Chile declare state of emergency in capital city amid unrest
The capital of Chile has declared a state of emergency as protests over increased metro ticket prices turned violent.
The protesters, many of whom were students, attacked underground stations in Santiago, started fires and caused widespread damage to leave thousands of commuters without transport.
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Images showed them attacking police vehicles and burning a bus as anti-riot police used tear gas and batons in a bid to disperse them.
It comes amid growing unrest in one of Latin America’s wealthiest and unequal cities, which is home to six million people.
President Sebastian Pinera said the aim of the state of emergency was to “ensure public order and the safety of public and private property”.
It is a measure that allows authorities to restrict people’s freedom of movement and right to gather in large crowds.
He added that the government would “call for a dialogue… to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the increase in fares”.
It comes after metro fares were increased by up to $1.17 (£0.90) for a journey during peak hours.
Speaking to Radio Agricultural Pinera said: “It’s one thing to demonstrate and another to commit the vandalism we have observed. This isn’t protest, it’s crime.”
It is not yet known how many people have been arrested or injured in the protests, but authorities have so far said they will not reverse the fare increase.
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Chile’s government condemned the “acts of violence and vandalism being carried out by organised groups” and have introduced state security law which allows them to impose harsher sentences for those found guilty of public disorder.
All metro lines will remain closed for two days due to the damage, which is estimated to cost around $700,000 .