23 dead as Chile protests continue for 5th week
The death toll on Friday rose to 23 in the violent unrest in Chile. This is the fifth week of social unrest in the country. Looting and demonstrations are taking place in all cities of the South American country. Despite the agreement on the political blueprint for the drafting of the new constitution in Chile, neither the resentment of the people nor the bloodshed has decreased. Protests have been taking place in Chile since October 18 to protest against social and economic inequality and political elites from the country’s few wealthy families.
This is the most severe crisis in Chilean democracy of three decades. Around 2,000 people have been injured in the demonstrations, including 280 people who lost their eyes due to pellet guns. On Friday, the death toll rose to 23. President Sebastian Pinera’s government once again appealed to the people to maintain peace. Home Minister Gonzalo Blumel has appealed to all political parties to end this unrest.
