Chile president plans tougher security after protests
Posted November 07, 2019 6:00 am
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - Chile's president is announcing measures to increase security and toughen sanctions for vandalism following protests that have left at least 20 dead.
President Sebastián Piñera said Thursday that the measures that he'll send to Congress include bills against looting and the destruction of property. He said that some will seek the re-enforcement of aerial surveillance and police intelligence to fight crime.
The unrest began 21 days ago over a hike to subway fares, and it has grown into a massive movement demanding a broad range of changes.
Most protests have been peaceful, but some have turned violent with daily clashes between police and demonstrators. There have been cases of arson and looting.
People look out from a shuttered mall at anti-government protests in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. Chile's president Sebastian Pinera announced he is sending a bill to Congress that would raise the minimum salary, one of a series of measures to try to contain nearly three weeks of anti-government protests. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
An anti-government protester wipes her eyes, affected by tear gas launched by Chilean police during protest in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. Chile's president Sebastian Pinera announced he is sending a bill to Congress that would raise the minimum salary, one of a series of measures to try to contain nearly three weeks of anti-government protests. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
An anti-government protester runs in front a burning barricade during protests in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. Chile's president sent a bill to Congress on Wednesday that would raise the minimum salary, one of a series of measures to try to contain nearly three weeks of anti-government protests over inequality in one of Latin America's richest countries. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
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A woman is detained by the police during an anti-government protest in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. Chile's president Sebastian Pinera announced he is sending a bill to Congress that would raise the minimum salary, one of a series of measures to try to contain nearly three weeks of anti-government protests. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
An anti-government protester throws a rock at a police water cannon during a protest in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. Chile's president Sebastian Pinera announced he is sending a bill to Congress that would raise the minimum salary, one of a series of measures to try to contain nearly three weeks of anti-government protests. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
Anti-government protesters throw rocks at the Provida Pension Fund Administrator building during protests in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. Chile's president sent a bill to Congress on Wednesday that would raise the minimum salary, one of a series of measures to try to contain nearly three weeks of anti-government protests over inequality in one of Latin America's richest countries. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
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