As of the morning of 20 November 2019, small-scale anti-government demonstrations are ongoing in Chile. Taxi drivers have conducted a “go-slow” protest along Santiago’s Gran Avenida, causing traffic disruptions. Additionally, roadblocks have been reported on Route A-16 and Route 5 North in the Tarapacá Region.
On the previous day, demonstrations continued throughout the country, including in the capital Santiago. In the capital city, police officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters, who threw Molotov cocktails at officers.
In another development on the same day, Chile’s police chief announced the suspension of the use of rubber bullets against protesters after a study showed that such projectiles could contain as little as 20% rubber. The study also revealed that rubber bullets could contain lead and other harmful substances. However, the police chief maintained that rubber bullets and live rounds could be used “as an extreme measure and exclusively for self-defense, when there is imminent danger of death.”
