Chile is engulfed in a sea of protests

The plan to increase the price of 1.17 USD/ticket/metro trip during rush hour was announced by the Chilean government earlier this month.

Students began protesting in the capital Santiago on October 6 and after two weeks, the protests spread throughout the South American country.

The plan to increase the price of 1.17 USD/ticket/metro trip during rush hour was announced by the Chilean government earlier this month.

Students began protesting in the capital Santiago on October 6 and after two weeks, the protests spread throughout the South American country.

A woman uses pots and pans to protest in Santiago.

A woman uses pots and pans to protest in Santiago.

Protests escalated into violence as people clashed with riot police and burned public vehicles and facilities.

Protests escalated into violence as people clashed with riot police and burned public vehicles and facilities.

Black smoke rose from the subway station in Santiago after it was set ablaze by protesters.

Black smoke rose from the subway station in Santiago after it was set ablaze by protesters.

Police put out a fire at a supermarket in Valparaiso.

Chilean Interior Minister Andres Chadwick said on October 20 that about 70 `serious violent` incidents occurred in Santiago and many other cities, killing at least 7 people.

Police put out a fire at a supermarket in Valparaiso.

Chilean Interior Minister Andres Chadwick said on October 20 that about 70 `serious violent` incidents occurred in Santiago and many other cities, killing at least 7 people.

A subway car at Elisa Correa station in Santiago was reduced to ashes after being burned by protesters.

A subway car at Elisa Correa station in Santiago was reduced to ashes after being burned by protesters.

A protester was arrested by riot police in Santiago.

A protester was arrested by riot police in Santiago.

Firefighters tried to put out the fire on the burned buses.

Firefighters tried to put out the fire on the burned buses.

Mr. Pinera also condemned acts of sabotage and authorized the military to restore order in the capital, and announced a nighttime curfew.

Chile has one of the most prosperous and free economies in South America.

However, the protests over the past half month have caused estimated damage of millions of dollars to Chile and threatened its ability to host the annual APEC forum on November 16-17 with the participation of many world leaders.

In December, Chile will also host the UN climate conference COP25.

Mr. Pinera also condemned acts of sabotage and authorized the military to restore order in the capital, and announced a nighttime curfew.

Chile has one of the most prosperous and free economies in South America.

However, the protests over the past half month have caused estimated damage of millions of dollars to Chile and threatened its ability to host the annual APEC forum on November 16-17 with the participation of many world leaders.

In December, Chile will also host the UN climate conference COP25.

Photo: AFP, Reuters, AP