshuffle."

Saturday's loss was the worst of four by-election setbacks for the ruling coalition, which has been struggling with waning public approval over its management of the country and economy in the past year and a half.

Its popularity plunged to 41 per cent&nbsp;in July, well below the 64 per cent&nbsp;rate recorded when it took over power, according to a survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center.

However, Mahathir said he might not be keen on shaking up his cabinet line-up if it ends up derailing the policies that his government had set out to implement - and especially if it got in the way of Malaysia hosting next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

"The act of reshuffling itself is not a solution. It may be a problem, even. There is still a lot of work to be done," Mahathir said. "Next year we face a big issue in that we are the hosts of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offer-to-host-apec-not-a-good-idea-malaysia-260620">APEC meeting</a>. We can't take this lightly...We want to prepare ourselves as best as possible."

Violent street protest forced Chile to back out of hosting this year's APEC summit. The US&nbsp;and Chilean governments are discussing co-hosting the gathering in the United States in January, but Malaysia does not support the idea.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday he would consider a cabinet reshuffle to address growing public discontent over his young government's handling of the country, days after a stinging by-election loss.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday he would consider a cabinet reshuffle to address growing public discontent over his young government's handling of the country, days after a stinging by-election loss. His Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition suffered its worst electoral defeat on Saturday since coming to power last May when the opposition scored a more than 15,000-vote majority in a by-election for the Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat. Mahathir said leaders in his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) outfit, which contested the by-election under the PH banner, felt a cabinet reshuffle was needed to address public complaints on issues such as high living costs and the economy. "As the prime minister, I am responsible for a cabinet reshuffle. I have listened to their views, and I will consider their position on having a cabinet reshuffle," Mahathir said at a news conference broadcast on the party's Facebook page. "But it won't be today or tomorrow, but after we study and consider the achievements and abilities of our current ministers. After that, then we will discuss the possibility of having a cabinet reshuffle." Saturday's loss was the worst of four by-election setbacks for the ruling coalition, which has been struggling with waning public approval over its management of the country and economy in the past year and a half. Its popularity plunged to 41 per cent in July, well below the 64 per cent rate recorded when it took over power, according to a survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center. However, Mahathir said he might not be keen on shaking up his cabinet line-up if it ends up derailing the policies that his government had set out to implement - and especially if it got in the way of Malaysia hosting next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. "The act of reshuffling itself is not a solution. It may be a problem, even. There is still a lot of work to be done," Mahathir said. "Next year we face a big issue in that we are the hosts of the APEC meeting. We can't take this lightly...We want to prepare ourselves as best as possible." Violent street protest forced Chile to back out of hosting this year's APEC summit. The US and Chilean governments are discussing co-hosting the gathering in the United States in January, but Malaysia does not support the idea.

Malaysia's Mahathir says cabinet reshuffle on cards after by-election loss

President Sebastian Pinera condemned on Sunday for the first time what he called abuses committed by police in dealing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-to-vote-on-new-constitution-in-response-to-protests-262297">four weeks of violent unrest</a> that have rocked Chile.

"There was excessive use of force. Abuses and crimes were committed, and the rights of all were not respected," the president said in a speech to the nation as it marked a month of turmoil that has left 22 people dead and more than 2,000 injured.

Furious Chileans have been protesting social and economic inequality, and against an entrenched political elite that comes from a small number of the wealthiest families in the country, among other issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-end-in-sight-to-chile-unrest-as-massive-strike-more-protests-planned-261673">Accusations of police brutality</a> and human rights violations have been levelled since the protests broke out, prompting the United Nations to send a team to investigate. Amnesty International has also sent a mission.

"There will be no impunity, not for those who committed acts of unusual violence, nor for those who committed excesses and abuses. We will do what is best for the victims," he said, referring to protesters first and then the security forces.

Pinera also praised an agreement reached last week under which Chile will draft a new constitution to replace the current one that dates back to the rightwing dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, who ruled from 1973 to 1990.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-wounded-in-chile-as-police-fires-rubber-bullets-and-tear-gas-at-protesters-262182">Many in Chile</a> see this step,&nbsp;getting rid of a charter that smacks of a dark, repressive chapter in the country's past,&nbsp;as a way to help end the crisis. It is a key demand of the thousands of protesters that have been taking to the streets in Santiago and elsewhere almost daily for a month.

The spasm of anger began with a rise in metro fares but quickly swelled into a broader outcry against the status quo in what is traditionally considered one of South America's most stable countries. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"If the people want it, we will move toward a new constitution, the first under democracy," Pinera said in a speech from the presidential palace.&nbsp;

President Sebastian Pinera condemned on Sunday for the first time what he called abuses committed by police in dealing with four weeks of violent unrest that have rocked Chile.

President Sebastian Pinera condemned on Sunday for the first time what he called abuses committed by police in dealing with four weeks of violent unrest that have rocked Chile. "There was excessive use of force. Abuses and crimes were committed, and the rights of all were not respected," the president said in a speech to the nation as it marked a month of turmoil that has left 22 people dead and more than 2,000 injured. Furious Chileans have been protesting social and economic inequality, and against an entrenched political elite that comes from a small number of the wealthiest families in the country, among other issues. Accusations of police brutality and human rights violations have been levelled since the protests broke out, prompting the United Nations to send a team to investigate. Amnesty International has also sent a mission. "There will be no impunity, not for those who committed acts of unusual violence, nor for those who committed excesses and abuses. We will do what is best for the victims," he said, referring to protesters first and then the security forces. Pinera also praised an agreement reached last week under which Chile will draft a new constitution to replace the current one that dates back to the rightwing dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, who ruled from 1973 to 1990. Many in Chile see this step, getting rid of a charter that smacks of a dark, repressive chapter in the country's past, as a way to help end the crisis. It is a key demand of the thousands of protesters that have been taking to the streets in Santiago and elsewhere almost daily for a month. The spasm of anger began with a rise in metro fares but quickly swelled into a broader outcry against the status quo in what is traditionally considered one of South America's most stable countries. "If the people want it, we will move toward a new constitution, the first under democracy," Pinera said in a speech from the presidential palace.

Chile: President Pinera condemns police violence as unrest stretches for over four weeks

After several weeks of massive protest Chilean lawmakers agree on referendum to replace Pinochet era constitution. Watch this video to find out more in details.

After several weeks of massive protest Chilean lawmakers agree on referendum

Running away as shots rang out, Carlos Vivanco turned to see where they were coming from. Then he felt his left eye closing and his face dripping with blood.

The 18-year-old student had become one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-end-in-sight-to-chile-unrest-as-massive-strike-more-protests-planned-261673">scores of people hit in the eyes</a>, and in some cases blinded, by police rubber bullets in Chile's recent wave of anti-government protests.

Police have fired tear gas, water cannons and rubber shot cartridges. Vivanco was hurt during the first week of the protests when President Sebastian Pinera sent soldiers onto the streets.

"They wanted to cause me pain, shame, regret, fear," says Vivanco at his house in the suburb of La Pintana near the capital Santiago.

"But they had the opposite effect. I have more rage than pain and more hatred than shame -- and it is against those who are out there shooting and mutilating people."

'Like butchers'&nbsp;

Vivanco went out to demonstrate in his neighbourhood three weeks ago, in the first violent days of the unrest.

He says he joined the demonstrations against austere economic policies and the high cost of living because he wanted to protest for greater social equality.&nbsp;

He was running to avoid the police when eight-shot pellets hit his body.&nbsp;

One of them hit his left eye. Another lodged in his face,&nbsp;close to his right eye, very nearly blinding him in that one too.

"It was clear what they were capable of, but I didn't think they were allowed to fire like that, like butchers," he says.&nbsp;

Now, along with his dark baseball cap and the ring in his ear, he wears a black eye patch.

Face goes numb

Builder Cesar Callozo, 35, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-to-amend-constitution-a-key-demand-of-protesters-261376">was hit in the eye</a> while playing the drum along with fellow musicians in the Plaza Italia, in central Santiago.

"There was a very nice atmosphere. All at once I felt something hit my eye and I fell to the ground," he says, on the verge of tears as he waits for a checkup on his right eye at the Salvador Hospital in Santiago.

"It hurt. I writhed on the ground a bit. Then the pain receded and my face went numb. I stood up and yelled out that they wouldn't defeat me."

In the same waiting room, Nelson Iturriaga, 43, is also waiting to see doctors who he hopes will help him recover the sight in one injured eye.

"They tried to put out the flames by pouring petrol on them," he says. "And the people are still in the street, calling for dignity."

'Epidemic'

Mauricio Lopez, an eye trauma doctor at the hospital, says the blindings are like "an epidemic."

"I have been working as an eye doctor for 20 years and I don't think anything like this has ever happened in the history of Chile."

Human rights groups and the Chile Medical College believe more people have suffered eye injuries during the protests in Chile than in the "yellow vest" riots in France or the recent protests in Hong Kong.

Unrest that began on October 18 with demonstrations against a rise in transport tickets descended into burning, looting and daily clashes between protesters and police.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-in-chile-set-fire-to-university-loot-church-260963">Prosecutors say 20 people have died</a>, including five at the hands of security forces, and thousands injured.

Chile's independent National Human Rights Institute says it has brought legal action over 179 cases, including alleged murders, sexual violence and torture by the military police.

A UN human rights mission is investigating allegations of police brutality.

Chile's independent National Human Rights Institute this week estimated 197 people had suffered eye injuries.

It said the injuries were caused "especially by pellet-shot guns but also with other weapons such as tear gas canisters."

Lopez said he knew of 35 cases of deep eye injuries that were likely to cause total blindness.

Government defensive

The government has defended the military police against complaints by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, but has promised to "restrict" the use of rubber bullets.

Pinera has announced a series of reforms, but protesters continue to mobilize, calling for him to quit.

Vivanco remains committed to protesting for a more just country. He proudly shows off a tattoo on his knuckles reading "Liberty."

"The movement has cost me an eye," he says. "But I am happy."

Running away as shots rang out, Carlos Vivanco turned to see where they were coming from. Then he felt his left eye closing and his face dripping with blood. The 18-year-old student had become one of the scores of people hit in the eyes, and in some cases blinded, by police rubber bullets in Chile's recent wave of anti-government protests.

Running away as shots rang out, Carlos Vivanco turned to see where they were coming from. Then he felt his left eye closing and his face dripping with blood. The 18-year-old student had become one of the scores of people hit in the eyes, and in some cases blinded, by police rubber bullets in Chile's recent wave of anti-government protests. Police have fired tear gas, water cannons and rubber shot cartridges. Vivanco was hurt during the first week of the protests when President Sebastian Pinera sent soldiers onto the streets. "They wanted to cause me pain, shame, regret, fear," says Vivanco at his house in the suburb of La Pintana near the capital Santiago. "But they had the opposite effect. I have more rage than pain and more hatred than shame -- and it is against those who are out there shooting and mutilating people." 'Like butchers' Vivanco went out to demonstrate in his neighbourhood three weeks ago, in the first violent days of the unrest. He says he joined the demonstrations against austere economic policies and the high cost of living because he wanted to protest for greater social equality. He was running to avoid the police when eight-shot pellets hit his body. One of them hit his left eye. Another lodged in his face, close to his right eye, very nearly blinding him in that one too. "It was clear what they were capable of, but I didn't think they were allowed to fire like that, like butchers," he says. Now, along with his dark baseball cap and the ring in his ear, he wears a black eye patch. Face goes numb Builder Cesar Callozo, 35, was hit in the eye while playing the drum along with fellow musicians in the Plaza Italia, in central Santiago. "There was a very nice atmosphere. All at once I felt something hit my eye and I fell to the ground," he says, on the verge of tears as he waits for a checkup on his right eye at the Salvador Hospital in Santiago. "It hurt. I writhed on the ground a bit. Then the pain receded and my face went numb. I stood up and yelled out that they wouldn't defeat me." In the same waiting room, Nelson Iturriaga, 43, is also waiting to see doctors who he hopes will help him recover the sight in one injured eye. "They tried to put out the flames by pouring petrol on them," he says. "And the people are still in the street, calling for dignity." 'Epidemic' Mauricio Lopez, an eye trauma doctor at the hospital, says the blindings are like "an epidemic." "I have been working as an eye doctor for 20 years and I don't think anything like this has ever happened in the history of Chile." Human rights groups and the Chile Medical College believe more people have suffered eye injuries during the protests in Chile than in the "yellow vest" riots in France or the recent protests in Hong Kong. Unrest that began on October 18 with demonstrations against a rise in transport tickets descended into burning, looting and daily clashes between protesters and police. Prosecutors say 20 people have died, including five at the hands of security forces, and thousands injured. Chile's independent National Human Rights Institute says it has brought legal action over 179 cases, including alleged murders, sexual violence and torture by the military police. A UN human rights mission is investigating allegations of police brutality. Chile's independent National Human Rights Institute this week estimated 197 people had suffered eye injuries. It said the injuries were caused "especially by pellet-shot guns but also with other weapons such as tear gas canisters." Lopez said he knew of 35 cases of deep eye injuries that were likely to cause total blindness. Government defensive The government has defended the military police against complaints by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, but has promised to "restrict" the use of rubber bullets. Pinera has announced a series of reforms, but protesters continue to mobilize, calling for him to quit. Vivanco remains committed to protesting for a more just country. He proudly shows off a tattoo on his knuckles reading "Liberty." "The movement has cost me an eye," he says. "But I am happy."

Many wounded in Chile as police fire rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters

Lawmakers in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-to-vote-on-new-constitution-in-response-to-protests-262297">Chile</a> agreed on Friday to hold a referendum next April on replacing the Pinochet-era constitution, bowing to demands of protesters who want the country's social and economic model overhauled.

Voters will be asked whether they approve the idea of a new constitution and whether current lawmakers should serve on the commission that would redraft the document.

The two-page "Agreement for Peace and a New Constitution," signed after midnight following intense negotiations, calls for a "commitment to re-establish peace and public order in Chile."

A month of protests has sowed chaos in the South American nation. Riots, arson and looting have killed more than 20 people, caused extensive damage and prompted President Sebastian Pinera to call soldiers on to the streets. The Chilean peso this week plunged to a new low against the dollar.

Though protesters lack a clear leader or spokesperson, a new constitution emerged quickly as an important demand. Critics say Chile´s existing Magna Carta, written and approved during General Augusto Pinochet's 1973-1990 military dictatorship, lacks legitimacy.

Lawmakers revised the original 1980 document after Chile returned to democracy but many say it still falls short, failing to ensure for proper health care, education and citizen participation in government.

Opponents of an overhaul say the charter has been a pillar of stability for Chile, among the region's strongest and most investor-friendly economies.

The details will be worked out by a constitutional convention whose composition will be determined in the April referendum. A second vote, in October 2020, will allow voters to select those who will finally serve on the convention.

A final vote on the draft itself will be obligatory for all voting age Chileans, according to the agreement.

Lawmakers in Chile agreed on Friday to hold a referendum next April on replacing the Pinochet-era constitution, bowing to demands of protesters who want the country's social and economic model overhauled.

Lawmakers in Chile agreed on Friday to hold a referendum next April on replacing the Pinochet-era constitution, bowing to demands of protesters who want the country's social and economic model overhauled. Voters will be asked whether they approve the idea of a new constitution and whether current lawmakers should serve on the commission that would redraft the document. The two-page "Agreement for Peace and a New Constitution," signed after midnight following intense negotiations, calls for a "commitment to re-establish peace and public order in Chile." A month of protests has sowed chaos in the South American nation. Riots, arson and looting have killed more than 20 people, caused extensive damage and prompted President Sebastian Pinera to call soldiers on to the streets. The Chilean peso this week plunged to a new low against the dollar. Though protesters lack a clear leader or spokesperson, a new constitution emerged quickly as an important demand. Critics say Chile´s existing Magna Carta, written and approved during General Augusto Pinochet's 1973-1990 military dictatorship, lacks legitimacy. Lawmakers revised the original 1980 document after Chile returned to democracy but many say it still falls short, failing to ensure for proper health care, education and citizen participation in government. Opponents of an overhaul say the charter has been a pillar of stability for Chile, among the region's strongest and most investor-friendly economies. The details will be worked out by a constitutional convention whose composition will be determined in the April referendum. A second vote, in October 2020, will allow voters to select those who will finally serve on the convention. A final vote on the draft itself will be obligatory for all voting age Chileans, according to the agreement.

In win for protesters, Chile to vote on Pinochet-era constitution

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-wounded-in-chile-as-police-fires-rubber-bullets-and-tear-gas-at-protesters-262182">Chile</a> announced Friday it will stage a referendum to replace the country's dictatorship-era constitution next year,&nbsp;a key demand of protesters after nearly a month of sometimes violent civil unrest.

The current charter, in force since 1980 and enacted by the former military junta of Augusto Pinochet, has been changed numerous times in the years since.&nbsp;

But it does not establish the state's responsibility to provide education and healthcare,&nbsp;two demands made by millions of Chileans who have taken to the streets.

Lawmakers in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chiles-finance-minister-calls-for-return-to-normality-as-peso-slides-261789">Chile's National Congress</a> agreed early Friday to hold the plebiscite in April 2020 after hours of negotiations between the governing coalition and opposition parties.&nbsp;

The referendum will ask voters whether the constitution should be replaced and if so, how a new charter should be drafted, Senate president Jaime Quintana said.&nbsp;

The unrest that began on October 18 with protests against a rise in rush-hour metro fares has mushroomed into a broader outcry against the status quo, with burning, looting and daily confrontations between demonstrators and police.

The crisis is Chile's biggest since its return to democracy in 1990, leaving 20 dead,&nbsp;five at the hands of state forces,&nbsp;and more than 1,000 injured.

Protesters cite low wages, high costs for education and healthcare and a yawning gap between rich and poor in a country dominated politically and economically by a few elite families.

Demonstrators have demanded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-end-in-sight-to-chile-unrest-as-massive-strike-more-protests-planned-261673">greater social reform</a> from President Sebastian Pinera, who has announced several measures in a bid to appease the public mood.

After weeks of sometimes violent demonstrations, most polls show the protest movement is supported by 75 per cent of Chileans.

A slightly larger number, 87 per cent, according to a survey by pollster Cadem published this month, say they favour the protesters' demand for constitutional reforms.

A few days after Pinera became president last year, his government announced it would not allow the consideration of a bill to amend the constitution that his socialist predecessor Michelle Bachelet had submitted to congress.

Chile announced Friday it will stage a referendum to replace the country's dictatorship-era constitution next year, a key demand of protesters after nearly a month of sometimes violent civil unrest.

Chile announced Friday it will stage a referendum to replace the country's dictatorship-era constitution next year, a key demand of protesters after nearly a month of sometimes violent civil unrest. The current charter, in force since 1980 and enacted by the former military junta of Augusto Pinochet, has been changed numerous times in the years since. But it does not establish the state's responsibility to provide education and healthcare, two demands made by millions of Chileans who have taken to the streets. Lawmakers in Chile's National Congress agreed early Friday to hold the plebiscite in April 2020 after hours of negotiations between the governing coalition and opposition parties. The referendum will ask voters whether the constitution should be replaced and if so, how a new charter should be drafted, Senate president Jaime Quintana said. The unrest that began on October 18 with protests against a rise in rush-hour metro fares has mushroomed into a broader outcry against the status quo, with burning, looting and daily confrontations between demonstrators and police. The crisis is Chile's biggest since its return to democracy in 1990, leaving 20 dead, five at the hands of state forces, and more than 1,000 injured. Protesters cite low wages, high costs for education and healthcare and a yawning gap between rich and poor in a country dominated politically and economically by a few elite families. Demonstrators have demanded greater social reform from President Sebastian Pinera, who has announced several measures in a bid to appease the public mood. After weeks of sometimes violent demonstrations, most polls show the protest movement is supported by 75 per cent of Chileans. A slightly larger number, 87 per cent, according to a survey by pollster Cadem published this month, say they favour the protesters' demand for constitutional reforms. A few days after Pinera became president last year, his government announced it would not allow the consideration of a bill to amend the constitution that his socialist predecessor Michelle Bachelet had submitted to congress.

Chile to vote on new constitution in response to protests

Hackers demanded about $5 million in bitcoin from Mexico's Pemex, they told Reuters on Tuesday, saying the state oil firm missed a special discount by not paying immediately after a cyberattack that fouled up the company's systems.

The hack, which Pemex said it detected on Sunday, forced the company to shut down computers across Mexico, freezing systems such as payments, according to five employees and internal emails.

Hackers have increasingly targeted companies with malicious programs that can cripple systems overseeing everything from supply chains to manufacturing, removing them only after receiving substantial payments.

A ransom note that appeared on Pemex computers seen by Reuters pointed to a darknet website affiliated with "DoppelPaymer," a type of ransomware.

The website demanded 565 bitcoins, or nearly $5 million at current prices, and threatened Pemex with a 48-hour deadline, listing an email address to contact.

When Reuters wrote to the email for details, the apparent hackers replied, saying that Pemex had missed a deadline for a "special price," an apparent reference to the discounts sometimes offered to ransomware victims for early payment. But they said Pemex still had time to meet their bitcoin demand and would not comment further while the new deadline was pending.

Pemex did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the ransom demand.

The attack is the latest challenge for Pemex, which is battling to pay down heavy debts, reverse years of declining oil production and avoid downgrades to its credit ratings.

Pemex said its storage and distribution facilities were operating normally and that the attack had affected less than 5 per cent&nbsp;of its computers.

"Let's avoid rumours and disinformation," it said in a statement.

A person who works in Pemex's production and exploration said that division was not affected.

There was some confusion about which form of ransomware was used in the attack. One Pemex official said in an internal email the company was targeted by "Ryuk," a strain of ransomware that experts say typically targets companies with annual revenue between $500 million and $1 billion - far below Pemex's levels.

DoppelPaymer is a relatively new breed of ransomware that cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said was behind recent attacks on Chile's Agriculture Ministry and the town of Edcouch in Texas.

On Tuesday, Pemex was reconnecting unaffected computers to its network using software patches and wiping infected computers clean, said one source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The company had to communicate with employees via mobile messaging service WhatsApp because employees could not open their emails, said another source, who was also not authorized to speak to reporters.

"In finances, all the computers are off, there could eventually be problems with payments," the person said.

Companies taken hostage digitally can suffer catastrophic damage, whether or not they pay the ransom.

Norwegian aluminium producer Norsk Hydro was hit in March by ransomware that spread to 160 sites, eventually forcing parts of the industrial giant to operate via pen and paper.

The company refused to pay the ransom. But it said the attack generated up to $71 million in cleanup costs - of which only $3.6 million so far had been paid out by insurance.

Hackers demanded about $5 million in bitcoin from Mexico's Pemex, they told Reuters on Tuesday, saying the state oil firm missed a special discount by not paying immediately after a cyberattack that fouled up the company's systems.

Hackers demanded about $5 million in bitcoin from Mexico's Pemex, they told Reuters on Tuesday, saying the state oil firm missed a special discount by not paying immediately after a cyberattack that fouled up the company's systems. The hack, which Pemex said it detected on Sunday, forced the company to shut down computers across Mexico, freezing systems such as payments, according to five employees and internal emails. Hackers have increasingly targeted companies with malicious programs that can cripple systems overseeing everything from supply chains to manufacturing, removing them only after receiving substantial payments. A ransom note that appeared on Pemex computers seen by Reuters pointed to a darknet website affiliated with "DoppelPaymer," a type of ransomware. The website demanded 565 bitcoins, or nearly $5 million at current prices, and threatened Pemex with a 48-hour deadline, listing an email address to contact. When Reuters wrote to the email for details, the apparent hackers replied, saying that Pemex had missed a deadline for a "special price," an apparent reference to the discounts sometimes offered to ransomware victims for early payment. But they said Pemex still had time to meet their bitcoin demand and would not comment further while the new deadline was pending. Pemex did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the ransom demand. The attack is the latest challenge for Pemex, which is battling to pay down heavy debts, reverse years of declining oil production and avoid downgrades to its credit ratings. Pemex said its storage and distribution facilities were operating normally and that the attack had affected less than 5 per cent of its computers. "Let's avoid rumours and disinformation," it said in a statement. A person who works in Pemex's production and exploration said that division was not affected. There was some confusion about which form of ransomware was used in the attack. One Pemex official said in an internal email the company was targeted by "Ryuk," a strain of ransomware that experts say typically targets companies with annual revenue between $500 million and $1 billion - far below Pemex's levels. DoppelPaymer is a relatively new breed of ransomware that cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said was behind recent attacks on Chile's Agriculture Ministry and the town of Edcouch in Texas. On Tuesday, Pemex was reconnecting unaffected computers to its network using software patches and wiping infected computers clean, said one source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The company had to communicate with employees via mobile messaging service WhatsApp because employees could not open their emails, said another source, who was also not authorized to speak to reporters. "In finances, all the computers are off, there could eventually be problems with payments," the person said. Companies taken hostage digitally can suffer catastrophic damage, whether or not they pay the ransom. Norwegian aluminium producer Norsk Hydro was hit in March by ransomware that spread to 160 sites, eventually forcing parts of the industrial giant to operate via pen and paper. The company refused to pay the ransom. But it said the attack generated up to $71 million in cleanup costs - of which only $3.6 million so far had been paid out by insurance.

Hackers demand $5 million from Mexico's Pemex in cyberattack

Chile's finance minister warned on Tuesday of the "grave consequences" for the nation's economy of three weeks of often <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-end-in-sight-to-chile-unrest-as-massive-strike-more-protests-planned-261673">violent unrest </a>after the peso slid 4 per cent&nbsp;to hit a historic low against the dollar.

Ignacio Briones said the weakening of the peso was a "sign of worry" that he and his colleagues were watching very carefully.

He called on Chileans to help restore "normality" so that businesses could return to the proper functioning and people could return to work after weeks of strikes, marches and damage to property and public transport that he has estimated cost the economy $3 billion.

"The peaceful marches have made their point and that message is reflected in the measures that the government and the opposition have taken," he told journalists in Santiago. "All our actions have consequences and they are having grave consequences that are now being seen in the economy and particularly on entrepreneurs and in the most vulnerable sectors."

President Sebastian Pinera, speaking at an evening news conference in Santiago, condemned new clashes between protesters and police on Tuesday night in Santiago and other parts of the country and vowed that those responsible would be prosecuted under the strict state security law that allows for tougher penalties.

"The grave situation of violence and delinquency severely threatens our democracy, our state of law and above all, the rights of all Chileans and especially of the most vulnerable," he said.

Pinera appealed to citizens to sign up to three "national accords" to restore security, promote a more equal society and develop a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-to-amend-constitution-a-key-demand-of-protesters-261376">new constitution to replace</a> one crafted during the 1973-1990 Augusto Pinochet dictatorship.

The country's currency plunged to more than 800 pesos per dollar, down more than 10 per cent&nbsp;since mid-October, by midday on Tuesday as state workers and some unionized miners in Chile announced a nationwide strike, saying they were not yet satisfied following the government's decision to rewrite the constitution.

Demonstrations across the country have sometimes devolved into arson, riots and looting, leaving at least 23 people dead, 2,000 civilians hospitalized and more than 1,000 complaints of rights abuses, according to human rights groups and prosecutors.

Chile's central bank president, Mario Marcel, urged calm, saying on Monday that despite the peso's precipitous fall, Chile's fiscal situation remained "solid."

Thousands of people including members of unions marched in large numbers through Chilean cities again on Tuesday.

Truck drivers and other protesters set up barricades on at least two major highways connecting the capital, Santiago, with outlying cities and ports, prompting huge backups on key regional arteries.

The road blockages prompted the Valparaiso-based Congress to shut down for the day.

Most of Chile's copper mining companies said they maintained operations on Tuesday, albeit with some delays and sporadic unrest, unions and management teams told Reuters.

To date, copper production in the world's largest producer of the red metal has not been significantly hurt by weeks of protests pushing demands for improvements in pensions, health and education.

Ennio Vivaldi, the rector of the University of Chile, said the school would soon file a legal complaint after a police officer on Monday evening allegedly shot a drama student in the face during a protest. He accused the police of using "tremendous violence" against peaceful protests while failing to tackle vandalism and looting.

"Never again should there be an attack on a young man in the face with bullets from two metres away," he said. "This must stop."

In the northern city of Antofagasta, the Appeal Court issued an order requested by a civilian against the police and Interior Ministry that rubber bullets could not be used against peaceful protesters and tear gas should be "limited," a judicial authority said in a statement.

The government's spokesman, Karla Rubilar, responded that police could only use firearms where there was a threat to life.

"We could not agree more. Of course, they cannot use rubber bullets on peaceful protests," she said.

Chile's finance minister warned on Tuesday of the "grave consequences" for the nation's economy of three weeks of often violent unrest after the peso slid 4 per cent to hit a historic low against the dollar.

Chile's finance minister warned on Tuesday of the "grave consequences" for the nation's economy of three weeks of often violent unrest after the peso slid 4 per cent to hit a historic low against the dollar. Ignacio Briones said the weakening of the peso was a "sign of worry" that he and his colleagues were watching very carefully. He called on Chileans to help restore "normality" so that businesses could return to the proper functioning and people could return to work after weeks of strikes, marches and damage to property and public transport that he has estimated cost the economy $3 billion. "The peaceful marches have made their point and that message is reflected in the measures that the government and the opposition have taken," he told journalists in Santiago. "All our actions have consequences and they are having grave consequences that are now being seen in the economy and particularly on entrepreneurs and in the most vulnerable sectors." President Sebastian Pinera, speaking at an evening news conference in Santiago, condemned new clashes between protesters and police on Tuesday night in Santiago and other parts of the country and vowed that those responsible would be prosecuted under the strict state security law that allows for tougher penalties. "The grave situation of violence and delinquency severely threatens our democracy, our state of law and above all, the rights of all Chileans and especially of the most vulnerable," he said. Pinera appealed to citizens to sign up to three "national accords" to restore security, promote a more equal society and develop a new constitution to replace one crafted during the 1973-1990 Augusto Pinochet dictatorship. The country's currency plunged to more than 800 pesos per dollar, down more than 10 per cent since mid-October, by midday on Tuesday as state workers and some unionized miners in Chile announced a nationwide strike, saying they were not yet satisfied following the government's decision to rewrite the constitution. Demonstrations across the country have sometimes devolved into arson, riots and looting, leaving at least 23 people dead, 2,000 civilians hospitalized and more than 1,000 complaints of rights abuses, according to human rights groups and prosecutors. Chile's central bank president, Mario Marcel, urged calm, saying on Monday that despite the peso's precipitous fall, Chile's fiscal situation remained "solid." Thousands of people including members of unions marched in large numbers through Chilean cities again on Tuesday. Truck drivers and other protesters set up barricades on at least two major highways connecting the capital, Santiago, with outlying cities and ports, prompting huge backups on key regional arteries. The road blockages prompted the Valparaiso-based Congress to shut down for the day. Most of Chile's copper mining companies said they maintained operations on Tuesday, albeit with some delays and sporadic unrest, unions and management teams told Reuters. To date, copper production in the world's largest producer of the red metal has not been significantly hurt by weeks of protests pushing demands for improvements in pensions, health and education. Ennio Vivaldi, the rector of the University of Chile, said the school would soon file a legal complaint after a police officer on Monday evening allegedly shot a drama student in the face during a protest. He accused the police of using "tremendous violence" against peaceful protests while failing to tackle vandalism and looting. "Never again should there be an attack on a young man in the face with bullets from two metres away," he said. "This must stop." In the northern city of Antofagasta, the Appeal Court issued an order requested by a civilian against the police and Interior Ministry that rubber bullets could not be used against peaceful protesters and tear gas should be "limited," a judicial authority said in a statement. The government's spokesman, Karla Rubilar, responded that police could only use firearms where there was a threat to life. "We could not agree more. Of course, they cannot use rubber bullets on peaceful protests," she said.

Chile's finance minister calls for return to 'normality' as peso slides

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

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