Chilean authorities disclosed late on Tuesday that at least 50 people were detained and that no fewer than 28 individuals were injured during protests across the country. The demonstrations were held to mark the third anniversary of the social upheaval that began in 2019 in Chile.
According to Manuel Monsalve, Under-Secretary of the Interior, the tally shows about 50 detainees at 18 sites of violence, with an estimated 700 people involved in the disruption. Monsalve told reporters at Casa de la Moneda that the riots included acts that were not connected to a political cause and were instead driven by criminal intent. This information was reported by BioBioChile. He stressed that a clear distinction exists between peaceful commemoration and criminal activity, and he condemned the latter as unacceptable behavior.
Among those arrested, 30 incidents occurred in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, while the remainder happened in other areas. In total, 15 civilians sustained injuries, including 14 from a blast incident at an educational institute and 14 from an arson attack on a central street in Santiago. Additionally, 13 members of the Carabineros were injured during the clashes, as detailed by Monsalve and corroborated by BioBioChile.
The Interior Undersecretary reaffirmed the government’s full support for security forces involved in Tuesday’s events. He stated that authorities will not only prevent but also stop individuals who commit crimes that contradict the expectations for civic demonstrations. The Carabineros echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to public safety.
The disruptions led to the temporary closure of the capital’s metro system ahead of the anniversary, despite the presence of nearly 25,000 security personnel dispersed across the country. In Santiago, around 5,000 officers were deployed, with heightened attention on La Moneda and Baquedano square as a precautionary measure. The city responded to potential violence with a visible police presence while attempting to maintain order during the commemorations. This information is supported by reports from BioBioChile.
President Gabriel Boric acknowledged the possibility of severe outcomes based on past events, noting that in 2019 there were deaths, cases of sexual violence, and eye injuries linked to the social epidemic marches. He pointed to the fact that police control during those months exceeded acceptable limits and called for accountability where appropriate. – These reflections were shared in public statements and are cited by BioBioChile.
Authorities warned that ongoing security efforts would concentrate on preventing violence and pursuing anyone who engages in criminal acts. They also referenced the recent statements from many government officials, including Boric, and from Sergeant Carlos Retamal Jaque, who died during an operation last week, underscoring a continuous commitment to combat violent behavior.
This third anniversary marks the first since Boric took office at La Moneda. The opposition has signaled its intent to revisit criticisms of new officials, accusing them of failing to condemn the protests that sparked the riots. In contrast, the commemorations last year saw largely peaceful marches accompanied by looting and violence, resulting in at least two deaths and around 450 arrests, as noted by BioBioChile. The current anniversary follows a pattern of tension and guarded demonstrations that reflect the country’s ongoing political and social debates, with a strong emphasis on public safety and orderly conduct during protests.
On October 18, 2019, Chileans took to the streets in large numbers to protest the rising public transport costs. The mobilizations gradually endured for months and became a focal point for broader grievances about social and economic inequality, a context widely discussed in national discourse and reported by BioBioChile.