ID :
203823
Sat, 08/27/2011 - 12:05
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/203823
The shortlink copeid
Teen Dies in Chilean National Strike
TEHRAN (FNA)- A Chilean teenager died after he was allegedly targeted by police during huge protests in the capital against the government of president Sebastian Pinera, the first death in months of social unrests in the South American country.
Police identified the youth as 16-year-old Manuel Gutierrez and said he was shot in the chest as protesters battled authorities overnight in Santiago, in the aftermath of a 48-hour national strike against Pinera marked by violent clashes.
According to media reports, Chilean police also arrested 1400 protesters.
Reports said that nearly 200 police officers were also injured when making efforts to push back protesters with water cannons and tear gas.
The protesters expressed support for students that have for weeks been protesting against the education system, an overhaul of educational funding, and free education for all. Strike organizers have also called for tax reforms and constitutional change.
Meantime, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced on Friday that he is ready to negotiate with protesters.
"After more than three months in which we've seen violence and conflict flourish, now is the time for peace, the time for unity, the time for dialogue, the time for agreements," Pinera said.
The organizers of the nationwide strike say about 600,000 people participated in the protests, but police did not issue any figures on the number of protesters.
Police identified the youth as 16-year-old Manuel Gutierrez and said he was shot in the chest as protesters battled authorities overnight in Santiago, in the aftermath of a 48-hour national strike against Pinera marked by violent clashes.
According to media reports, Chilean police also arrested 1400 protesters.
Reports said that nearly 200 police officers were also injured when making efforts to push back protesters with water cannons and tear gas.
The protesters expressed support for students that have for weeks been protesting against the education system, an overhaul of educational funding, and free education for all. Strike organizers have also called for tax reforms and constitutional change.
Meantime, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced on Friday that he is ready to negotiate with protesters.
"After more than three months in which we've seen violence and conflict flourish, now is the time for peace, the time for unity, the time for dialogue, the time for agreements," Pinera said.
The organizers of the nationwide strike say about 600,000 people participated in the protests, but police did not issue any figures on the number of protesters.
