Solidarity Actions with Chile

Rally in solidarity with the Chilean people, Ottawa, October 22, 2019.

Actions are being held in several Canadian cities in solidarity with the Chilean people resisting the impunity of the ruling class. Throughout October, mass actions have been taking place in Chile to oppose the untenable living and working conditions the people face, leading to a situation where working people are impoverished while the wealthy elite are further enriched. President Sebastián Piñera is himself a billionaire businessman and one of the richest men in Chile.

The protests began in opposition to fare hikes for public transit in the capital Santiago in early October. The Chilean government responded with mass repression, declaring a state of emergency on October 18. Military curfews are in effect in 12 regions, with 19,461 police and military personnel deployed to put down the popular protests. News agencies report that as of October 26, at least 19 people have been killed, some 2,500 have been injured and more than 3,100 detained.

Far from being cowed by the government repression, protests have been increasing in size, with the largest to date taking place on October 25, with 1.2 million people taking to the streets of Santiago. The people now have as one of their main demands President Piñera’s resignation.

(With files from teleSUR, Al Jazeera. Photo: ALBA Social Movements Canada)

This article was published in:

Renewal Update No. 45, October 26, 2019

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Solidarity Actions with Chile