Tear gas, water cannon as Chile protesters defy police in Santiago

Protestersandpolicefaced off in the streets ofSantiagoon Wednesday (November 6), with officers usingteargasand awatercannonto disperse the crowd.

The protests started over a hike in public transport fares but have broadened to include poor pensions, the high costs of utilities, medication and road tolls as well as patchy public services such as healthcare and education.

At least 18 people have died and thousands been injured after two weeks of rioting, protests and looting.

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President Sebastian Pinera has rejected the notion of resigning and believes he will reach the end of his term in just over two years despite intense anti-government sentiment roiling the country.

Chile's protests are part of a wave of unrest this year around South America, including protests against Bolivia's President Evo Morales over a disputed election and Ecuador's Lenin Moreno over economic liberalization reforms.