Chile: Tensions remain high in Santiago, Araucanía Nov. 16 /update 1

Event

Tensions remain high in the capital Santiago and the Araucanía region (south) as of Friday, November 16, following the death of the grandson of a Mapuche community leader. An arson attack destroyed a church in Arauco province on Thursday, November 15. During a funeral procession between Collico and Ercilla, mourners threw rocks at police officials and at a police station. The funeral is expected to be held on November 17 and further violent protests are possible in the coming days.

Context

Violent protests also broke out in Santiago on November 15 in the vicinity of Plaza Italia and Bustamente Park. Demonstrators reportedly set fire to police cars and erected makeshift barricades on roads throughout the evening.

Camilo Catrillanca, the grandson of a Mapuche indigenous leader was shot and killed by police officers on November 14 in Ercilla (Malleco province). Police claim they came under automatic gunfire by suspected gang members and subsequently returned fire; although the circumstances of the incident remain unclear, residents claim the victim was herding cattle nearby. President Sebastián Piñera has called for an investigation into the shooting.

Advice

Individuals in Chile are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.