Student-led protests repressed with tear gas and water cannons

Peaceful Assembly

On 1st June 2017, thousands of students led by the Chilean Students' Union - CONFECH - came together to protest the closure of Arcis University and to express dissatisfaction with the educational reform bills being discussed in Congress. The protest took place as President Michelle Bachelet was presenting the final account of her administration before Congress and the public. According to reports, the protesters clashed with security forces who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protest, while protesters threw objects and blocked streets.

On 21st June 2017, students marched in Santiago, Valparaiso, and other cities under the slogan: “Advancing toward free public education, without debt”. The demonstration led to clashes with the police and at least 30 people were arrested. As documented on the Monitor, student protests in Chile have previously and in multiple cases turned into confrontations with security forces.