Soldiers Patrol Streets of Chile’s Capital Following Protests
Published Date: 10/19/2019
Source: VOA News
Soldiers were patrolling the streets in Chile's capital for the first time since the military dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet ended in 1990, Saturday, October 19. Chile’s president declared a state of emergency in Santiago Friday night and gave the military responsibility for security after a day of violent protests over increases in the price of metro tickets. “I have declared a state of emergency and, to that end, I have appointed Major General Javier Iturriaga del Campo as head of national defense, in accordance with the provisions of our state of emergency legislation,” President Sebastian Pinera said. Throughout Friday, protesters clashed with riot police in several parts of the city and the subway system was shut down after attacks on several stations. Violent clashes escalated as night fell, and the ENEL power company building and a Banco Chile branch, both in the city center, were set on fire and several metro stations hit with Molotov cocktails. https://www.voanews.com/americas/chile-president-declares-state-emergency-after-violent-protests