Chileans took to streets to protest to mark the one year anniversary of the demonstrations that rocked the country last year with reports of at least two churches being torched on Sunday.

Chileans took to streets to protest to mark the one year anniversary of the demonstrations that rocked the country last year with reports of at least two churches being torched on Sunday. The demonstration comes just a week before the country votes in a referendum to replace the constitution. As people gathered at Plaza Italia which was largely peaceful, the protests turned violent with reports of looting and vandalism as one church near Plaza Italia was burnt. Firefighters fought to get the blaze under control as protesters defaced a statue with red paint amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the country which has claimed 13,600 lives with at least 490,000 infected. President Sebastian Pinera had earlier called for peaceful protests. The protests last year had broken after a hike in metro fare and then turned into an all-out anti-government protest against rising inequality in the country as supermarkets were looted and buses set ablaze even as the riot police fired tear gas and used water cannons to control the crowd. The protesters last year had clashed with riot officers hurling rocks and projectiles with slingshots with several police officers hurt in the encounter. The country has been reeling under the coronavirus pandemic as the government earlier announced a $12 billion economic stimulus package to overcome the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. The Chilean government was earlier criticised for lax lockdown measures as the virus spread in the country.

Churches burnt as Chile protest anniversary turns violent

Hundreds of&nbsp;Chileans&nbsp;rallied Saturday night to protest what they call&nbsp;police&nbsp;repression&nbsp;during three months of the worst&nbsp;social&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;since democracy replaced the country's military dictatorship in 1990.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-violent-clashes-erupt-in-new-round-of-protests-270712">Chile: Violent clashes erupt in new round of protests</a>

More than 1,000 people, many wearing black, marched in silence from Plaza Italia, ground zero of all the protests, along Alameda Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Chile's capital.

Keeping quiet was their way of denouncing the security forces' use of tear gas, water cannon and birdshot, although the latter was barred in November because it was causing many injuries.

"We are marching because of the human rights violations we have suffered. We will be here as long as is needed. This is the new Chile," said a&nbsp;social&nbsp;worker who gave her name only as Ana Maria.

Watch:&nbsp;Chilean protests turn violent as protesters show no sign of backing down

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The&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;broke out over a metro fare rise but quickly grew into a broader outcry&nbsp;against&nbsp;economic and&nbsp;social&nbsp;inequality in what had been considered among the most stable countries in Latin America.

Watch: Violence at an all-time high in Chile

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A total of 29 have died in violence related to the protests and nearly 3,700 were injured and&nbsp;more than 400 with eye injuries from the birdshot fired by&nbsp;police, according to the National Human Rights Institute.

The protesters on Saturday night got close to the La Moneda presidential palace. They sang and shouted slogans&nbsp;against&nbsp;conservative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chilean-president-pinera-sparks-fury-with-fake-news-claims-270752">President Sebastian Pinera</a>, whose approval rating has dropped to single digits since the protests began in November.

Hundreds of Chileans rallied Saturday night to protest what they call police repression during three months of the worst social unrest since democracy replaced the country's military dictatorship in 1990.

Hundreds of Chileans rallied Saturday night to protest what they call police repression during three months of the worst social unrest since democracy replaced the country's military dictatorship in 1990. Also read: Chile: Violent clashes erupt in new round of protests More than 1,000 people, many wearing black, marched in silence from Plaza Italia, ground zero of all the protests, along Alameda Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Chile's capital. Keeping quiet was their way of denouncing the security forces' use of tear gas, water cannon and birdshot, although the latter was barred in November because it was causing many injuries. "We are marching because of the human rights violations we have suffered. We will be here as long as is needed. This is the new Chile," said a social worker who gave her name only as Ana Maria. Watch: Chilean protests turn violent as protesters show no sign of backing down The unrest broke out over a metro fare rise but quickly grew into a broader outcry against economic and social inequality in what had been considered among the most stable countries in Latin America. Watch: Violence at an all-time high in Chile A total of 29 have died in violence related to the protests and nearly 3,700 were injured and more than 400 with eye injuries from the birdshot fired by police, according to the National Human Rights Institute. The protesters on Saturday night got close to the La Moneda presidential palace. They sang and shouted slogans against conservative President Sebastian Pinera, whose approval rating has dropped to single digits since the protests began in November.

Chileans march against police repression during unrest

At least one more death has been reported in the latest wave of protests in Chile, thereby taking the death toll 29, news agency AFP reported quoting National Institute of Human Rights (NHRI).

The fresh wave of protest in Chile is been dubbed as the most severe outbreak of social unrest in the country since the end of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet nearly three decades ago.

The protesters are opposing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chilean-president-pinera-sparks-fury-with-fake-news-claims-270752">President Sebastian Pinera</a>'s right-wing government since October.

On Friday, Chilean capital Santiago witnessed a massive rally wherein another casualty was reported, taking the overall death toll to 29.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, President Pinera in an interview said that the videos showing abuse of protesters by Chilean police on social media were "fake news", news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Pinera went on to say that the unrest was being stirred by foreign governments.&nbsp;

The president 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", Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Pinera's claims were met with fury from both his political opponents and members of his governing coalition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At least one more death has been reported in the latest wave of protests in Chile, thereby taking the death toll 29, news agency AFP reported quoting National Institute of Human Rights (NHRI).

At least one more death has been reported in the latest wave of protests in Chile, thereby taking the death toll 29, news agency AFP reported quoting National Institute of Human Rights (NHRI). The fresh wave of protest in Chile is been dubbed as the most severe outbreak of social unrest in the country since the end of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet nearly three decades ago. The protesters are opposing President Sebastian Pinera's right-wing government since October. On Friday, Chilean capital Santiago witnessed a massive rally wherein another casualty was reported, taking the overall death toll to 29. Meanwhile, President Pinera in an interview said that the videos showing abuse of protesters by Chilean police on social media were "fake news", news agency Reuters reported. Pinera went on to say that the unrest was being stirred by foreign governments. The president 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", Reuters reported. Pinera's claims were met with fury from both his political opponents and members of his governing coalition. (With inputs from agencies)

Chile protests: Death toll climbs to 29 

<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

Students and state workers dispersed peacefully in cities across Chile late on Wednesday, following mass protests against inequality, even as President Sebastian Pinera pledged social reforms to try to quell days of rioting.

Thousands of striking workers, including healthcare professionals and teachers, banged pots and carried banners late into the evening in the capital Santiago. The largely peaceful marches were monitored by police and soldiers.

Officials decreed a 10 pm&nbsp;curfew, for the city's fifth consecutive night of military lockdown. Tear gas used to disperse protesters lingered in many main squares and downtown streets.

The day's marches and demonstrations dovetailed four days of protests, arson attacks and looting in which more than 6,000 people have been detained and at least 18 killed.

Trade unions and social groups wanted a voice in the rollout of a social reform plan announced by Pinera on Tuesday, said José Pérez Debelli, president of the National Grouping of Fiscal Employees (ANEF), one of the unions that called the strike.

"We must carry the voice of those who are on the street, to channel anger and discontent over the inequality of our country," he said.

The Copper Workers Federation (FTC), which includes unionized workers from each division of state miner Codelco, the world's top producer of the metal, joined the strike, prompting it to shut down its Andina mine and drastically scale back operations at its Ventanas smelter.

The federation called an end to the strike late in the day, after agreeing to further talks with government officials aimed at improving work conditions.

Top copper miner Antofagasta Plc said on Wednesday protests in Chile could cut its production by about 5,000 tonnes, roughly less than 3% of third-quarter output, because of delays in supplies and travel disruptions for workers.

It was only "a matter of time" before knock-on effects in the supply chain had a negative impact on the mining industry, said Jimena Blanco, head of Latin America research at consultancy Verisk Maplecroft.

"For example, yesterday’s strike by the port workers’ union affected 20 of the country’s maritime facilities, including key mining export ones in Antofagasta and Iquique," she said.

Reform package

In his announcement, Pinera, a billionaire businessman, said he hoped to turn the violent protests into an "opportunity" for Chile.

His proposed reforms include a guaranteed minimum wage, a hike in state pensions and stabilization of electricity costs.

For many protesters, these were a step in the right direction. Others demanded more.

Textile worker Norma Carrasco, 68, joined the marches with her husband, 10 years her elder, carrying a home-made sign that read: "In Chile, pensions bring only hunger."

Between them, their pension amounts to $300, Carrasco said. "And I worked since I was a girl."

The president said his social reform package represented "concrete and urgent steps" to resolve inequality that has sent tens of thousands into the streets to demand economic overhaul and, in some cases, his removal.

Venezuela's socialist president, Nicolas Maduro, on Wednesday celebrated developments in Chile as representing victory in a battle "to dismantle the neoliberal model."

Pope Francis, originally from neighbouring Argentina, expressed concern.

"I hope that by ending the violent demonstrations, through dialogue, efforts are made to find solutions," Francis said at a general audience in St. Peter's Square on Tuesday.

There were angry scenes in the Chilean Chamber of deputies on Tuesday after a group of far-left lawmakers sought to challenge Interior Minister Andres Chadwick over the numbers of people detained, injured and killed since the protests began.

Photographs and videos circulating on social media purport to show excessive force used by police and soldiers. Reuters has been unable to confirm their authenticity, however.

Chile's Human Rights Institute (INDH) said it received a complaint of torture in a central Santiago metro station and urged the authorities to investigate. The group said it had also registered 173 civilians injured by firearms since the weekend.

Prosecutors said on Wednesday afternoon that 6,493 people had been charged for involvement in protests and rioting since Saturday.

Justice Minister Hernan Larrain said the deaths and injuries was a source of "deep pain" for the government.

"Our commitment to democracy is inalienable and inseparable from the respect and protection of human rights and the operation of the Rule of Law," Chilean daily La Tercera quoted him as saying.

Students and state workers dispersed peacefully in cities across Chile late on Wednesday, following mass protests against inequality, even as President Sebastian Pinera pledged social reforms to try to quell days of rioting.

Students and state workers dispersed peacefully in cities across Chile late on Wednesday, following mass protests against inequality, even as President Sebastian Pinera pledged social reforms to try to quell days of rioting. Thousands of striking workers, including healthcare professionals and teachers, banged pots and carried banners late into the evening in the capital Santiago. The largely peaceful marches were monitored by police and soldiers. Officials decreed a 10 pm curfew, for the city's fifth consecutive night of military lockdown. Tear gas used to disperse protesters lingered in many main squares and downtown streets. The day's marches and demonstrations dovetailed four days of protests, arson attacks and looting in which more than 6,000 people have been detained and at least 18 killed. Trade unions and social groups wanted a voice in the rollout of a social reform plan announced by Pinera on Tuesday, said José Pérez Debelli, president of the National Grouping of Fiscal Employees (ANEF), one of the unions that called the strike. "We must carry the voice of those who are on the street, to channel anger and discontent over the inequality of our country," he said. The Copper Workers Federation (FTC), which includes unionized workers from each division of state miner Codelco, the world's top producer of the metal, joined the strike, prompting it to shut down its Andina mine and drastically scale back operations at its Ventanas smelter. The federation called an end to the strike late in the day, after agreeing to further talks with government officials aimed at improving work conditions. Top copper miner Antofagasta Plc said on Wednesday protests in Chile could cut its production by about 5,000 tonnes, roughly less than 3% of third-quarter output, because of delays in supplies and travel disruptions for workers. It was only "a matter of time" before knock-on effects in the supply chain had a negative impact on the mining industry, said Jimena Blanco, head of Latin America research at consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. "For example, yesterday’s strike by the port workers’ union affected 20 of the country’s maritime facilities, including key mining export ones in Antofagasta and Iquique," she said. Reform package In his announcement, Pinera, a billionaire businessman, said he hoped to turn the violent protests into an "opportunity" for Chile. His proposed reforms include a guaranteed minimum wage, a hike in state pensions and stabilization of electricity costs. For many protesters, these were a step in the right direction. Others demanded more. Textile worker Norma Carrasco, 68, joined the marches with her husband, 10 years her elder, carrying a home-made sign that read: "In Chile, pensions bring only hunger." Between them, their pension amounts to $300, Carrasco said. "And I worked since I was a girl." The president said his social reform package represented "concrete and urgent steps" to resolve inequality that has sent tens of thousands into the streets to demand economic overhaul and, in some cases, his removal. Venezuela's socialist president, Nicolas Maduro, on Wednesday celebrated developments in Chile as representing victory in a battle "to dismantle the neoliberal model." Pope Francis, originally from neighbouring Argentina, expressed concern. "I hope that by ending the violent demonstrations, through dialogue, efforts are made to find solutions," Francis said at a general audience in St. Peter's Square on Tuesday. There were angry scenes in the Chilean Chamber of deputies on Tuesday after a group of far-left lawmakers sought to challenge Interior Minister Andres Chadwick over the numbers of people detained, injured and killed since the protests began. Photographs and videos circulating on social media purport to show excessive force used by police and soldiers. Reuters has been unable to confirm their authenticity, however. Chile's Human Rights Institute (INDH) said it received a complaint of torture in a central Santiago metro station and urged the authorities to investigate. The group said it had also registered 173 civilians injured by firearms since the weekend. Prosecutors said on Wednesday afternoon that 6,493 people had been charged for involvement in protests and rioting since Saturday. Justice Minister Hernan Larrain said the deaths and injuries was a source of "deep pain" for the government. "Our commitment to democracy is inalienable and inseparable from the respect and protection of human rights and the operation of the Rule of Law," Chilean daily La Tercera quoted him as saying.

Chile's response to Pinera's reforms: A strike and more protests