Kwisatz Haderach
30th August 2007, 03:27
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6969439.stm
More than 400 people have been arrested after police using tear gas and water cannon clashed with demonstrators in the Chilean capital, Santiago.
The worst clashes occurred as marchers tried to approach the government palace, La Moneda. Among the 100 or so injured was a socialist senator.
The day-long protest was called by Chile's largest trade union federation against free-market economic policies.
But it was used by many to voice their opposition to the government.
They marched in several cities around the country. Outside the capital they were mostly peaceful.
There were clashes throughout the day in Santiago, where riot police tried to stop demonstrators moving on the government palace.
The marchers threw stones, while the police responded with teargas and water cannon.
Socialist senator Alejandro Navarro was injured. A police spokesman later apologised.
President Michelle Bachelet said there was space within Chilean democracy for people to express their demands but it should be done peacefully.
Democracy, she added, did not need disorder and violence.
Chile has one of the strongest economies in Latin America but still suffers from high unemployment and increasing poverty.
The popularity of President Bachelet's government has slumped, with Chileans regularly taking to the streets to demonstrate, among other things, against unemployment, the education system and poor public transport.
"Democracy, she added, did not need disorder and violence."
Translation from bullshit to English: "It's okay if you complain every now and then, but if you actually want to do something about it we're gonna beat the crap out of you."
More than 400 people have been arrested after police using tear gas and water cannon clashed with demonstrators in the Chilean capital, Santiago.
The worst clashes occurred as marchers tried to approach the government palace, La Moneda. Among the 100 or so injured was a socialist senator.
The day-long protest was called by Chile's largest trade union federation against free-market economic policies.
But it was used by many to voice their opposition to the government.
They marched in several cities around the country. Outside the capital they were mostly peaceful.
There were clashes throughout the day in Santiago, where riot police tried to stop demonstrators moving on the government palace.
The marchers threw stones, while the police responded with teargas and water cannon.
Socialist senator Alejandro Navarro was injured. A police spokesman later apologised.
President Michelle Bachelet said there was space within Chilean democracy for people to express their demands but it should be done peacefully.
Democracy, she added, did not need disorder and violence.
Chile has one of the strongest economies in Latin America but still suffers from high unemployment and increasing poverty.
The popularity of President Bachelet's government has slumped, with Chileans regularly taking to the streets to demonstrate, among other things, against unemployment, the education system and poor public transport.
"Democracy, she added, did not need disorder and violence."
Translation from bullshit to English: "It's okay if you complain every now and then, but if you actually want to do something about it we're gonna beat the crap out of you."