| − | The 2019 Chilean State of Emergency are unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout Chile in response to a raise in the Chilean capital's ''Metro'' subway fare, increased cost of living, and prevalent inequality in the country. The protests began in Chile's capital, Santiago, as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which led to the destruction of several subway stations in the Sanitago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President Sebastián declared a state of emergency on September 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have at times turned violent, with clashes between police and rioters. Police have used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm have been set of fire. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after local radio stations called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and hand guns. | + | The 2019 Chilean State of Emergency are unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout Chile in response to a raise in the Chilean capital's ''Metro'' subway fare, increased cost of living, and prevalent inequality in the country. The protests began in Chile's capital, Santiago, as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which led to the destruction of several subway stations in the Sanitago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President Sebastián declared a state of emergency on September 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have at times turned violent, with clashes between police and rioters. Police have used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm have been set of fire. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after local radio stations called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and hand guns.<ref>[https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/los-chalecos-amarillos-chile-vecinos-patrullan-sus-nid2299816 Los "chalecos amarillos" de Chile: vecinos que patrullan sus barrios por temor a saqueos]</ref> |