Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Operation Rosario (Falklands/Malvinas War)

2020-08-20T13:34:05Z

Bearbrau: /* Urban combat */

On April 2, 1982, with an armed confrontation in the making between a platoon of British Royal Marines (under Lieutenant Keith Mills and Sergeant Peter Leach) sent to reinforce the British Antartic Survey (BAS) under base commander Steve Martin<ref>"The 23 Marines, only one of whom was wounded in the Battle of Grytviken, and 13 civilians – the BAS base commander Steve Martin had been with the military contingent at the time – were taken on board the Bahia Paraiso without incident." [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1549893/How-South-Georgia-was-recaptured.html]</ref> and apprehend Argentine scrap-metal workers on South Georgia and their protecting Special Forces from the [[Argentinian Navy]] survey ship ARA "Bahía Buen Suceso",<ref>[https://www.spink.com ot-description.aspx?id=12002445 Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria]</ref> Argentina invaded the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, a remote British colony in the South Atlantic. The Argentinian amphibious landings, '''Operation Rosario''' (under Rear-Admiral [[Carlos César Büsser]], Argentinian Marine Corps Commandant), led to a brief, but costly war.

==Background==
Argentinian invasion plans accelerated when Britain protested about the presence of scrap-metal workers on South Georgia. With talks on the future of the Falklands stalled, the Argentinian Military Junta reacted strongly and by March 26, 1982, two frigates were on their way south, and more ships had put to sea ostensibly for exercises with the Uruguayan Navy. But it seemed that only now was the final decision taken to invade and they headed for Stanley although bad weather delayed their arrival. By March 31, British intelligence had to assume landings were imminent, Governor [[Rex Hunt]] was warned, and next evening he announced over the radio that invasion was expected early on April 2.

==British defenders==
Before the broadcast took place, the defence of Port Stanley was already being organized by the company-sized garrison of Naval Party 8901 (NP8901, all volunteers from 42 and 45 Commandos), under Major Gary Noote and Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF, Royal Marines-trained), under Major Phil Sommers. Usually consisting of 160 defenders, Majors Noote and Sommers, had been reinforced by Major Mike Norman and his platoon-sized garrison replacement that had disembarked from the RRS "John Biscoe". Assuming the main landing would be near Stanley Airfield followed by an advance on Port Stanley, Noote, Sommers and Norman deployed their 120 men accordingly, and positioned four sniper/anti-tanks squads on the Airport Road ready to fall back on the main 40-man position at Government House. By the early hours of April 2, they were mostly in position and the small patrol ship "Forrest" was out in Port William on radar watch. Governor Hunt also ordered the arrest of 30 Argentinian workers from Gas del Estado.

==Argentinian landings==
The plan was for the 1st Amphibious Commando Grouping (APCA) under Lieutenant-Commander Guillermo Sánchez Sabarots to attack both the NP8901 Barracks at Moody Brook and Government House to force a surrender, supported if necessary by men of Commander Alfredo Raúl Weinstabl's 2nd Marine Infantry Battalion (BIM 2) landed from ships of Task Group 40.1. Under the command of the 1st Marine Brigade commander, Captain Miguel Angel Pita, the Argentinian Marines had orders to cause no casualties "if at all possible".<ref>"Under Miguel Pita's robust personal leadership, and with orders to cause no casualties 'if at all possible', 800 men from his brigade, formed from the 2nd Marine Infantry Battalion (BIM 2), a Comandos Anfibios team ... spearheaded the assault on the Falklands Islands." Exocet Falklands: The Untold Story of Special Forces Operations, Ewen Southby-Tailyour, p. 61, Pen and Sword, 2014</ref> Once Stanley Airfield was in Argentinian hands, the 25th "Special" Infantry Regiment (Army Rangers) and Special Operations Group (Air Force Commandos) would then fly in.

The first landings were before midnight with the 1st Amphibious Commando Grouping spearhead under Lieutenant Bernardo Schweitzer going ashore from the destroyer ARA "Santisima Trinidad" to secure Mullet Creek, followed early on Friday morning by a Buzo Tactico beach reconnaissance party from the submarine ARA "Santa Fe" to check out the main landing beach north of Stanley.<ref>"The next Argentinians ashore were the frogmen from the Santa Fe, to secure the beach at Yorke Bay, to the north of the airfield, at 3:30 a.m." The Royal Navy and Falklands War, David Brown, p. 57, Pen and Sword, 1987</ref> As the Amphibious Commandos secured their objectives the destroyers and frigates of Task Force 40 took up support and escort positions and the Tank Landing Ship ARA "Cabo San Antonio" headed in for the unguarded beach at York Bay.

==Urban combat==
From 6:00 a.m. the main Special Forces attacks and supporting infantry landings got underway. The larger body of Amphibious Commandos cleared Moody Brook and then headed east for Government House which by then was under fire from the spearhead under Lieutenant-Commander Pedro Edgardo Giachino. Giachino, Second-in-Command of the 1st Marine Infantry Battalion (BIM 1), was hit by small arms fire during the attack on Government House and died of his wounds, becoming the only Argentinian invasion force fatality that was treated at the local [[King Edward VII Memorial Hospital]]. Around 6:30 a.m., the first of some 20 LVTP-7 Amtraks with 20 or more Marines each inside were landing from "Cabo San Antonio" and by 6.45 am more Marines from the 1st Marine Infantry Battalion were coming into the airfield by Sea King helicopters. A 25th Regiment platoon under 2nd Lieutenant Oscar Roberto Reyes, having disembarked from ''VAO 010'', cleared the Airfield buildings.

As the outnumbered NP 8901 and FIDF defenders fell back on Government House, one of the squads under Lieutenant Bill Trollope defending the Ionospheric Research Station on the Airport Road, stopped the Amtrack spearhead (''VAO''s 05, 07 and 019) with anti-armour weapons, machine-guns and sniper fire that wounded one Argentinian Marine, Private Horacio Tello.<ref>"The fact that no one was observed to emerge from the first Amtrac to be engaged encouraged the Royal Marines to think that one of their rocket rounds had punched a hole in it and that some of the machine-gun fire had penetrated the hole and caused severe casualties among the men inside. Local civilians who observed the action optimistically supported this view later. There was no rocket hit, just the scars of ninety-seven machine-gun bullets. Only one Argentine marine was slightly wounded by a sliver of metal cutting his hand." Argentine Fight for the Falklands, Martin Middlebrook, p. 37, Pen and Sword, 2003</ref> The spearhead was brought to a halt by machine-gun fire hitting the driver compartment of 2nd Sub-Officer Anibal Edgardo Esposito and turret of ''VAO 7'', forcing the machine-gunner, Corporal Osvaldo César Arce to take cover.<ref>[https://interesestrategicoarg.com/2014/07/05/2-de-abril-de-1982-malvinas-vehiculos-anfibios/ Vehículos Anfibios]</ref> None of the occupants of ''VAO 7'' were seen to emerge for 2nd Sub-Officer Víctor Quiroga under the guidance of Arce, manoeuvred the Amtrack off the road into a hollow in the ground and disembarked the Marines now hidden from view. But the Royal Marines were obliged to fall back as the Argentinian Marines emerged from the other Amtracks and 2nd Sub-Officer Mario Di Filippo's ''VAO 19'' opened fire with a 72mm recoilles rifle, scoring a direct hit on the building.<ref>"Commander Weinstabl and I decided it was time to force the British to withdraw. I ordered the crew with the recoilles rifle to fire one round of hollow charge at ... the roof of the house where the machine-gun was, to cause a bang but not an explosion. We were still following our orders not to inflict casualties. The first round was about a hundred metres short, but the second hit the roof ... They had stopped firing, so Commander started the movement of the two companies around the position.." Argentine Fight for the Falklands, Martin Middlebrook, p. 36, Pen and Sword, 2003</ref><ref>[https://interesestrategicoarg.com/2014/07/05/2-de-abril-de-1982-malvinas-vehiculos-anfibios/ Vehículos Anfibios]</ref>

Only one Royal Marine squad under Corporal Lou Armour' managed to fight its way to Government House, the others were gradually overrun by the increasing number of Amtracks and Marines landed by the white-painted Sea King and Lynx helicopters.

==British surrender==
With daybreak and Government House surrounded, under sniper fire and the Amtracks approaching, Governor Hunt attempted to negotiate. Faced with the overwhelming forces at Rear-Admiral Büsser's disposal, he ordered the defenders to lay down their arms, which they did at 9:30 a.m. without having suffered any casualties. The Royal Marines had held out against two Argentinian Marine battalions and Special Forces for three hours, firing 6,450 small-arms rounds and 12 anti-tank rockets<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9582471/Rear-Admiral-Carlos-Busser.html Rear-Admiral Carlos Büsser ]</ref>in a firefight that cost the life of the 2ic of BIM 1 and wounded five invaders, including a military chaplain (Natalio Astolfo) and an Army NCO that stepped on a mine or booby-trap. According to one of Norman's men, Colour-Sergeant Bill Muir, ''"It was initially estimated that we had killed five and injured seventeen, but we only counted the bodies that we saw drop in front of us."''

That evening, the Governor, his family and most of the Royal Marines and captured sailors from "Endurance" were flown out. Major Norman and his men volunteered to fight again with Juliet Company, 42 Commando, suffering four wounded in the final mountain battles.

==South Georgia==
On April 3, the 1st Marine Infantry Battalion captured South Georgia, 1,350 kilometres to the east of the Falklands. In that action, the Argentinian corvette ARA ''Guerrico'' was lured too close to shore and hit by anti-tank missiles from the 23-man Royal Marines platoon under Lieutenant Keith Mill and one Argentinian sailor, Corporal Patricio Guanca was killed in the action. Soon after this Argentinian setback, another two Marines, Privates Mario Almonacid and Jorge Aguila were killed and seven wounded when the Puma helicopter transporting their platoon was hit by concentrated small-arms fire and forced to make a crash-landing. However, one British Royal Marine was wounded in an exchange of fire with the Argentinian Marines. The Marines platoon under Lieutenant Mills eventually surrendered when their position was bombarded by the ''Guerrico'''s main 100mm gun.

The 13-strong volunteer militia force under BAS commander Steve Martin at King Edward Point had taken refuge in the church at Grytviken; they were captured in the afternoon and were removed at gunpoint to an Argentine ship bound for Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, and held for 15 days before being repatriated to Britain. Thirteen other BAS men in South Georgia and two females, scientist Cindy Buxton and journalist Annie Price, remained in hiding until liberated by the British Task Force in late April 1982. They would later confirm that Lieutenant Mills had given them a pistol and that both women had been trained how to shoot.<ref>[http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/doc/294188401.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May%2015,%201982&author=London%20Daily%20Telegraph&pub=Boston%20Globe%20%28pre-1997%20Fulltext%29&edition=&startpage=&desc=2%20BRITONS%20DESCRIBE%20STAY%20ON%20S.%20GEORGIA 2 BRITONS DESCRIBE STAY ON S. GEORGIA]</ref>

==Aftermath==
Photographs of the Royal Marines outside Government House, facedown on the ground, soon appeared in the British press, smuggled out by out by Rex Hunt's son Tony for Simon Winchester of the [[Sunday Times]] who had taken the pictures.<ref>"The humiliation was soon reinforced by images of the Argentine flag being raised and of the Royal Marines as prisoners. The photographs of the surrender of the Royal Marines had been taken by Simon Winchester of the Sunday Times and were smuggled out by out by Rex Hunt's son Tony." The Official History of the Falklands Campaign, Volume 2: War and Diplomacy, Lawrence Freedman, pp. 8-9, Routledge, 2004</ref> In response to calls for actions, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered that an armada of British warships be sent to the Falklands. Winchester went to Argentina to cover the war from the southern airbases, but he was arrested with two colleagues (Ian Mather and Tony Prime) for spying.<ref>"Winchester went to Argentina where he was later arrested with two colleagues for spying." The Official History of the Falklands Campaign, Volume 2: War and Diplomacy, Lawrence Freedman, p. 9, Routledge, 2004</ref>

Fierce battles erupted in May. In all, more than 900 soldiers and sailors from both side died in the fighting. But the British forces won. Winchester, Mather and Prime were freed on June 29.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/30/world/3-british-reporters-released-from-jail-by-argentine-junta.html 3 BRITISH REPORTERS RELEASED FROM JAIL BY ARGENTINE JUNTA]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:War]]
[[Category:Argentina]]
[[Category:British History]]
[[Category:1980s]]

7th Bersaglieri Regiment

2020-07-08T21:08:53Z

Bearbrau: /* Second World War */

The '''7th Bersaglieri Regiment''' form part of the [[Bersaglieri Corps]] of the [[Italian Army]], originally created by General Alessandro La Marmora on 18 June 1836.

They compiled an excellent combat record, and can still be recognized by the distinctive helmets, decorated with black plumes.

==Second World War==

With Italy's entry in the Second World War on June 10th 1940, the 102nd ''Trento'' Motorized Division initially forms part of the general reserve but by 20 June, the Armored Corps has moved westward to support the [[Italian invasion of France]]. On June 21, the ''Trento'' takes up new positions near Cuneo in the 1st Army sector. The Regiment does not take part in the fighting for the Franco-Italian Armistice is signed on June 24. The Regiment remains part of the reserve in Verona and Trento for the remainder of 1940.

The ''Trento'' arrives in North Africa in March 1941 and takes part in the [[Siege of Tobruk]]. On August 3rd, reinfocements from the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment help the German 104th and 115th Regiments defeat the 2/43rd and 2/28th Battalions, in a final Australian attempt to recover the lost strongpoints outside Tobruk that had fallen into Italian hands in May 1941. As a result of heavy casualties, the 8th Bersaglieri Motorcycle Battalion is disbanded in September 1941.

The 7th Bersaglieri Regiment's successful defence of the Gazala Line on December 15th 1941, was absolutely vital in defeating the British 1st Battalion, Royal East Kent Regiment (''The Buffs'') and other units from the British-officered 5th Indian Brigade, with over 1,000 British Commonwealth soldiers killed, wounded or captured during the Italo-German counterattack.<ref>"So, on the afternoon of 15 December, the Ariete with some 30 M13’s and with Bersaglieri motorcycle troops in close support, counterattacked along with the remaining 23 tanks of the 15th Panzer Division, and the attack was successful as the 1st Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and other troops of the 5th Indian Brigade lost over 1,000 men killed, wounded or taken prisoners." [http://www.comandosupremo.com/bologna-division.html/6 The Bologna Division: 19 November – 10 December, 1941]</ref>

The capture of Mersa Matruh and Fuka by the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment and German 90th Light Division followed, and some 10,000 British Commonwealth prisoners were taken in late June 1942.

During the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]], the 10th Bersaglieri Battalion, although outnumbered and surrounded, played an important part in containing for several days the advance of the Australian 9th Division. The fighting lasted several days, until with the arrival of German reinforcements, the attacking Australians withdrew.<ref>"These costly German attacks did succeed in restoring contact with the beleaguered 125th Panzergrenadier Regiment. 90th Light Division later praised the regiment and the Italian X Bersaglieri who clung to their posts even when 'surrounded on all sides, short of ammunition, food and water, unable to evacuate their many wounded; while withstanding 'attacks by an enemy superior in numbers and equipment'. During the morning, many of the German and Italian wounded were evacuated and more supplies brought into the salient." Pendulum Of War: Three Battles at El Alamein, Niall Barr, p. 380, Random House, 2010</ref>

The Regiment is largely destroyed during the final battle of El Alamein but rebuilt during the retreat to Tunisia. Attached to the newly arrived [[131st "Centauro" Armoured Division]], the units sees action again during the [[Battle of Kasserine Pass]] and [[Battle of El Guettar]]. The remaining units of the Regiment finally surrender in May 1943.

During the Allied landings in Sicily as part of [[Operation Husky]], the Regiment is still in the process of reforming, but orders are soon issued for the unit to be disbanded with the Italian Armistice signed on 3 September 1943.

In 1944, a 7th Bersaglieri Regiment is reformed in Germany as part of RSI ''Italia'' Division. The regiment is deployed on Apuane Alps in the winter of 1944-45, surrendering to US troops in April 1945.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Italian Military]]

7th Bersaglieri Regiment

2020-07-08T21:07:26Z

Bearbrau: /* Second World War */

The '''7th Bersaglieri Regiment''' form part of the [[Bersaglieri Corps]] of the [[Italian Army]], originally created by General Alessandro La Marmora on 18 June 1836.

They compiled an excellent combat record, and can still be recognized by the distinctive helmets, decorated with black plumes.

==Second World War==

With Italy's entry in the Second World War on 10 June 1940, the 102nd ''Trento'' Motorized Division initially forms part of the general reserve but by 20 June, the Armored Corps has moved westward to support the [[Italian invasion of France]]. On 21 June, the ''Trento'' takes up new positions near Cuneo in the 1st Army sector. The Regiment does not take part in the fighting for the Franco-Italian Armistice is signed on 24 June. The Regiment remains part of the reserve in Verona and Trento for the remainder of 1940.

The ''Trento'' arrives in North Africa in March 1941 and takes part in the [[Siege of Tobruk]]. On 3 August, reinfocements from the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment help the German 104th and 115th Regiments defeat the 2/43rd and 2/28th Battalions, in a final Australian attempt to recover the lost strongpoints outside Tobruk that had fallen into Italian hands in May 1941. As a result of heavy casualties, the 8th Bersaglieri Motorcycle Battalion is disbanded in September 1941.

The 7th Bersaglieri Regiment's successful defence of the Gazala Line on December 15th 1941, was absolutely vital in defeating the British 1st Battalion, Royal East Kent Regiment (''The Buffs'') and other units from the British-officered 5th Indian Brigade, with over 1,000 British Commonwealth soldiers killed, wounded or captured during the Italo-German counterattack.<ref>"So, on the afternoon of 15 December, the Ariete with some 30 M13’s and with Bersaglieri motorcycle troops in close support, counterattacked along with the remaining 23 tanks of the 15th Panzer Division, and the attack was successful as the 1st Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and other troops of the 5th Indian Brigade lost over 1,000 men killed, wounded or taken prisoners." [http://www.comandosupremo.com/bologna-division.html/6 The Bologna Division: 19 November – 10 December, 1941]</ref>

The capture of Mersa Matruh and Fuka by the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment and German 90th Light Division followed, and some 10,000 British Commonwealth prisoners were taken in late June 1942.

During the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]], the 10th Bersaglieri Battalion, although outnumbered and surrounded, played an important part in containing for several days the advance of the Australian 9th Division. The fighting lasted several days, until with the arrival of German reinforcements, the attacking Australians withdrew.<ref>"These costly German attacks did succeed in restoring contact with the beleaguered 125th Panzergrenadier Regiment. 90th Light Division later praised the regiment and the Italian X Bersaglieri who clung to their posts even when 'surrounded on all sides, short of ammunition, food and water, unable to evacuate their many wounded; while withstanding 'attacks by an enemy superior in numbers and equipment'. During the morning, many of the German and Italian wounded were evacuated and more supplies brought into the salient." Pendulum Of War: Three Battles at El Alamein, Niall Barr, p. 380, Random House, 2010</ref>

The Regiment is largely destroyed during the final battle of El Alamein but rebuilt during the retreat to Tunisia. Attached to the newly arrived [[131st "Centauro" Armoured Division]], the units sees action again during the [[Battle of Kasserine Pass]] and [[Battle of El Guettar]]. The remaining units of the Regiment finally surrender in May 1943.

During the Allied landings in Sicily as part of [[Operation Husky]], the Regiment is still in the process of reforming, but orders are soon issued for the unit to be disbanded with the Italian Armistice signed on 3 September 1943.

In 1944, a 7th Bersaglieri Regiment is reformed in Germany as part of RSI ''Italia'' Division. The regiment is deployed on Apuane Alps in the winter of 1944-45, surrendering to US troops in April 1945.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Italian Military]]

7th Bersaglieri Regiment

2020-07-08T21:05:33Z

Bearbrau: /* Second World War */

The '''7th Bersaglieri Regiment''' form part of the [[Bersaglieri Corps]] of the [[Italian Army]], originally created by General Alessandro La Marmora on 18 June 1836.

They compiled an excellent combat record, and can still be recognized by the distinctive helmets, decorated with black plumes.

==Second World War==

With Italy's entry in the Second World War on 10 June 1940, the 102nd ''Trento'' Motorized Division initially forms part of the general reserve but by 20 June, the Armored Corps has moved westward to support the [[Italian invasion of France]]. On 21 June, the ''Trento'' takes up new positions near Cuneo in the 1st Army sector. The Regiment does not take part in the fighting for the Franco-Italian Armistice is signed on 24 June. The Regiment remains part of the reserve in Verona and Trento for the remainder of 1940.

The ''Trento'' arrives in North Africa in March 1941 and takes part in the [[Siege of Tobruk]]. On 3 August, reinfocements from the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment help the German 104th and 115th Regiments defeat the 2/43rd and 2/28th Battalions, in a final Australian attempt to recover the lost strongpoints outside Tobruk. As a result of heavy casualties, the 8th Bersaglieri Motorcycle Battalion is disbanded in September 1941.

The 7th Bersaglieri Regiment's successful defence of the Gazala Line on December 15th 1941, was absolutely vital in defeating the British 1st Battalion, Royal East Kent Regiment (''The Buffs'') and other units from the British-officered 5th Indian Brigade, with over 1,000 British Commonwealth soldiers killed, wounded or captured during the Italo-German counterattack.<ref>"So, on the afternoon of 15 December, the Ariete with some 30 M13’s and with Bersaglieri motorcycle troops in close support, counterattacked along with the remaining 23 tanks of the 15th Panzer Division, and the attack was successful as the 1st Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and other troops of the 5th Indian Brigade lost over 1,000 men killed, wounded or taken prisoners." [http://www.comandosupremo.com/bologna-division.html/6 The Bologna Division: 19 November – 10 December, 1941]</ref>

The capture of Mersa Matruh and Fuka by the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment and German 90th Light Division followed, and some 10,000 British Commonwealth prisoners were taken in late June 1942.

During the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]], the 10th Bersaglieri Battalion, although outnumbered and surrounded, played an important part in containing for several days the advance of the Australian 9th Division. The fighting lasted several days, until with the arrival of German reinforcements, the attacking Australians withdrew.<ref>"These costly German attacks did succeed in restoring contact with the beleaguered 125th Panzergrenadier Regiment. 90th Light Division later praised the regiment and the Italian X Bersaglieri who clung to their posts even when 'surrounded on all sides, short of ammunition, food and water, unable to evacuate their many wounded; while withstanding 'attacks by an enemy superior in numbers and equipment'. During the morning, many of the German and Italian wounded were evacuated and more supplies brought into the salient." Pendulum Of War: Three Battles at El Alamein, Niall Barr, p. 380, Random House, 2010</ref>

The Regiment is largely destroyed during the final battle of El Alamein but rebuilt during the retreat to Tunisia. Attached to the newly arrived [[131st "Centauro" Armoured Division]], the units sees action again during the [[Battle of Kasserine Pass]] and [[Battle of El Guettar]]. The remaining units of the Regiment finally surrender in May 1943.

During the Allied landings in Sicily as part of [[Operation Husky]], the Regiment is still in the process of reforming, but orders are soon issued for the unit to be disbanded with the Italian Armistice signed on 3 September 1943.

In 1944, a 7th Bersaglieri Regiment is reformed in Germany as part of RSI ''Italia'' Division. The regiment is deployed on Apuane Alps in the winter of 1944-45, surrendering to US troops in April 1945.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Italian Military]]

7th Bersaglieri Regiment

2020-07-08T20:59:19Z

Bearbrau: /* Second World War */

The '''7th Bersaglieri Regiment''' form part of the [[Bersaglieri Corps]] of the [[Italian Army]], originally created by General Alessandro La Marmora on 18 June 1836.

They compiled an excellent combat record, and can still be recognized by the distinctive helmets, decorated with black plumes.

==Second World War==

With Italy's entry in the Second World War on 10 June 1940, the 102nd ''Trento'' Motorized Division initially forms part of the general reserve but by 20 June, the Armored Corps has moved westward to support the [[Italian invasion of France]]. On 21 June, the ''Trento'' takes up new positions near Cuneo in the 1st Army sector. The Regiment does not take part in the fighting for the Franco-Italian Armistice is signed on 24 June. The Regiment remains part of the reserve in Verona and Trento for the remainder of 1940.

The ''Trento'' arrives in North Africa in March 1941 and takes part in the [[Siege of Tobruk]]. On 3 August, reinfocements from the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment help the German 104th and 115th Regiments defeat the 2/43rd and 2/28th Battalions, in a final Australian attempt to recover the lost strongpoints outside Tobruk. As a result of heavy casualties, the 8th Bersaglieri Motorcycle Battalion is disbanded in September 1941.

The 7th Bersaglieri Regiment's successful defence of the Gazala Line on 15 December, was absolutely vital in defeating the British 1st Battalion, Royal East Kent Regiment (''The Buffs'') and other units from the British-officered 5th Indian Brigade, with over 1,000 British Commonwealth soldiers killed, wounded or captured during the Italo-German counterattack.<ref>"So, on the afternoon of 15 December, the Ariete with some 30 M13’s and with Bersaglieri motorcycle troops in close support, counterattacked along with the remaining 23 tanks of the 15th Panzer Division, and the attack was successful as the 1st Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and other troops of the 5th Indian Brigade lost over 1,000 men killed, wounded or taken prisoners." [http://www.comandosupremo.com/bologna-division.html/6 The Bologna Division: 19 November – 10 December, 1941]</ref>

The capture of Mersa Matruh and Fuka by the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment and German 90th Light Division followed, and some 10,000 British Commonwealth prisoners were taken.

During the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]], the 10th Bersaglieri Battalion, although outnumbered and surrounded, played an important part in containing for several days the advance of the British 8th Army. The battle lasted several days, until with the arrival of German reinforcements, the attacking Australians withdrew.<ref>"These costly German attacks did succeed in restoring contact with the beleaguered 125th Panzergrenadier Regiment. 90th Light Division later praised the regiment and the Italian X Bersaglieri who clung to their posts even when 'surrounded on all sides, short of ammunition, food and water, unable to evacuate their many wounded; while withstanding 'attacks by an enemy superior in numbers and equipment'. During the morning, many of the German and Italian wounded were evacuated and more supplies brought into the salient." Pendulum Of War: Three Battles at El Alamein, Niall Barr, p. 380, Random House, 2010</ref>

The Regiment is largely destroyed during the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]] but rebuilt during the retreat to Tunisia. Attached to the newly arrived [[131st "Centauro" Armoured Division]], the units sees action again during the [[Battle of Kasserine Pass]] and [[Battle of El Guettar]]. The remaining units of the Regiment finally surrender in May 1943.

During the Allied landings in Sicily as part of [[Operation Husky]], the Regiment is still in the process of reforming, but orders are soon issued for the unit to be disbanded with the Italian Armistice signed on 3 September 1943.

In 1944, a 7th Bersaglieri Regiment is reformed in Germany as part of RSI ''Italia'' Division. The regiment is deployed on Apuane Alps in the winter of 1944-45, surrendering to US troops in April 1945.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Italian Military]]

7th Bersaglieri Regiment

2020-07-08T20:57:44Z

Bearbrau: /* Second World War */

The '''7th Bersaglieri Regiment''' form part of the [[Bersaglieri Corps]] of the [[Italian Army]], originally created by General Alessandro La Marmora on 18 June 1836.

They compiled an excellent combat record, and can still be recognized by the distinctive helmets, decorated with black plumes.

==Second World War==

With Italy's entry in the Second World War on 10 June 1940, the 102nd ''Trento'' Motorized Division initially forms part of the general reserve but by 20 June, the Armored Corps has moved westward to support the [[Italian invasion of France]]. On 21 June, the ''Trento'' takes up new positions near Cuneo in the 1st Army sector. The Regiment does not take part in the fighting for the Franco-Italian Armistice is signed on 24 June. The Regiment remains part of the reserve in Verona and Trento for the remainder of 1940.

The ''Trento'' arrives in North Africa in March 1941 and takes part in the [[Siege of Tobruk]]. On 3 August, reinfocements from the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment help the German 104th and 115th Regiments defeat the 2/43rd and 2/28th Battalions, in a final Australian attempt to recover the lost strongpoints outside Tobruk. As a result of heavy casualties, the 8th Bersaglieri Motorcycle Battalion is disbanded in September 1941.

The 7th Bersaglieri Regiment's successful defence of the Gazala Line on 15 December, was absolutely vital in defeating the British 1st Battalion, Royal East Kent Regiment (''The Buffs'') and other units from the British-officered 5th Indian Brigade, with over 1,000 British Commonwealth soldiers killed, wounded or captured during the Italo-German counterattack.<ref>"So, on the afternoon of 15 December, the Ariete with some 30 M13’s and with Bersaglieri motorcycle troops in close support, counterattacked along with the remaining 23 tanks of the 15th Panzer Division, and the attack was successful as the 1st Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and other troops of the 5th Indian Brigade lost over 1,000 men killed, wounded or taken prisoners." [http://www.comandosupremo.com/bologna-division.html/6 The Bologna Division: 19 November – 10 December, 1941]</ref>

The capture of Mersa Matruh and Fuka by the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment and German 90th Light Division followed, and some 10,000 British Commonwealth prisoners were taken.

During the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]], the 10th Bersaglieri Battalion, although outnumbered and surrounded, played an important part in containing for several days the advance of the British 8th Army. The battle lasted several days, until with the arrival of German reinforcements, the attacking Australians withdrew.<ref>"These costly German attacks did succeed in restoring contact with the beleaguered 125th Panzergrenadier Regiment. 90th Light Division later praised the regiment and the Italian X Bersaglieri who clung to their posts even when 'surrounded on all sides, short of ammunition, food and water, unable to evacuate their many wounded; while withstanding 'attacks by an enemy superior in numbers and equipment'. During the morning, many of the German and Italian wounded were evacuated and more supplies brought into the salient." Pendulum Of War: Three Battles at El Alamein, Niall Barr, p. 380, Random House, 2010</ref>

The Regiment is largely destroyed during the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]] but rebuilt during the retreat to Tunisia. Attached to the newly arrived ''Centauro'' Armoured Division, the units sees action again during the [[Battle of Kasserine Pass]] and [[Battle of El Guettar]]. The remaining units of the Regiment finally surrender in May 1943.

During the Allied landings in Sicily as part of [[Operation Husky]], the Regiment is still in the process of reforming, but orders are soon issued for the unit to be disbanded with the Italian Armistice signed on 3 September 1943.

In 1944, a 7th Bersaglieri Regiment is reformed in Germany as part of RSI ''Italia'' Division. The regiment is deployed on Apuane Alps in the winter of 1944-45, surrendering to US troops in April 1945.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Italian Military]]

Dirty War (Argentina, 1976-83)

2020-03-16T02:04:33Z

Bearbrau: /* Origins */

The '''Dirty War''' in Argentina, from 1976-1983, was a seven-year dictatorship and counterinsurgency campaign waged by the Argentinian military junta against left-wing guerrillas and supporting civilians. Tens of thousands of Argentinian nationals, both guerrillas and sympathizers among the civilian population, were abducted by military task groups and supporting volunteer civilian [[Triple A]] military death squads often in the middle of the night. They were taken to secret government detention centers where they were eventually released or killed. These people (including survivors from the detention camps) are known as internationally as ''"los desaparecidos"'' or ''detenidos-desaparecidos'' ("the disappeared" or "detained disappeared"). In 2003, The National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons claimed the true number of disappeared to be around 13,000.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/ediciones-anteriores/duda-historica-sabe-desaparecidos_0_B1FG1JglCKl.html Una duda histórica: no se sabe cuántos son los desaparecidos]</ref>

The [[Mainstream media]] often cites the Chilean Secret Police (DINA) report on the estimate by the Argentinian Army's 601st Intelligence Battalion (''Batallón de Inteligencia 601'') of 22,000 disappeared between 1975 and mid-1978, implying they were all killed. However, it was later established that during this period at least 12,000 "disappeared" were in fact detainees held under National Executive Power (''Poder Ejecutivo Nacional'' or PEN), and kept in detention camps throughout Argentina before eventually being freed under diplomatic pressure.<ref>''"Durante la vigencia del estado de sitio entre noviembre de 1974 y octubre de 1983, los organismos de derechos humanos denunciaron la existencia de 12 mil presos politicos legales en las distintas cárceles de 'maxima seguridad' a lo largo de todo el territorio de Argentina."'' [https://web.archive.org/web/20130905061527/http://elortiba.org/pdf/Memoria-de-ex-presas-y-presos-politicos.pdf]</ref>

This unexpected Argentinian military defeat during the Falklands/Malvinas War in 1982 hastened the fall of the unpopular military junta that had lost the propaganda war, turning Argentina into a pariah state, and in mid-1982 Lieutenant-General Reynaldo Bignone (head of the interim government) restored basic civil liberties and retracted its ban on left-wing political parties. The Argentinian military dictatorship ended when [[Raúl Ricardo Alfonsín]]'s UCR (Unión Cívica Radical or Radical Civic Union) civilian government took control of the country on December 10, 1983.

Many people, 7,158<ref>"The justification for the Dirty War was the armed actions of the Montoneros and the ERP. From 1969 to 1979, there were 239 kidnappings and 1,020 murders by the guerrillas. During the same period, however, the military kidnapped 7,844 and murdered 7,850." The Psychology of Genocide and Violent Oppression: A Study of Mass Cruelty from Nazi Germany to Rwanda, Richard Morrock, William Marchak, p. 184, McFarland, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1621505-hablan-de-30000-desaparecidos-y-saben-que-es-falso Hablan de 30.000 desaparecidos y saben que es falso]</ref><ref>[http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1464650-videla-admitio-que-la-dictadura-mato-a-7-u-8-mil-personas Videla admitió la muerte y desaparición de "7 u 8 mil personas"]</ref>-13,000,<ref>[http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2003/10/06/p-00801.htm Una duda histórica: no se sabe cuántos son los desaparecidos]</ref> both Peronist and Marxist guerrillas as well as civilian opponents of the Argentinian military regime were "disappeared". By the end of 1978, 22,000 thousand Argentinians (according to an often-quoted Chilean military intelligence report) had been taken to secret government detention centers where they were killed or eventually freed under international diplomatic pressure.

Terence Roehrig in his book ''The Prosecution of Former Military Leaders in Newly Democratic Nations: The Cases of Argentina, Greece, and South Korea'' (McFarland & Company, 2001) estimates that of the disappeared, ''"at least 10,000 were involved in various ways with the guerrillas"''. Argentinian Justice Minister Ricardo Gil Lavedra, who formed part of the 1985 tribunal for the [[Trial of the Juntas]], later went on record saying, ''"I sincerely believe that the majority of the victims of the illegal repression were guerrilla militants"''.<ref>Amar al Enemigo, Javier Vigo Leguizamón, p. 68, Ediciones Pasco, 2001</ref>

The Montoneros in a statement issued in 1984 acknowledged having lost 5,000 guerrillas killed,<ref>"Firmenich alleged that some 5,000 Montoneros had fallen during the period of repression." Yearbook on International Communist Affairs Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace, pg. 48, Stanford University, 1985</ref> and the Marxist–Leninist People's Revolutionary Army (Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo or ERP) in 2007 admitted the deaths of some 5,000 of their own armed fighters.<ref>[http://www.cedema.org/ver.php?id=2713 A 32 AÑOS DE LA CAÍDA EN COMBATE DEL COMANDANTE MARIO ROBERTO SANTUCHO Y DE LA DIRECCIÓN HITÓRICA DEL PRT-ERP]</ref> Mario Firmenich, the commander of the Montoneros, in a radio interview in late 2001 from Spain said that, ''"In a country that experienced a civil war, everybody has blood on their hands"''.<ref>[http://www.lr21.com.uy/mundo/51817-firmenich-dijo-que-no-mato-a-nadie-inutilmente?utm_source=redirects&utm_medium=www.larepublica.com.uy&utm_campaign=301_Redirects Firmenich dijo que no mató "a nadie inútilmente"]</ref>

The left-wing guerrillas and their support base, were responsible for causing at least 6,000 casualties among the military, police forces and civilian population, according to a [[National Geographic Magazine]] special article published in the mid-1980s.<ref>National Geographic, Volume 170, p. 247, National Geographic Society, 1986</ref>

The leftist guerrillas caused at least 5,000 casualties among the military and police forces, according to a fairly recent article by Spanish journalist Carmen Muñoz from ''Periódico ABC'' in 2011.<ref>"El 70% de las 18.331 víctimas eran civiles apolíticos, por eso no reclamaron sus derechos al Gobierno. No se conocían, eran sindicalistas, jueces, judíos, católicos, extranjeros... El 30% eran uniformados agredidos en situación de descanso, por lo que son civiles según el derecho internacional." [http://www.abc.es/20111228/internacional/abci-victoria-villarruel-entrevista-201112280343.html "Las víctimas del terror montonero no cuentan en Argentina", Periódico ABC, Carmen Muñoz, 28/12/2011]</ref>

==Origins==

The origins of the Dirty War have long been debated, with Professor Patricia Marchak in ''God's Assassins: State Terrorism in Argentina in the 1970s'' and Professor Carlos Marcelo Shäferstein in ''Cien años de subversión en Argentina''<ref>[http://www.lahistoriaparalela.com.ar/2009/06/19/cien-anos-de-subversion-en-argentina/ Cien años de subversión en Argentina]</ref> and historians Alejandro García<ref>La Crisis Argentina, 1966–1976: Notas y Documentos Sobre una época de Violencia Política, Alejandro García, p. 32, EDITUM, 1994</ref> and Antonius C. G. M. Robben and others arguing the political violence started with the anarchist bombing campaigns and armed uprisings in Buenos Aires and the Patagonia in the 1910s and 1920s. During the Patagonia uprisings in the Santa Cruz province in 1921 and 1922, some 300 anarchist were killed in action or executed by the Argentinian Army.<ref>"Los medios anarquistas hablan de 1500 muertos, la prensa oficial de 300." La Causa Argentina, Juan Archibaldo Lanús (p. 393). Emecé Editores, 1988</ref> During the Buenos Aires uprisings in 1919, some 140 anarchists were killed and several buildings in the capital were burnt down.

Prior to the armed uprisings, several efforts were made to interrupt the celebrations marking 100 years of Argentinian independence on May 25, 1910, including an anarchists handing over a hand-held bomb to a child to take inside a cathedral in Buenos Aires, but the bomb exploded prematurely killing the minor and mutilating another boy.<ref>[BOMBS IN ARGENTINA. BOY BLOWN TO AMOMS]</ref>

On June 28, 1910, another anarchist bomb exploded inside the ''Teatro Colón'' (in the Argentinian capital) and 20 theatregoers were gravely wounded, and the Argentinian senate approved soon after the death penalty for those anarchists responsible for deaths.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Nf9QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JWYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3804,6720471&dq=&hl=en FIND BOMB FACTORY. Argentine Capital Stirred by Uncovering Anarchists Lair]</ref>
On July 9, 1916, an anarchist armed with a hand-gun tried to kill the Argentinian president, Victorino de la Plaza. The attempted assassination took place while the president attended a military parade in Buenos Aires, during the centennial celebrations marking Argentinian independence from Spain.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v6dRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LmgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4473,3490772&dq=&hl=en EFFORT MADE TO KILL PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINE]</ref>

On February 9, 1918, violent strikes took place in the main Argentinian cities and army units were rushed to the affected areas after anarchists sabotaged train lines and burnt carriages transporting wheat to Buenos Aires for exportation.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yQteAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7l8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3282,3532019&dq=&hl=en Anarchy Reigns in Argentina When General Rail Strike Brings Riots]</ref> Argentinian left-wing activists at the time printed and widely distributed, even among conscripts, a newspaper promoting a Communist Revolution in Argentina.<ref>"Los anarquistas simpatizantes de la Revolución Rusa editaban un periódico para los soldados y hacían un activo trabajo en los cuarteles." El Marxismo y la Revolución Argentina, Tomo II, Otto Vargas, p. 152, Editorial Agora, 1999</ref> According to the Buenos Aires police, the anarchists in 1919 held 203 meetings, and two massive street demonstrations in which 429 key figureheads gave speeches.<ref>The Hispanic American Historical Review, 1946, James Alexander Robertson, p. 49, Board of Editors of the Hispanic American Review, 1946</ref> By the end of 1919, Argentina would witness 367 crippling strikes by some 300,000 workers.<ref>The Intelligence War in Latin America, 1914-1922, Jamie Bisher, p. 254, McFarland, 2016</ref>

The first Bolshevik uprising in Argentina took place during the Tragic Week (''Semana Trágica'') in Buenos Aires, which began on January 9, 1919 when striking metalworkers opened fire on a detachment of the 8th Cavalry Regiment under Captain Luis A. Cafferata. Shortly later, a group of strikers shoot and kill an Army NCO, Sergeant Ramón Díaz, as he walked down Pueyrredón Street. In nearby Corrientes Street an Argentinian Army platoon commander, Second Lieutenant Agustín Ronzoni and a civilian are also killed by the armed strikers. A rifle platoon under Sergeant Bonifacio Manzo is ambushed and a company of the 7th Infantry Regiment is forced to use Vickers machine-guns to repel the assembled strikers. Placing the city under martial law, President Hipolito Yrigoyen appointed Army Colonel Luis Dellepiane as the commander of government forces, after which disturbances subsided. The 5th and 12th Army Cavalry Regiments reinforced the Buenos Aires garrison on January 12, and 300 marines and a mountain artillery regiment are also shipped to Buenos Aires. Nevertheless, on the morning of January 13, 1919, anarchists attempted to seize arms and ammunition from a local police station but were forced to retreat after coming under fire from a naval detachment from the Argentinian Navy cruiser ARA 'San Martin'.

The leftist 'Vanguardia' newspaper claimed that over 700 deaths were recorded on Tragic Week, as well as 2,000 injured; with the military crackdown resulting in an estimated 50,000 arrests in the subsequent weeks. Professor Patricia Marchak estimates the real number of workers killed in the uprising and immediate aftermath at more than 100. The conservative 'La Nación' newspaper reported the number of workers killed in the uprising at around 100 and 400 injured.<ref>God's Assassins: State Terrorism in Argentina in the 1970s, Patricia Marchak, p. 47, McGill-Queen's University Press, 1999</ref>

The left-wing violence continued throughout the 1920s. On December 24, 1927 two powerful anarchist bombs went off in two US-owned banks in downtown Buenos Aires, killing two employees.<ref>"El 24 de diciembre de 1927 vuelan las casas centrales del Citibank y el Banco de Boston, con el lamentable saldo de dos muertos. Los Mitos de la Historia Argentina: De la ley Sáenz Peña a los Albores del Peronismo ", Tomo III, Felipe Pigna, p. 111, Grupo Editorial Norma, 2006</ref> On May 23, 1923, the anarchists detonate another bomb inside the Italian consulate in the Argentinian capital, killing 9 and wounding 41, the majority of them Italian-Argentinians.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1913&dat=19280523&id=h4EpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0mYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3534,4255127&hl=en Nine Killed, 41 Injured By Bomb In Buenos Aires]</ref> On December 24, 1929, Argentinian president Hipólito Yrigoyen narrowly survived an attempt on his life. The would-be assassin, 44 year-old Italian anarchist Gualterio Marinelli is killed by the return fire from the protecting police detachment.<ref>[https://www.diariouno.com.ar/pais/el-atentado-contra-el-presidente-yrigoyen-12242015_BkOGII-GHX El atentado contra el presidente Yrigoyen]</ref>

==President Juan Domingo Perón==
[[File:Juan Domingo Perón.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Juan Domingo Perón]]
A military coup overthrew president [[Juan Domingo Perón]] and restored the Argentinian political right to power in 1955. During the subsequent 18 years of exile, Perón used the Argentinian political left and Montoneros guerrillas as a primary means of breaking down law and order. He also used them to unite the left-wing trade unions in favour of Peronism in order to return to Argentinian presidency.

In 1973, as Juan Perón returned from exile, the [[Ezeiza massacre]] took place, marking the end of the alliance between left- and right-wing factions of Peronism.

By early 1974 President Perón had lost the support of the trade unions and its militant workers. Perón withdrew his support of the Montoneros shortly before his death on July 1, 1974.

==President Isabel Martínez de Perón==

Juan Perón's death precipitated a crisis that could be handled neither
by his wife and vice-president nor by her top aid, José López Rega. During the presidency of his widow Isabel, the far-right civilian Argentinian Anticommunist Alliance (''Alianza Anticomunista Argentina'' or Triple A) paramilitary group emerged. Armed struggle increased, and in 1975 Isabel signed a number of decrees empowering the military and the police to ''"annihilate"'' left-wing subversion, most prominently the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP) armed incursion in the province of Tucumán.

The new conservative government also sought to eliminate leftist influence in the education system, particularly the universities,through the appointment of conservative officials to the Ministry of Education. Economic policies were directed at restructuring wages and currency devaluations in order to attract foreign investment in Argentina.

The conservative government soon led to labor unrest in the automotive industry. By mid-1975 devaluations had prompted a price increase that was resented even by
workers whose wages had benefited from a pay rise. At that point the General Confederation of Labour (''Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina'' or CGT) requested an across-the-board 100-percent wage increase that was rejected by the government, thus prompting further labour unrest. Threats of a general strike led to a reshuffling of Isabel's cabinet that failed to satisfy either the CGT or the top military commanders,whose allegiance the administration had been so eager to attract.

In response to the economic chaos and the lack of government political
control of the various provinces, terrorist attacks began to rise.
These were led by leftist organizations such as the Montoneros and the
People's Revolutionary Army, as well as by the AAA. A general feeling
of uneasiness grew as inflation skyrocketed to some 350 percent by the
end of 1975.

López Rega was ousted as Isabel de Perón's adviser in June 1975;
Lieutenant-General General Alberto Numa Laplane, the commander in
chief of the army who had supported the administration through the
López Rega period, was replaced by Lieutenant-General Jorge Rafael
Videla in August 1975. On Christmas Eve, 1975, Videla issued an
ultimatum calling for the government ''"to adopt decisions to resolve
the country's problems."''

As her government struggled with the problems of declining production,
a growing budget deficit, the beginning of hyper inflation, and
left-wing terrorism, the military overthrew her government. On March
24th 1976, exactly 90 days after the ultimatum was issued and shortly
after the CGT had demanded Isabel de Perón's resignation, the armed
forces removed her from the presidency. She was held under house
arrest for several years before moving to Spain in 1981.

According to the International Congress for Victims of Terrorism in 2010, prior to the military takeover in 1976, there were a total of 16,000 victims (including killed, wounded or abducted) of left-wing terrorism in Argentina,<ref>[https://archive.li/DFLEb “Todos podíamos odiar, pero lo que queremos es sonreír cada día”]</ref> including civilians and military personnel.

===Left wing terror in the automotive industry===

Left-wing terrorism in the automotive industry had already started before the presidency of Isabel de Perón: In November 1971, in solidarity with militant car workers, Montoneros guerrillas took over a car manufacturing plant in Caseros, sprayed 38 Fiats with petrol, and then set them alight.<ref>The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics, Gabriela Nouzeilles & Graciela R. Montaldo, p. 382, Duke University Press, 2002</ref> Dr. Oberdan Sallustro, director-general of the Fiat Concord company in Argentina ― which manufactured cars, rolling stock and power generators under license from Fiat of Italy, the parent company ― and an Italian citizen, was kidnapped by ERP guerrillas in Buenos Aires on March 21, 1972 and found murdered on April 10, after having been held in a ''"people's prison"'' in a working-class suburb of the city. On December 2, the bodyguards of a Chrysler Corporation executive were attacked by militants, two were killed and another wounded.<ref>The Problems of U.S. Businesses Operating Abroad in Terrorist Environments, S. W. Purnell, Eleanor Sullivan Wainstein, p. 80, Rand 1981</ref>

On May 21, 1973, Luis Giovanelli, a Ford Motor Company executive, was killed and a female employee was wounded when machine-gunned by the ERP guerrillas in a kidnapping attempt that netted the guerrillas US$1 million from Ford as ''"protection money"''.<ref>Terrorism, Yonah Alexander, p. 224, Crane Russak, 1977</ref> On May 25, ERP guerrillas attempted to kill two Ford Motor Company executives but only wounded them.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 57, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref> On June 3, 1973, militants in Buenos Aires kidnapped Jose Chohelo, a Peugeot representative and later released him for a reported US$200,000.<ref>The Problems of U.S. Businesses Operating Abroad in Terrorist Environments, S. W. Purnell, Eleanor Sullivan Wainstein, p. 75, Rand 1981</ref>

On November 22, 1973, FAP guerrillas ambushed and killed John Swint, the American general manager of a Ford Motor Company subsidiary and three of his bodyguards. On December 29, 1973, the director of Peugeot in Argentina was kidnapped by seven armed leftists. Between June 24–26, 1974, seventeen bombs planted by leftist militants exploded in Buenos Aires, damaging offices, warehouses, showrooms including Ford, General Motors and Fiat dealerships, according to the Bangor Daily News.

On August 27, 1974, during the presidency of Isabel de Perón, FAP guerrillas killed Ricardo Goya, the labour relations manager of the IKA-Renault Motor Company in Córdoba while he was driving to work. On January 8, 1975, Rodolfo Saurnier, manager of an auto parts factory, was kidnapped by Montoneros guerrillas. On 28 July 1975, a bomb of the urban militants exploded at the Peugeot dealership in La Plata. On 9 October 1975 several Molotov cocktails were thrown by militants at Car dealerships in city of Mendoza. On 24 October 1975, Heinrich Franz Metz, production manager of the Mercedes-Benz truck plant in Buenos Aires, was kidnapped by Montoneros guerrillas.

On 29 October 1975, four Montoneros killed the Fiat-Concord personnel manager. On 16 November, militants broke into the home of a Renault executive in Córdoba and took him hostage. On 26 March 1976, two security guards of a Ford executive were killed by militants firing from a car. On 14 April, militants in Buenos Aires killed an executive of the US Chrysler Corporation. On 4 May, militants assassinated a Fiat executive in a suburb of Buenos Aires.

The director of Renault Argentina was badly wounded by plastic explosives concealed in a box of flowers on 27 August. On 10 September a Chrysler executive was killed by militants while leaving his home in Buenos Aires. On 8 October, the Buenos Aires offices of Fiat, Mercedes Benz and Chevrolet were attacked by militants with bombs. On 10 October, Domingo Lozano, Argentine manager of the Renault plant in Córdoba, was shot and killed by Montoneros guerrillas after leaving a church service in Córdoba.

On 18 October 1976, seven months after the government of Isabel de Perón had been ousted, five guerrillas killed Enrique Aroza Garay, an executive of the German-owned Borgward automobile factory. On 3 November, a Chrysler executive, Carlos Roberto Souto, was killed in Buenos Aires by Montoneros. Later the same month, the Montoneros kidnapped Franz Metz, the industrial director of Mercedez Benz in Argentina, but released him five weeks later when the German company agreed to pay a ransom, reportedly US$S 5 million. On 13 October 1977, a Montoneros car bomb detonated outside the home of a Chrysler executive. The businessman was not there, but his guard and a neighbor were killed. On 16 December, Montoneros killed Andre Gasparoux, a top French executive of the Peugeot Motor Company.

===Triple A===

The Argentine Anticommunist Alliance (''Alianza Anticomunista Argentina'' or Triple A) was a right-wing formations of death squads secretly founded in Argentina in 1973 and particularly active under the government of Isabel Perón. Initially associated with the Peronist right, the organisation opposed the Peronist left and other leftist organizations. It collaborated with the military and police to exterminate left wing guerrillas and their collaborators hidden among the civilian population. The paramilitary group was dissolved in 1976 by the military junta, which continued the tactics of the AAA until 1983.

==Revolutionaries==

Argentina experienced three failed attempts at rural guerrilla warfare between 1959 and 1969. At that point, the insurgents decided in favor of urban guerilla warfare. [[Jorge Ricardo Masetti]], leader of the ''Ejército Guerrillero del Pueblo'' (People's Guerrilla Army or EGP), which had infiltrated into Salta Province from Bolivia in 1964, is considered by some as Argentina's first "disappeared", as he went missing after the party militants' defeat in clashes with the Argentine gendarmerie.<ref>[https://latinta.com.ar/2018/05/jorge-masetti-guerrilla-desaparecido/ Masetti, el primer desaparecido]</ref>It seemed obvious that they would be safer and more relevant in crowded cities than in isolated rural areas.

Prior to 1973 the major revolutionary groups were the Peronist Armed Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Peronistas'' or FAP), the Marxist–Leninist-Peronist Revolutionary Armed Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias'' or FAR), and the Marxist–Leninist Armed Forces of Liberation (''Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación'' or FAL). The FAL guerrillas raided Campo de Mayo in April 1969 and stole 100 assault rifles from the elite 1st ''Patricios'' Infantry Regiment.<ref>Los 70, Violencia en la Argentina. p. 119. Ejército Argentino. (Círculo militar, 2001)</ref>

In time these armed groups consolidated, with the FAR joining the Montoneros, formerly an urban group of intellectuals and students, and the FAP and FAL being absorbed into the ERP. In 1970, [[Pedro Eugenio Aramburu]], one of the military leaders of the 1955 coup, was kidnapped and killed by the Montoneros, in its first claimed military action. In 1970, the Marxist People's Revolutionary Army (''Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo'' or ERP) was founded. By the early 1970s, leftist guerrillas kidnapped and assassinated high-ranking military and police officers almost weekly.<ref>Child Survival: Anthropological Perspectives on the Treatment and Maltreatment of Children, Nancy Scheper-Hughes, pg 228, Springer, 1987</ref>

The ERP publicly remained in the forefront. ERP guerrilla activity took the form of attacks on military outposts, police stations and convoys.
In 1971, the left-wing guerrillas killed 57 policemen, and in 1972 the ERP and Montoneros killed another 38 policemen.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, Page 53, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref> Between March and July 1971 the Argentine newspapers reported 316 armed attacks by the ERP.<ref>Masters of war: Latin America and United States Aggression from the Cuban Revolution through the Clinton Years, Clara Nieto, Page 234, Seven Stories Press, 2011</ref>

On January 19, 1974 60–70 ERP guerrillas traveling aboard captured army trucks attacked the 2,000-strong barracks at Azul outside Buenos Aires, killing Corporal Daniel Osvaldo González, the Commanding Officer of the 10th ''Húsares de Pueyrredon'' Armoured Cavalry Regiment (Colonel Camilo Arturo Gay) and his wife (Hilda Irma Casaux).<ref>[https://www.lanacion.com.ar/editoriales/el-olvido-historico-gran-aliado-de-la-violencia-nid1765534 El olvido histórico: gran aliado de la violencia]</ref>
The guerrillas, dressed in captured Argentinian Army uniforms, held the barracks for seven hours.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZqhfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dzIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3205,4401591&dq= "Argentine Rebels Hold Garrison 7 Hours"]</ref> The guerrillas took the Commanding Officer of the 1st Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Jorge Roberto Ibarzábal hostage in the surprise attack. He would remain in guerrilla hands for 300 days, before 23-year-old university student Sergio Gustavo Dicovsky executed him at a police roadblock on November 19, 1974.

===Cuban involvement===

During the height of Argentine left-wing terrorism, the Cubans used their embassy in Buenos Aires to maintain direct contact with Argentine guerrillas. In 1973, the Montoneros merged with the Cuban-backed Armed Revolutionary Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias'' or FAR) that in 1972 had planted a bomb in the Sheraton hotel in Buenos Aires that killed a Canadian tourist. On February 13, 1974, a clandestine meeting was held in Mendoza, Argentina, and the Junta of Revolutionary Coordination (''Junta de Coordinacion Revolucionaria'' or JCR) was formed. The JCR consisted of four guerrilla groups: the Uruguayan Tupamaros (MLN-T), the Chilean Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) and the Bolivian Revolutionary Army (ELN). The ERP guerrillas set up a guerrilla warfare training school, an arms factory, and a false documentation center in Argentina. These were all shut down in 1975 by Argentinian security forces. In 1976, ERP guerrillas started receiving training in Cuba on an 1800 hectare (7 square miles) estate near Guanabo as well as at another site in Pinar del Rio.

In July 2008, [[Fidel Castro]] admitted that he backed left-wing activists and guerrilla forces in Argentina in order to start an armed revolution: ''"The only place where we didn't promote a revolution was in Mexico. In the rest (of Latin America) we tried, without exception."''<ref>[https://www.pagina12.com.ar/1998/98-07/98-07-04/pag18.htm "Intentamos exportar la revolución a Latinoamérica", reconoció Fidel]</ref>

===PLO involvement===

The first meeting with the Montoneros and the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) representatives took place in 1971, when Montoneros ''comandante'' [[Rodolfo Galimberti]] entered into agreement with [[Saad Chedid]], president of the Center for Arabic Studies in Argentina, to obtain open support for the Palestinian cause within the Peronist movement. In August 1972, Galimberti made his first trip to Lebanon and received the backing from the exiled Juan Perón in Spain.

By late 1972, the first batch of Montoneros started receiving terrorist training in Lebanon. Upon completion of training, they served as political contacts in Europe before setting up administrative headquarters to handle logistics, falsify documents, and traffic arms. The PLO-Montoneros alliance was made public in 1977 when Montoneros commanders [[Mario Firmenich]] and [[Fernando Vaca Narvaja]] flew to Beirut to meet and be photographed with PLO leader [[Yasser Arafat]]. At that time, Arafat and the PLO were receiving much financial and political support from left-wing governments and political parties worldwide.

When the PLO split and [[Al Fatah]] was formed, the new militant wing offered the Montoneros further training camps in Lebanon, military instructors, and heavy weaponry in return for the installation in Southern Lebanon of a plastic explosives factory that had been pioneered by an Argentine civilian supporter of the Montoneros with a PhD in chemical engineering.

In January 1979, the Montoneros leadership publicly announced through its Evita Montonera magazine that it was ready to launch a counteroffensive in Argentina and topple the Military Junta, with the help of the various trade unions and affiliated workers. As a precursor to their final attacks, the Montoneros had targeted the World Cup Football Tournament being held in Argentina in 1978, launching a number of bomb attacks.

The Montoneros commanders had carefully studied the strategy that made possible the Sandinista victory in July 1979 in Nicaragua. Firmenich had even travelled to Managua to study in person the lessons of the Nicaraguan Revolution. As Firmenich declared on the eve of the Sandinista victory: ''"the solution to the crisis experienced in Argentina is to do what is being done in Nicaragua."''<ref>Argentina's "Dirty War": An Intellectual Biography, Donald C. Hodges, University of Texas Press, 2011</ref> The ''comandante'' of the Montoneros commandos (Tropas Especiales de Infantería or TEI) selected to take part in the infiltration in the work factories, Raúl Yager, explained that the purpose of the infiltrations was to assist in promoting open street battles. The conditions were ripe for a revolution, he believed, because the trade union protests had already gained momentum.<ref>"Thus Raúl Yager explained that the purpose of the armed counteroffensive was to assist in promoting a mass insurrection. The conditions were propitious for insurrection, he believed, because the trade union counteroffensive was under way." Argentina's "Dirty War": An Intellectual Biography, Donald C. Hodges, p. 206, University of Texas Press, 2011</ref>

In late 1979, the Montoneros launched their ''"strategic counteroffensive"'' in Argentina, and the forewarned security forces killed more than one hundred of the exiled Montoneros, who had been sent back to Argentina with false passports after receiving special forces training in PLO camps in Lebanon.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170619051140/http://elortiba.org/docmon82.html Estremecedor informe de inteligencia militar durante la dictadura]</ref>

The Montoneros TEI teams that were successfully infiltrated destroyed with bombs the homes of Juan Alemann (Secretary of Housing) on June 21 and Guillermo Walter Klein (Vice Minister of the Economy), after killing the two policemen (Hugo Cardacci and Julio Morenoon) on sentry duty outside, trapping his daughter Marina in the debris on September 27. The Montoneros also targeted businessman Francisco Soldati and his chauffeur, both shot dead by Montoneros disguised as policemen in downtown Buenos Aires on November 13.

According to France's intelligence service [[Deuxième Bureau]], the explosives technology utilized in these attacks would allow the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings to take place that would result in the deaths of 299 US and French peacekeepers in Lebanon.<ref>''"And according to France's intelligence service Deuxième Bureau, the 1983 bombing in Beirut that killed 299 U.S. and French servicemen was carried out with the explosives technology developed by the Montoneros."'' The War of All the People: The Nexus of Latin American Radicalism and Middle Eastern Terrorism, Jon B. Perdue, Potomac Books, Inc, 2012</ref>

===Church involvement===

Some Catholic priests sympathized with and helped the Montoneros. Radical priests, including Father Alberto Carbone, who was eventually indicted in the murder of former President Pedro Aramburu, preached Marxism and presented the early Church fathers as model revolutionaries in an attempt to legitimise the violence.<ref>Argentina: What Went Wrong, Colin M. MacLachlan, p. 136, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006</ref> A Catholic youth leader, Juan Ignacio Isla Casares, with the help of the Montoneros commander Eduardo Pereira Rossi (nom de guerre "El Carlón") was the mastermind behind the ambush and killing of five policemen (Pedro Dettle, Juan Ramón Costa, Carlos Livio Cejas, Cleofás Galeano and Juan Fernández) and the destruction of their patrol car near San Isidro Cathedral in Buenos Aires on October 26, 1975.<ref>30,000 Desaparecidos. Realidad, Mito y Dogma : Hhistoria Verdadera y Manipulación Ideologica, Guillermo Rojas, p. 246, Santiago Apóstol: 2003</ref>

Mario Firmenich, who later became the leader of the Montoneros, was the ex-president of the Catholic Action Youth Group and a former seminarian himself.<ref>Modern Tyrants: The Power and Prevalence of Evil in Our Age, Daniel Chirot, p.281, Free Press, 1994</ref> The Montoneros had ties with the Third World Priest Movement and a Jesuit priest, Father Carlos Mugica.<ref>Encyclopedia of Modern Worldwide Extremists and Extremist Groups, Stephen E. Atkins, p.201, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2004</ref> The Third World Priest Movement believed that the Church could not remain neutral in the conflict between the Peronist and anti-Peronists and a number of priests participated in the armed struggle alongside the guerrillas.<ref>Masters of War: Latin America & United States Aggression from the Cuban Revolution through the Clinton Years, Clara Nieto & Chris Brandt, p.163, Seven Stories Press, 2003</ref>

==Rural guerrilla warfare==

A determined effort on the part of the Argentinian left was made at creating a guerrilla front in Tucumán province. In 1974, Marxist guerrillas led by Roberto Santucho in the form of the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP) took control of the remote province of Tucumán and declared it an independent state.<ref>''ERP guerrillas set up a rural front in Tucuman province in a bid to elevate the insurgency into its final phase, actually claiming liberated areas — liberated, that is, from governmental control.'' Annual of Power and Conflict, Institute for the Study of Conflict, 1976</ref> In 1975 the Argentinian Army 5th Mountain Infantry Brigade was ordered to Tucumán to eradicate the insurgents and restore the province to the Argentinian state.

The Marxist guerrilla campaign in northern Argentina started with no more than 100 men and women of the ERP's ''Compañía de Monte Ramón Rosa Jiménez'' (Mountain Company) and ended with about 300 in the mountains of Tucumán (including reinforcements in the form of the elite Montoneros 65-strong Jungle Company that arrived in February 1976 and latter the ERP's ''Decididos de Córdoba'' Urban Company),<ref>Guerrillas & Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 126, Praeger Paperback, 2001</ref> which the 5th Mountain Brigade and parachute units from 4th Airborne Brigade managed to defeat, but at a cost.

The first ERP attack in Tucumán took place on September 6, 1971, when a platoon attacked the Villa Urquiza Prison and freed twelve convicted terrorist, killing five prison guards in their escape.<ref>''El 6 de setiembre, un comando del ERP al mando de Emilio All asalta el penal de Villa Urquiza en Tucumán, y mata a cinco guardiacárceles.'' 30.000 Desaparecidos: Realidad, Mito y Dogma: Historia Verdadera y Manipulación Ideológica, Guillermo Rojas , p. 176, Editorial Santiago Apóstol, 2003</ref>

Prior to this attack, Montoneros guerrillas operating in the province had shot and killed two policeman (Juan C. Ceballos and Juan Carlos Vallejo) on October 9, 1970.<ref>Los Otros Muertos: Las Víctimas Civiles del Terrorismo Guerrillero de los 70, Carlos Manfroni, Victoria E. Villarruel, Grupo Editorial Argentina, 2014</ref>

During a joint operation in Tucumán Province on July 27, 1972, Montoneros and FAR guerrillas stole weapons and uniforms from a police station, killing two policemen in the process.<ref>''27 de julio: un comando unificado de las organizaciones FAR y Montoneros copó una subcomisaría en Tucumán apoderándose de armas y uniformes. En el hecho mueren dos policías por resistirse.'' Golpe o Revolución: La Violencia Legitimada, Argentina, 1966-1973, María Matilde Ollier, p. 67, EDUNTREF, 2005</ref>

On August 5, 1973, ERP guerrillas in the province shot and killed a police inspector, Major Hugo Tomagnini. On October 4, the Marxist guerrillas struck again in Tucumán, mortally wounding a policeman, Casimiro Reyes Mansilla.

On May 22, 1974, a Police Corporal (Vicente Marcelo Lazarte) succumbs to his wounds, after having been gunned down by ERP guerrillas while on traffic control duties in Tucumán Province.

On September 20, 1974, the ERP guerrillas operating in the province kill another two policemen, Eudoro Ibarra and Héctor Oscar Zaraspe.<ref>Nadie fue: crónica, documentos y testimonios de los últimos meses, los últimos días, las últimas horas de Isabel Perón en el poder, Juan Bautista Yofre, p. 58, Autor, 2006</ref>

On January 5, 1975, an Army DHC-6 transport plane was downed near the Monteros mountains, shot down by Marxist Guerrillas.<ref>''Fue derribado un helicóptero como mínimo —hay gente que dice que nuestros compañeros abatieron dos helicópteros y un avión— y se produjeron alrededor de 60 muertos y numerosos heridos en el enemigo ...'' A Vencer o Morir: PRT-ERP Documentos, Volumen 2, Daniel De Santis, p. 496, Eudeba, 2000</ref><ref>Allí hubo gran acción en combates como el de Acheral, Pueblo Viejo y Famailla donde se volaron mas de 3400 horas. Como consecuencia de los mismos, se produjo el derribo de un Twin Otter, un Piper L-21B y dos Bell UH-1H." Tecnología Militar, Tomo 24, p. 26, Grupo Editorial Mönch. 2002</ref> All thirteen on board were killed.

On 14 February 1975, Senior Lieutenant Héctor Cáceres from the Army Commando Company supporting the 5th Mountain Infantry Brigade, is killed in an ERP ambush near Pueblo Viejo River. Another Army Commando, Lieutenant Rodolfo Ritcher is badly wounded and left wheelchair bound for life. Two Army helicopter gunships attempt to cut off the guerrilla escape route but are repelled by shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles.<ref>[https://www.contextotucuman.com/nota/125341/capitan-hector-caceres-por-proteger-a-un-companero-murio-a-mano-de-los-criminales-idealistas-del-erp.html Capitán Héctor Cáceres: por proteger a un compañero murió a mano de los criminales “idealistas” del ERP]</ref>

The Argentinian Army 5th Brigade (consisting of the 19th, 20th and 29th Mountain Infantry Regiments and commanded by Brigadier-General Acdel Vilas) received the order to move to Famailla in the foothills of the Monteros mountains on February 8, 1975. While fighting the guerrillas in the jungle, Vilas concentrated on uprooting the ERP civilian support network in the towns, using terror tactics later adopted nationwide, as well as a hearts and mind campaign. The Argentinian security forces used techniques no different from their US and French counterparts in Vietnam and Algeria.

In February 1976, in the Battle of El Cadillal, soldiers of the 14th Airborne Infantry Regiment engage the 65-strong Montonero Army Mountain Force sent to Tucumán Province as reinforcements, Corporal Héctor Roberto Lazarte and Private Pedro Burguener from the Paratroop Regiment are killed in the fierce action. Nevertheless, the paratroopers kill several Montoneros guerrillas in the army ambush, including Juan Carlos Alsogaray, commander of the mountain company and son of the former Commander in Chief of the Argentinian Army, Lieutenant-General Julio Alzogaray.

On September 28, 1977 counterinsurgency operations in Tucumán province finally came to an end, with the Argentinian military and police reporting 100 killed and 500 wounded in defeating the guerrillas.

==Urban guerilla warfare==

The Montonero insurgent leadership made a conscious decision to “militarize” the struggle and attack directly the Argentinian police and military forces in the main cities. The political objectives that originally motivated the envisioned proportionate action were sacrificed in favour of military escalation. The groups that were supposedly to bring national and social liberation to the country developed into mirror images of the Argentinian armed forces with their own military banners and uniforms, and legitimizing political-psychological efforts were considered unproductive niceties.

The urban guerrillas operating in Buenos Aires made major headlines on April 5, 1969 when armed members of the Armed Forces of Liberation (''Fuerzas Argentinas de Liberación'' or FAL) attacked the Campo de Mayo Army Barracks and seized 100 automatic rifles from the Elite 1st 'Patricios' Regiment.<ref>[http://jorgenegre.com.ar/web/index.php/2016/01/30/fal-copamiento-regimiento-patricios/FAL: copamiento Regimiento Patricios]</ref>

The leftist militants bombed and destroyed numerous buildings in the 1970s in its campaign against the civilian and military authorities; these belonged chiefly to police and military hierarchies. But a number of civilian and non-governmental buildings were targeted as well, such as the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Buenos Aires, which was bombed in 1972 (killing a Canadian woman, Lois Crozier and injuring her husband Gerry Crozier)<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z94QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yosDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7258,1915009&dq=&hl=en Peronists blamed in Hotel bombing]</ref> and the bombing of a crowded theatre in downtown Buenos Aires in 1975.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wuQeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0EYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2828,4751834&dq=&hl=en Isabel Peron cleared of charge]</ref> In November 1971, in solidarity with striking workers, Montoneros guerrillas seized an Italian car plant in Caseros and set alight and destroyed with gasoline several Fiat 38 vehicles.<ref>The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics, Gabriela Nouzeilles, Graciela Montaldo, p. 382, Duke University Press, 2002</ref> In 1971, the leftist guerrillas killed 57 policemen, and in 1972, despite a heightened alert, the ''guerrilleros'' managed to kill another 38 policemen.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 53, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref>

On February 4, 1972, police corporal Conrado Likay Faldi was shot dead in the Bernal suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>[https://adtomator.com/2014/07/07/los-terroristas-desaparecidos-no-merecen-ser-simbolo-patrio-por-nicolas-marquez/ Los terroristas “desaparecidos” no merecen ser símbolo patrio – Por Nicolás Márquez]</ref> On February 14, 1972, FAL guerrillas supporting urban operations in the Barrio Norte suburb of Buenos Aires, delivered a bomb concealed in a flower bouquet to the house of the ex-Justice Minister Jaime Perriaux, killing three policemen (Roque Russo, Rómulo Salvatierra and Néstor Godoy) and mortally wounding another (Oscar Raúl Pereda) of an anti-explosives unit, and wounding eleven others, including neighbors.<ref>Alétheia, Zacharkow de Marquart, Emilce E., Martinez & Maria Angelica, p. 79, Editorial Dunken, 2014</ref> In July 1972 a bomb planted by Montoneros activists in Plaza de San Isidro in Buenos Aires, wounded three policemen and blinded a fireman (Carlos Adrián Ayala) who died of his injuries in hospital.<ref>In Memoriam, Volume 2, p. 398, El Círculo, 1998</ref> On December 28, 1972, Marine Private Julio César Provenzano, operating on behalf of the ERP guerrillas, is killed while plating a bomb in the men's room of the Argentinian Navy Headquarters.12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1976
UNA "TRAVESURA" DE LOS
JÓVENES IDEALISTAS [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19730331&id=MGo0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=8QkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4256,7005410 Argentine Navy headquarters hit]</ref>

On February 1, 1973, First Lieutenant José Maria Naccarato was killed while driving in the city of Resistencia in Chaco Province when a bomb planted in his car detonated.<ref>[http://www.elojodigital.com/contenido/8379-denuncia-por-privacion-ilegitima-de-la-libertad-contra-miembros-de-la-administracion- Denuncia por privación ilegítima de la libertad contra miembros de la Administración Kirchner, acusados de haber pertenecido al grupo terrorista Montoneros]</ref> On March 6, 1973, urban guerrillas shot dead three policemen (1st Corporal Máximo Maydana and Corporals José Sergio Contreras and Luis María Benítez) at a dance hall in the José C. Paz suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>[http://www.mendozatransparente.com.ar/decada-del-70/el631973fueronasesinadoslospoliciasjosesergiocontrerasmaximomaidanayluismariabenitezdejandountotalde16huerfanos El 6/3/1973 fueron asesinados los policías José Sergio Contreras, Máximo Maidana y Luis María Benítez, dejando un total de 16 huérfanos]</ref> Between September 16 and 17 1974, about 100 Montoneros bombs exploded throughout Argentina against ceremonies commemorating the military revolt which ended Juan Perón's first term as president and foreign companies.

During the month of August 1975, the Argentinian city of Córdoba witnessed a number of armed actions on the part of the local left-wing guerrillas and militants that resulted in the death of at least five policemen (Sergeant Juan Carlos Román, Corporal Rosario del Carmen Moyano and Agents Luis Rodolfo López, Jorge Natividad Luna and Juan Antonio Diaz) and parachute units from the Elite 4th Airborne Infantry Brigade earmarked for deployment in Tucumán Province, were obliged to be called in to stand guard at strategic points around the city for the remainder of the year, after the bombing of the local police headquarters and the police radio communications centre.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vdJGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6XsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3887,3282259&dq= 5 Policemen Dead In Argentina Violence]</ref>

Targets in the bombings included three Ford showrooms; Peugeot and IKA-Renault showrooms; Goodyear and Firestone tire distributors, Riker and Eli pharmaceutical laboratories, Union carbide Battery Company, Bank of Boston and Chase Manhattan Bank branches, Xerox Corporation; and Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola bottling companies. In all, 83 members of the armed forces and policemen were killed in left-wing terror attacks between 1973 and 1974.<ref>State Terrorism in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, and International Human Rights, Thomas C. Wright, pg 102, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007</ref>

On November 13, 1975, three policemen and a leftist were reported killed in shoot-outs in the La Plata suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>Latin America, 1975, Hal Kosut, Chris Hunt, Grace M. Ferrara, p. 41, Facts on File, 1976</ref> On November 16, about 40 Montoneros guerrillas stormed the police station at Arana, 30 miles south of Buenos Aires. Five policemen and one army captain were wounded in this gun- battle.

On December 15 a large Montoneros bomb planted in the Ministry of Defence building in downtown Buenos Aires kills 14 senior officers attending a counterinsurgency meeting.<ref>The Disappeared: Voices From A Secret War, John Simpson, Jana Bennett, p. 95, Robson Books, 1985</ref>

In December 1975 most 5th Army Brigade units were committed to the border areas of Tucumán with over 5,000 troops deployed in the province. There was however, nothing to prevent infiltrating through this outer ring and the ERP guerrillas were still strong inside Buenos Aires. Mario Santucho's Christmas offensive opened on December 23, 1975. The operation was dramatic in its impact, with ERP units, supported by local Montoneros guerrillas, mounting a large scale assault against the army's Domingo Viejobueno supply base in the industrial suburb of Monte Chingolo, south of Buenos Aires. The attackers were defeated and driven off with 53 ERP guerrillas and 9 supporting Montoneros militants from the local suburbs killed.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100513021433/http://www.vocesderesistencia.com.ar/monte-chingolo Monte Chingolo]</ref>

Seven army troops and three policemen were reported killed. In this particular battle the ERP and supporting Montoneros militants had about 1,000 leftist militants deployed against 1,000 government forces.<ref>Review of the River Plate: A weekly journal dealing with commercial financial and economic affairs, 30 December 1975, p. 1021</ref> This large-scale operation was made possible not only by the planning of the guerrillas involved, but also by their civilian supporters who provided them safe houses, supplies and getaway vehicles.

On January 13, 1976, leftists set fire to a Buenos Aires commuter train after forcing passengers to descend at gunpoint.<ref>Peronist Guerrillas Burn Train Near Buenos Aires, ''The New York Times'', 14 January 1976</ref> On January 26, ERP guerrillas supporting Montoneros operations in the suburb of Barracas in Buenos Aires, shoot and kill a female police traffic officer (21-year-old Silvia Ester Rosboch de Campana).<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/celtyv/posts/10155440262373583/ CELTYV - Por las Víctimas del Terrorismo de Argentina]</ref> On January 29, during a raid on the Bendix factory in the suburb of Munro in Buenos Aires, Montoneros shoot and kill Alberto Olabarrieta and Jorge Sarlenga of the factory's management, and an off-duty policeman, Juan Carlos Garavaglio, who had tried to intervene. On February 2, 1976 about fifty Montoneros attacked the Juan Vucetich Police Academy in Buenos Aires in an attempt to capture the helicopter-gunships stationed there,<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qLsSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3vgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6809,70028&dq= "Guerrilla Raid Foiled"]. page 8, ''Spokane Daily Chronicle'' (2 February 1976).</ref> but were repelled in heavy fighting involving police reinforcements. In the week preceding the military coup, the Montoneros killed 13 policemen as part of its renewed offensive aptly named ''Third National Military Campaign''.<ref>Lewis, Paul. (2002). [https://books.google.com/books?id=NtZ3EvNYxjYC&pg=PA125&lpg=PA125 Guerrillas and Generals: the Dirty War in Argentina], p. 125, Greenwood Publishing Group.</ref> On March 15, a powerful guerrilla bomb exploded next to the Argentine Army Headquarters, smashing windows in the nearby Casa Rosada and wounding 15 military personnel and 6 civilians as well as killing a civilian passerby.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e_tQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Jr8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=1543,2038489&dq= Argentine army quarters blasted, The Telegraph Herald, 6 March 1976]</ref> On July 2, 1976, the Montoneros detonated a powerful bomb in the Argentinian Federal Police Headquarters in Buenos Aires, killing 24 and wounding 66 policemen and employees. During 1976, Videla himself narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in which a time bomb planted in the reviewing stand at the vast Campo de Mayo barracks blew out a meter-wide hole at the exact spot where he had been standing.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,946715,00.html "A Monopoly of Force"]. ''Time''. (18 October 1976).</ref>

On September 12, 1976, a Montoneros car bomb destroyed a bus carrying police officers in the City of Rosario, killing nine policemen and a married couple: 56-year-old Oscar Walter Ledesma and 42-year-old Irene Ángela Dib. There were at least 50 wounded in the bomb blast.<ref>[http://ar.geocities.com/ciudadanosalerta/terrorismo/12-09-1976.html 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1976 UNA "TRAVESURA" DE LOS JÓVENES IDEALISTAS]</ref> On September 29, 1976 fierce fighting took place in the Floresta suburb of Buenos Aires, where one-hundred soldiers and policemen were forced to use bazookas and armored cars against heavily armed guerrillas.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7k40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=OWcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1952,5810098&dq= "Troops Clash With Guerrillas"]. ''Sarasota Herald-Tribune'' (29 September 1976).</ref> On October 2, Lieutenant-General Jorge Videla narrowly escaped death when a bomb packed in metal tubing supporting a reviewing stand at the Campo de Mayo army barracks exploded only moments after he left.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KeVVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4OADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6997,382239&dq= Argentina's chief escapes blasts, Eugene Resister-Guard, 3 October 1976]. Google News.</ref> On October 4, 1976, Buenos Aires police foiled a leftist terror attack against American actress Rita Hayworth and members of the local press, during her widely publicized stay in the Sheraton Hotel.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/historia-argentina/2019/06/11/documentos-desclasificados-los-frustrados-atentados-guerrilleros-contra-videla-y-rita-hayworth-durante-la-dictadura/ Documentos desclasificados: los frustrados atentados guerrilleros contra Videla y Rita Hayworth durante la dictadura]</ref> On October 17 a bomb blast in an Army Club Cinema in downtown Buenos Aires killed 11 and wounded about 50 officers and attending family members.<ref>The Disappeared: Voices From A Secret War, John Simpson, Jana Bennett, p. 95, Robson Books, 1985</ref> On December 15, another bomb planted in a Defense Ministry movie hall killed 14 senior officers and injured another 30 military men and accompanying family members.<ref>"Montoneros explode fragmentation bomb in Defense Ministry killing fourteen senior officers and injuring thirty." Argentina, 1943-1987: The National Revolution and Resistance, Donald Clark Hodges, p. 310, University of New Mexico Press, 1988</ref> By the first anniversary of the coup that ousted President [[Isabel Martínez de Perón|Isabel Perón]], 124 soldiers and police had been killed combating left-wing guerrillas and militants<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,918823,00.html?iid=chix-sphere|title=Hope from a Clockwork Coup|work=Time|date=11 April 1977}}</ref> in what the military referred to as, "the Dirty War".

During 1977, in just Buenos Aires alone, 36 police were reported killed combating left-wing guerrillas and militants.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3V8zAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SSMIAAAAIBAJ&pg=2624,506767&dq= Buenos Aires police at war with leftists]</ref>

==Power vaccum==

After the death of the controversial President Juan Perón in 1974, his wife, Isabel Perón, assumed power. However, she was not very strong politically and a military junta led a coup against her and removed her from office. This military junta maintained its grip on power by cracking down on anybody whom they believed was associated with the guerrillas. The new regime under General Jorge Rafaél Videla attempted to apply a monetarist solution to economic problems and launched what it called the war against subversion, which came to be widely known to others as the "Dirty War", in an attempt to completely defeat left-wing guerrilla activity that was out of control by early 1976.

The Baltimore Sun reported in January 1976 on the fighting taking place in Tucumán province:
<blockquote>In the jungle-covered mountains of Tucumán, long known as 'Argentina's garden', Argentines are fighting Argentines in a Vietnam-style civil war. So far, the outcome is in doubt. But there is no doubt about the seriousness of the combat, which involves 2,000 or so leftist guerrillas and perhaps as many as 10,000 soldiers.<ref>"'Viet war' growing in Argentina," James Nelson Goodsell, ''The Baltimore Sun,'' 18 January 1976</ref></blockquote>

==National Reorganization Process ==

With the initial support of the majority of the Argentinian population, the military regime undertook widespread kidnappings, torture, and murder — not only of the violent guerrillas of the left but also civilian supporters in the form of the unarmed leftist political activists, guerrilla sympathizers, and their lawyers and families. The war against subversion was viewed within the military's National Security Doctrine as the beginning of "World War III," which it defined as a struggle against the efforts of communism for world supremacy. In seven years as many as 30,000 Argentines were either killed or imprisoned.

Military victory was achieved after three years of open fighting and a stream of kidnappings, disappearances and imprisonments that brought a total breakdown of due process for those suspected of being connected with the guerrillas. By June 1978 the guerrillas were all but eliminated, and the military junta declared victory. However, the Montoneros launched a counteroffensive in 1979 that resulted in the almost total annihilation of their returning PLO-trained Special Forces. By 1980 the last vestiges of the terrorist groups had died out, and the disappearances had stopped.

In the view of the [[National Reorganization Process]] (''Proceso de Reorganización Nacional'' or ''Proceso''), the eradication of subversion meant not only the guerrillas' activities, but also any form of left-wing activism whether found in the universities, the church, the press, the factory, or even the arts or culture. Building a new national framework required eradicating the Peronists, the left-wing trade unions, parliamentary radicals and leftist revolutionaries. To build the economy required eliminating Cultural Marxism and an industrial sector controlled by a blue-collar worker class sympathetic to the guerrilla movement.

==Victims==

Leftists were viewed with suspicion and tens of thousands were detained at one point: union leaders who agitated for wage increases and militancy in the US and European-owned car plants in Argentina, students who were members of the ''Unión de Estudiantes Secundarios'' (Union of High School Students or UES) that supplied the People's Revolutionary Army with fighters in Tucumán province,<ref>[http://www.offnews.info/verArticulo.php?contenidoID=51345 La Mentira Oficial sobre la Noche de los Lápices]</ref> left-wing journalists like [[Rodolfo Jorge Walsh]] that were not fearful of the dictatorship, human-rights lawyers who defended left-wing guerrillas and militants, young communists, socialists, nuns and priests that had ties with the [[Third World Priest Movement]]. And family members or friends of any of them; people that provided the left-wing guerrillas and militants with safe houses and financial support.

===Children of the Disappeared===

With the return of democracy, human rights groups in Argentina started searching for the grandchildren stolen from detained female guerrillas and civilian supporters and adopted in the military community. At the time, the ''Asociación Abuelas de Plaza de Plaza de Mayo'' claimed that 172 children disappeared together with their parents or were born at the numerous detention camps and had not been returned to their families.<ref>''La Asociación de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, organización creada por las abuelas de los niños desaparecidos, había registrado 172 niños detenidos junto con sus padres o nacidos durante el cautiverio de sus madres, que no habían sido devueltos a sus familias legítimas.'' Restitución de Niños, Asociación de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, p. 60, Editorial Universitaria de Buenos Aires SEM, 1997</ref>

The Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo now claim that 500 grandchildren were adopted by military families. 121 were admittedly located and reunited with their biological families by late 2016 with the announcement that Gustavo Menna, son of Domingo ''Mingo'' Menna, and Ana María ''La Aní'' Lanzillotto (both ERP militants) had been discovered.<ref>[http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/222555/the-story-behind-the-121st-grandchild%E2%80%99s-kidnapping The story behind the 121st grandchild’s kidnapping]</ref> On April 13, 2000, the grandmothers received a tip off that the birth certificate of Rosa Roisinblit's infant grandson, born in detention, had been falsified and the child given to an Air Force civil employee and his wife. Following the anonymous phone call, he was located and agreed to a DNA blood test, confirming his true identity. Rodolfo Fernando, grandson of Roisinblit, is the first known newborn of missing children returned to his family through the work of the grandmothers. Roisinblit's daughter, 25-year-old Patricia Julia Roisinblit de Perez, who was a Montoneros member, was kidnapped along with her husband, 24-year-old José Martínas Pérez Rojo, on October 6, 1978.

The case of Maria Eugenia Sampallo (born some time in 1978) also received considerable attention. Sampallo sued the couple who adopted her illegally as a baby after her parents disappeared, both admittedly Montoneros. Her grandmother spent 24 years looking for her. The case was filed in 2001, after DNA tests indicated that Osvaldo Rivas and Maria Cristina Gomez were not her biological parents. They, along with Army Captain Enrique Berthier, who furnished the couple with the baby, were sentenced respectively to 8, 7 and 10 years in prison for kidnapping during the Kirchner government.

===The PEN Disappeared held in detention camps===

By the time of the coup on March 24, 1976, the number of disappeared held under ''Poder Ejecutivo Nacional'' (PEN) stood at least 5,182. Some 18,000 disappeared in the form of PEN detainees were imprisoned in Argentina by the end of 1977 and it is estimated that some 3,000-4,000 deaths occurred in the Navy Engineering School (ESMA).<ref>''It is estimated that approximately 3,000–4,000 missing persons passed through this camp, of which only a few survived.'' Cultural Heritage , Dallen J. Timothy, Gyan P. Nyaupane, p. 220, Routledge, 2009</ref> These disappeared were held incommunicado and reportedly tortured. Some, like senator Hipolito Solari Yrigoyen and socialist leader professor Alfredo Bravo, were ''detenidos-desaparecidos''. Alicia Partnoy, a poet and member of the Peronist Youth that had links with the ''Montoneros'', also counts as one of the victims who had disappeared but later "reappeared." On November 10, 1977, Colonel Ricardo Flouret and Captain Eduardo Andujar, representing the interior ministry, explained to [[Amnesty International]] that many of the disappeared were in fact guerrillas who had gone underground or fled the country.<ref>Spanish and Latin American Transitions to Democracy, Carlos Horacio Waisman, Raanan Rein, p. 195, Sussex Academic Press, 2005</ref>

By refusing to acknowledge the existence of what was later established to be at least 340 detention camps throughout the country they also denied the existence of their occupants, some 30,000 Argentines are estimated to have passed through the camps. The total number of people who were detained for long periods was 8,625. Among them was future President Carlos Menem, who between 1976 and 1981 had been a political prisoner.

US President Jimmy Carter offered to accept 3,000 PEN detainees, as long as they had no terrorist background.<ref>Iain Guest, Behind the Disappearances: Argentina's Dirty War Against Human Rights & The United Nations, p. 498, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1990</ref> Some 8,600 PEN disappeared were eventually released under international pressure. Of these 4,029 were held in illegal detention centres for less than a year, 2,296 for one to three years, 1,172 for three to five years, 668 for five to seven years, and 431 for seven to nine years.<ref>Sonia Cardenas, Conflict and Compliance: State Responses to International Human Rights Pressure, p. 52,University of Pennsylvania Press, 2007</ref> Of these ''detenidos-desaparecidos'' 157 were killed after being released from detention.

===Casualty estimates===

The New York Times reporter David Vidal wrote on January 5, 1979 that the number of disappeared in Latin America as a whole now numbered 30,000.<ref>"Relatives of Missing Latins Press Drive for Accounting; 30,000 Reported Missing", David Vidal, The New York Times, 5 January 1979</ref> The Christian Science Monitor and The Boston Globe soon followed suit with similar stories, claiming 30,000 people had disappeared under military dictatorships in Latin America and not just Argentina.<ref>Latin America's 'Disappeared' Victims, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 January 1979</ref><ref>Latin American bishops debating church's role, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 February 1979</ref> The Los Angeles Times repeated the claims of 30,000 Latin Americans and not just Argentinians, disappeared in a new article published in October 1979 and November of that year.<ref>A Voice of 'the Disappeared', Los Angeles Times, 21 October 1979</ref><ref>Political Prisoners' Plight in Latin America Told, Los Angeles Times, 5 November 1979</ref> The Nunca Más report issued by the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons (CONADEP) in 1984, identified 8,961 persons "disappeared" between 1976 and 1983, in a case by case verification, and another list of 1,300 victims seen alive in clandestine detention centres.

In 1977, General Albano Harguindeguy, Interior Minister, admitted that 5,618 people disappeared in the form of PEN detenidos-desaparecidos were being held in detention camps throughout Argentina. According to a secret cable from DINA (Chilean secret police) operating in Buenos Aires, an intercepted report by the Argentine 601st Intelligence Battalion in mid-July 1978, which started counting victims in 1975, estimated that up to 22,000 people were missing in Argentina in 1978 (killed or held in detention camps) – this document was first published by John Dinges in 2004.<ref>[https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu//NSAEBB/NSAEBB185/index.htm ON 30th ANNIVERSARY OF ARGENTINE COUP NEW DECLASSIFIED DETAILS ON REPRESSION AND U.S. SUPPORT FOR MILITARY DICTATORSHIP]</ref>

The total number of disappeared in the form of PEN prisoners was 8,625 and of these disappeared 157 were killed after being released from detention. Human Rights Groups in Argentina often cite a figure of 30,000 disappeared, Amnesty International estimates 20,000<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/16/opinion/the-argentine-gulag.html THE ARGENTINE GULAG]</ref> while other observers think 12,000 is a more accurate figure. In 1988, the Asamblea por los Derechos Humanos (APDH or Assembly for Human Rights) published its findings on the disappearances and stated that 12,261 people were killed or disappeared during the Dirty War.<ref>''The Asamblea por los Derechos Humanos (Human Rights Assembly) in Argentina has confirmed the death of 12,261 people during the dictatorship.'' Latin American Dictators of the 20th Century, Javier A. Galván, p. 158, McFarland, 2013</ref> The Montoneros admitted losing 5,000 guerrillas killed, and the ERP admitted 5,000 of their own guerrillas had been killed. By comparison, Argentinian security forces also suffered heavy losses in the form of 523 killed between 1969 and 1975 and another 205 killed between 1976 and 1978. In all, there were 18,331 victims of left-wing terrorism, including 13,000 civilians and close to 5,000 killed, wounded or maimed for life in the military and police forces.<ref>"El 70% de las 18.331 víctimas eran civiles apolíticos, por eso no reclamaron sus derechos al Gobierno. No se conocían, eran sindicalistas, jueces, judíos, católicos, extranjeros... El 30% eran uniformados agredidos en situación de descanso, por lo que son civiles según el derecho internacional." [https://www.abc.es/internacional/abci-victoria-villarruel-entrevista-201112280000_noticia.html «Las víctimas del terror montonero no cuentan en Argentina»]</ref>

There is no agreement on the number of detenidos-desaparecidos. In a 2009 interview with the Buenos Aires daily newspaper Clarín, Graciela Fernández Meijide, who formed part of the 1984 truth commission, claimed that the proven number of Argentinian killed or disappeared was closer to 9,000. Between 1969 and 1979, left-wing guerrillas accounted for 3,249 kidnappings and murders and 5,215 bombings. CONADEP also recorded 458 assassinations (attributed to the Argentinian Anti-Communist Alliance) and about 600 forced disappearances during the period of democratic rule between 1973 and 1976.

In a final report televised on April 28, 1983 as the military prepared their departure, the ruling junta officially declared that the disappeared were all dead but said the military junta had saved the nation by their actions. Human Rights Group, such as the Argentinian League for Human Rights, condemned the junta's final report and claimed at the time, that between 6,000 and 15,000 people had disappeared in Argentina between 1975 and 1979. Some 11,000 Argentinians have applied for and received around US$200,000 each as monetary compensation for the loss of loved ones during the military dictatorship.<ref>''State Terrorism in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, and International Human Rights'', Thomas C. Wright, p. 158, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007</ref> In more recent times, journalist Alfonso Daniels put forward the outlandish claim in an article he wrote for the Daily Telegraph that over 30,000 Argentinians disappeared.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3673470/Argentinas-dirty-war-the-museum-of-horrors.html Argentina's dirty war: the museum of horrors]</ref>

==Military downfall==

Although the military junta carried out its successful war against suspected subversives throughout its entire existence, it was ironically a foreign foe allied with the Chilean military government of General Augusto Pinochet which brought the Argentinian regime to an end. In the early 1980s, it became clear to both the world and the Argentinian people that the military junta was behind the brutal disappearances and imprisonment of tens of thousands of kidnappings. The junta, facing increasing opposition over its human rights record, as well as mounting allegations of corruption, sought to allay domestic criticism by launching a successful campaign to regain ''Las Islas Malvinas'' (the Falkland Islands).

British military historian Martin Middlebrook argues that the military junta occupied the Falklands/Malvinas in order to suppress its opposition, principally the exiled Peronists, because the cost - measured in terms of legitimacy - of suppressing their supporters was relatively low at the beginning of the junta's rule. But the cost of suppression increased over time because of the military regime's ruthless suppression of anyone who supported the guerrillas, its failed economic policies, and its defeat in the Falkland Islands/Malvinas War, and thus it had to tolerate its opposition and eventually return power to civilian authority.

The Falklands/Malvinas Islands had been a thorn in the relations between Argentina and Britain, which reoccupied them in 1833, and Argentina, which claimed them since independence. The junta had thought that it could occupy these islands without a British military response, regaining its popularity and control over its people in the process. However, the government was wrong in its conclusions when 72 days after the initial Argentinian military operations, British army and marine units won the ground war, having captured over 11,000 Argentinians in the process.

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[https://www.britannica.com/event/Dirty-War Encyclopædia Britannica article]

[[Category:Argentina]]
[[Category:Wars]]

Dirty War (Argentina, 1976-83)

2020-03-16T01:54:30Z

Bearbrau:

The '''Dirty War''' in Argentina, from 1976-1983, was a seven-year dictatorship and counterinsurgency campaign waged by the Argentinian military junta against left-wing guerrillas and supporting civilians. Tens of thousands of Argentinian nationals, both guerrillas and sympathizers among the civilian population, were abducted by military task groups and supporting volunteer civilian [[Triple A]] military death squads often in the middle of the night. They were taken to secret government detention centers where they were eventually released or killed. These people (including survivors from the detention camps) are known as internationally as ''"los desaparecidos"'' or ''detenidos-desaparecidos'' ("the disappeared" or "detained disappeared"). In 2003, The National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons claimed the true number of disappeared to be around 13,000.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/ediciones-anteriores/duda-historica-sabe-desaparecidos_0_B1FG1JglCKl.html Una duda histórica: no se sabe cuántos son los desaparecidos]</ref>

The [[Mainstream media]] often cites the Chilean Secret Police (DINA) report on the estimate by the Argentinian Army's 601st Intelligence Battalion (''Batallón de Inteligencia 601'') of 22,000 disappeared between 1975 and mid-1978, implying they were all killed. However, it was later established that during this period at least 12,000 "disappeared" were in fact detainees held under National Executive Power (''Poder Ejecutivo Nacional'' or PEN), and kept in detention camps throughout Argentina before eventually being freed under diplomatic pressure.<ref>''"Durante la vigencia del estado de sitio entre noviembre de 1974 y octubre de 1983, los organismos de derechos humanos denunciaron la existencia de 12 mil presos politicos legales en las distintas cárceles de 'maxima seguridad' a lo largo de todo el territorio de Argentina."'' [https://web.archive.org/web/20130905061527/http://elortiba.org/pdf/Memoria-de-ex-presas-y-presos-politicos.pdf]</ref>

This unexpected Argentinian military defeat during the Falklands/Malvinas War in 1982 hastened the fall of the unpopular military junta that had lost the propaganda war, turning Argentina into a pariah state, and in mid-1982 Lieutenant-General Reynaldo Bignone (head of the interim government) restored basic civil liberties and retracted its ban on left-wing political parties. The Argentinian military dictatorship ended when [[Raúl Ricardo Alfonsín]]'s UCR (Unión Cívica Radical or Radical Civic Union) civilian government took control of the country on December 10, 1983.

Many people, 7,158<ref>"The justification for the Dirty War was the armed actions of the Montoneros and the ERP. From 1969 to 1979, there were 239 kidnappings and 1,020 murders by the guerrillas. During the same period, however, the military kidnapped 7,844 and murdered 7,850." The Psychology of Genocide and Violent Oppression: A Study of Mass Cruelty from Nazi Germany to Rwanda, Richard Morrock, William Marchak, p. 184, McFarland, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1621505-hablan-de-30000-desaparecidos-y-saben-que-es-falso Hablan de 30.000 desaparecidos y saben que es falso]</ref><ref>[http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1464650-videla-admitio-que-la-dictadura-mato-a-7-u-8-mil-personas Videla admitió la muerte y desaparición de "7 u 8 mil personas"]</ref>-13,000,<ref>[http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2003/10/06/p-00801.htm Una duda histórica: no se sabe cuántos son los desaparecidos]</ref> both Peronist and Marxist guerrillas as well as civilian opponents of the Argentinian military regime were "disappeared". By the end of 1978, 22,000 thousand Argentinians (according to an often-quoted Chilean military intelligence report) had been taken to secret government detention centers where they were killed or eventually freed under international diplomatic pressure.

Terence Roehrig in his book ''The Prosecution of Former Military Leaders in Newly Democratic Nations: The Cases of Argentina, Greece, and South Korea'' (McFarland & Company, 2001) estimates that of the disappeared, ''"at least 10,000 were involved in various ways with the guerrillas"''. Argentinian Justice Minister Ricardo Gil Lavedra, who formed part of the 1985 tribunal for the [[Trial of the Juntas]], later went on record saying, ''"I sincerely believe that the majority of the victims of the illegal repression were guerrilla militants"''.<ref>Amar al Enemigo, Javier Vigo Leguizamón, p. 68, Ediciones Pasco, 2001</ref>

The Montoneros in a statement issued in 1984 acknowledged having lost 5,000 guerrillas killed,<ref>"Firmenich alleged that some 5,000 Montoneros had fallen during the period of repression." Yearbook on International Communist Affairs Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace, pg. 48, Stanford University, 1985</ref> and the Marxist–Leninist People's Revolutionary Army (Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo or ERP) in 2007 admitted the deaths of some 5,000 of their own armed fighters.<ref>[http://www.cedema.org/ver.php?id=2713 A 32 AÑOS DE LA CAÍDA EN COMBATE DEL COMANDANTE MARIO ROBERTO SANTUCHO Y DE LA DIRECCIÓN HITÓRICA DEL PRT-ERP]</ref> Mario Firmenich, the commander of the Montoneros, in a radio interview in late 2001 from Spain said that, ''"In a country that experienced a civil war, everybody has blood on their hands"''.<ref>[http://www.lr21.com.uy/mundo/51817-firmenich-dijo-que-no-mato-a-nadie-inutilmente?utm_source=redirects&utm_medium=www.larepublica.com.uy&utm_campaign=301_Redirects Firmenich dijo que no mató "a nadie inútilmente"]</ref>

The left-wing guerrillas and their support base, were responsible for causing at least 6,000 casualties among the military, police forces and civilian population, according to a [[National Geographic Magazine]] special article published in the mid-1980s.<ref>National Geographic, Volume 170, p. 247, National Geographic Society, 1986</ref>

The leftist guerrillas caused at least 5,000 casualties among the military and police forces, according to a fairly recent article by Spanish journalist Carmen Muñoz from ''Periódico ABC'' in 2011.<ref>"El 70% de las 18.331 víctimas eran civiles apolíticos, por eso no reclamaron sus derechos al Gobierno. No se conocían, eran sindicalistas, jueces, judíos, católicos, extranjeros... El 30% eran uniformados agredidos en situación de descanso, por lo que son civiles según el derecho internacional." [http://www.abc.es/20111228/internacional/abci-victoria-villarruel-entrevista-201112280343.html "Las víctimas del terror montonero no cuentan en Argentina", Periódico ABC, Carmen Muñoz, 28/12/2011]</ref>

==Origins==

The origins of the Dirty War have long been debated, with Professor Patricia Marchak in ''God's Assassins: State Terrorism in Argentina in the 1970s'' and Professor Carlos Marcelo Shäferstein in ''Cien años de subversión en Argentina''<ref>[http://www.lahistoriaparalela.com.ar/2009/06/19/cien-anos-de-subversion-en-argentina/ Cien años de subversión en Argentina]</ref> and historians Alejandro García<ref>La Crisis Argentina, 1966–1976: Notas y Documentos Sobre una época de Violencia Política, Alejandro García, p. 32, EDITUM, 1994</ref> and Antonius C. G. M. Robben arguing the political violence started with the anarchist bombing campaigns and armed uprisings in Buenos Aires and the Patagonia in the 1910s and 1920s. During the Patagonia uprisings in the Santa Cruz province in 1921 and 1922, some 300 anarchist were killed in action or executed by the Argentinian Army.<ref>"Los medios anarquistas hablan de 1500 muertos, la prensa oficial de 300." La Causa Argentina, Juan Archibaldo Lanús (p. 393). Emecé Editores, 1988</ref> During the Buenos Aires uprisings in 1919, some 140 anarchists were killed and several buildings in the capital were burnt down.

Prior to the armed uprisings, several efforts were made to interrupt the celebrations marking 100 years of Argentinian independence on May 25, 1910, including an anarchists handing over a hand-held bomb to a child to take inside a cathedral in Buenos Aires, but the bomb exploded prematurely killing the minor and mutilating another boy.<ref>[BOMBS IN ARGENTINA. BOY BLOWN TO AMOMS]</ref>

On June 28, 1910, another anarchist bomb exploded inside the ''Teatro Colón'' (in the Argentinian capital) and 20 theatregoers were gravely wounded, and the Argentinian senate approved soon after the death penalty for those anarchists responsible for deaths.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Nf9QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JWYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3804,6720471&dq=&hl=en FIND BOMB FACTORY. Argentine Capital Stirred by Uncovering Anarchists Lair]</ref>
On July 9, 1916, an anarchist armed with a hand-gun tried to kill the Argentinian president, Victorino de la Plaza. The attempted assassination took place while the president attended a military parade in Buenos Aires, during the centennial celebrations marking Argentinian independence from Spain.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v6dRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LmgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4473,3490772&dq=&hl=en EFFORT MADE TO KILL PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINE]</ref>

On February 9, 1918, violent strikes took place in the main Argentinian cities and army units were rushed to the affected areas after anarchists sabotaged train lines and burnt carriages transporting wheat to Buenos Aires for exportation.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yQteAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7l8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3282,3532019&dq=&hl=en Anarchy Reigns in Argentina When General Rail Strike Brings Riots]</ref> Argentinian left-wing activists at the time printed and widely distributed, even among conscripts, a newspaper promoting a Communist Revolution in Argentina.<ref>"Los anarquistas simpatizantes de la Revolución Rusa editaban un periódico para los soldados y hacían un activo trabajo en los cuarteles." El Marxismo y la Revolución Argentina, Tomo II, Otto Vargas, p. 152, Editorial Agora, 1999</ref> According to the Buenos Aires police, the anarchists in 1919 held 203 meetings, and two massive street demonstrations in which 429 key figureheads gave speeches.<ref>The Hispanic American Historical Review, 1946, James Alexander Robertson, p. 49, Board of Editors of the Hispanic American Review, 1946</ref> By the end of 1919, Argentina would witness 367 crippling strikes by some 300,000 workers.<ref>The Intelligence War in Latin America, 1914-1922, Jamie Bisher, p. 254, McFarland, 2016</ref>

The first Bolshevik uprising in Argentina took place during the Tragic Week (''Semana Trágica'') in Buenos Aires, which began on January 9, 1919 when striking metalworkers opened fire on a detachment of the 8th Cavalry Regiment under Captain Luis A. Cafferata. Shortly later, a group of strikers shoot and kill an Army NCO, Sergeant Ramón Díaz, as he walked down Pueyrredón Street. In nearby Corrientes Street an Argentinian Army platoon commander, Second Lieutenant Agustín Ronzoni and a civilian are also killed by the armed strikers. A rifle platoon under Sergeant Bonifacio Manzo is ambushed and a company of the 7th Infantry Regiment is forced to use Vickers machine-guns to repel the assembled strikers. Placing the city under martial law, President Hipolito Yrigoyen appointed Army Colonel Luis Dellepiane as the commander of government forces, after which disturbances subsided. The 5th and 12th Army Cavalry Regiments reinforced the Buenos Aires garrison on January 12, and 300 marines and a mountain artillery regiment are also shipped to Buenos Aires. Nevertheless, on the morning of January 13, 1919, anarchists attempted to seize arms and ammunition from a local police station but were forced to retreat after coming under fire from a naval detachment from the Argentinian Navy cruiser ARA 'San Martin'.

The leftist 'Vanguardia' newspaper claimed that over 700 deaths were recorded on Tragic Week, as well as 2,000 injured; with the military crackdown resulting in an estimated 50,000 arrests in the subsequent weeks. Professor Patricia Marchak estimates the real number of workers killed in the uprising and immediate aftermath at more than 100. The conservative 'La Nación' newspaper reported the number of workers killed in the uprising at around 100 and 400 injured.<ref>God's Assassins: State Terrorism in Argentina in the 1970s, Patricia Marchak, p. 47, McGill-Queen's University Press, 1999</ref>

The left-wing violence continued throughout the 1920s. On December 24, 1927 two powerful anarchist bombs went off in two US-owned banks in downtown Buenos Aires, killing two employees.<ref>"El 24 de diciembre de 1927 vuelan las casas centrales del Citibank y el Banco de Boston, con el lamentable saldo de dos muertos. Los Mitos de la Historia Argentina: De la ley Sáenz Peña a los Albores del Peronismo ", Tomo III, Felipe Pigna, p. 111, Grupo Editorial Norma, 2006</ref> On May 23, 1923, the anarchists detonate another bomb inside the Italian consulate in the Argentinian capital, killing 9 and wounding 41, the majority of them Italian-Argentinians.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1913&dat=19280523&id=h4EpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0mYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3534,4255127&hl=en Nine Killed, 41 Injured By Bomb In Buenos Aires]</ref> On December 24, 1929, Argentinian president Hipólito Yrigoyen narrowly survived an attempt on his life. The would-be assassin, 44 year-old Italian anarchist Gualterio Marinelli is killed by the return fire from the protecting police detachment.<ref>[https://www.diariouno.com.ar/pais/el-atentado-contra-el-presidente-yrigoyen-12242015_BkOGII-GHX El atentado contra el presidente Yrigoyen]</ref>

==President Juan Domingo Perón==
[[File:Juan Domingo Perón.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Juan Domingo Perón]]
A military coup overthrew president [[Juan Domingo Perón]] and restored the Argentinian political right to power in 1955. During the subsequent 18 years of exile, Perón used the Argentinian political left and Montoneros guerrillas as a primary means of breaking down law and order. He also used them to unite the left-wing trade unions in favour of Peronism in order to return to Argentinian presidency.

In 1973, as Juan Perón returned from exile, the [[Ezeiza massacre]] took place, marking the end of the alliance between left- and right-wing factions of Peronism.

By early 1974 President Perón had lost the support of the trade unions and its militant workers. Perón withdrew his support of the Montoneros shortly before his death on July 1, 1974.

==President Isabel Martínez de Perón==

Juan Perón's death precipitated a crisis that could be handled neither
by his wife and vice-president nor by her top aid, José López Rega. During the presidency of his widow Isabel, the far-right civilian Argentinian Anticommunist Alliance (''Alianza Anticomunista Argentina'' or Triple A) paramilitary group emerged. Armed struggle increased, and in 1975 Isabel signed a number of decrees empowering the military and the police to ''"annihilate"'' left-wing subversion, most prominently the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP) armed incursion in the province of Tucumán.

The new conservative government also sought to eliminate leftist influence in the education system, particularly the universities,through the appointment of conservative officials to the Ministry of Education. Economic policies were directed at restructuring wages and currency devaluations in order to attract foreign investment in Argentina.

The conservative government soon led to labor unrest in the automotive industry. By mid-1975 devaluations had prompted a price increase that was resented even by
workers whose wages had benefited from a pay rise. At that point the General Confederation of Labour (''Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina'' or CGT) requested an across-the-board 100-percent wage increase that was rejected by the government, thus prompting further labour unrest. Threats of a general strike led to a reshuffling of Isabel's cabinet that failed to satisfy either the CGT or the top military commanders,whose allegiance the administration had been so eager to attract.

In response to the economic chaos and the lack of government political
control of the various provinces, terrorist attacks began to rise.
These were led by leftist organizations such as the Montoneros and the
People's Revolutionary Army, as well as by the AAA. A general feeling
of uneasiness grew as inflation skyrocketed to some 350 percent by the
end of 1975.

López Rega was ousted as Isabel de Perón's adviser in June 1975;
Lieutenant-General General Alberto Numa Laplane, the commander in
chief of the army who had supported the administration through the
López Rega period, was replaced by Lieutenant-General Jorge Rafael
Videla in August 1975. On Christmas Eve, 1975, Videla issued an
ultimatum calling for the government ''"to adopt decisions to resolve
the country's problems."''

As her government struggled with the problems of declining production,
a growing budget deficit, the beginning of hyper inflation, and
left-wing terrorism, the military overthrew her government. On March
24th 1976, exactly 90 days after the ultimatum was issued and shortly
after the CGT had demanded Isabel de Perón's resignation, the armed
forces removed her from the presidency. She was held under house
arrest for several years before moving to Spain in 1981.

According to the International Congress for Victims of Terrorism in 2010, prior to the military takeover in 1976, there were a total of 16,000 victims (including killed, wounded or abducted) of left-wing terrorism in Argentina,<ref>[https://archive.li/DFLEb “Todos podíamos odiar, pero lo que queremos es sonreír cada día”]</ref> including civilians and military personnel.

===Left wing terror in the automotive industry===

Left-wing terrorism in the automotive industry had already started before the presidency of Isabel de Perón: In November 1971, in solidarity with militant car workers, Montoneros guerrillas took over a car manufacturing plant in Caseros, sprayed 38 Fiats with petrol, and then set them alight.<ref>The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics, Gabriela Nouzeilles & Graciela R. Montaldo, p. 382, Duke University Press, 2002</ref> Dr. Oberdan Sallustro, director-general of the Fiat Concord company in Argentina ― which manufactured cars, rolling stock and power generators under license from Fiat of Italy, the parent company ― and an Italian citizen, was kidnapped by ERP guerrillas in Buenos Aires on March 21, 1972 and found murdered on April 10, after having been held in a ''"people's prison"'' in a working-class suburb of the city. On December 2, the bodyguards of a Chrysler Corporation executive were attacked by militants, two were killed and another wounded.<ref>The Problems of U.S. Businesses Operating Abroad in Terrorist Environments, S. W. Purnell, Eleanor Sullivan Wainstein, p. 80, Rand 1981</ref>

On May 21, 1973, Luis Giovanelli, a Ford Motor Company executive, was killed and a female employee was wounded when machine-gunned by the ERP guerrillas in a kidnapping attempt that netted the guerrillas US$1 million from Ford as ''"protection money"''.<ref>Terrorism, Yonah Alexander, p. 224, Crane Russak, 1977</ref> On May 25, ERP guerrillas attempted to kill two Ford Motor Company executives but only wounded them.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 57, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref> On June 3, 1973, militants in Buenos Aires kidnapped Jose Chohelo, a Peugeot representative and later released him for a reported US$200,000.<ref>The Problems of U.S. Businesses Operating Abroad in Terrorist Environments, S. W. Purnell, Eleanor Sullivan Wainstein, p. 75, Rand 1981</ref>

On November 22, 1973, FAP guerrillas ambushed and killed John Swint, the American general manager of a Ford Motor Company subsidiary and three of his bodyguards. On December 29, 1973, the director of Peugeot in Argentina was kidnapped by seven armed leftists. Between June 24–26, 1974, seventeen bombs planted by leftist militants exploded in Buenos Aires, damaging offices, warehouses, showrooms including Ford, General Motors and Fiat dealerships, according to the Bangor Daily News.

On August 27, 1974, during the presidency of Isabel de Perón, FAP guerrillas killed Ricardo Goya, the labour relations manager of the IKA-Renault Motor Company in Córdoba while he was driving to work. On January 8, 1975, Rodolfo Saurnier, manager of an auto parts factory, was kidnapped by Montoneros guerrillas. On 28 July 1975, a bomb of the urban militants exploded at the Peugeot dealership in La Plata. On 9 October 1975 several Molotov cocktails were thrown by militants at Car dealerships in city of Mendoza. On 24 October 1975, Heinrich Franz Metz, production manager of the Mercedes-Benz truck plant in Buenos Aires, was kidnapped by Montoneros guerrillas.

On 29 October 1975, four Montoneros killed the Fiat-Concord personnel manager. On 16 November, militants broke into the home of a Renault executive in Córdoba and took him hostage. On 26 March 1976, two security guards of a Ford executive were killed by militants firing from a car. On 14 April, militants in Buenos Aires killed an executive of the US Chrysler Corporation. On 4 May, militants assassinated a Fiat executive in a suburb of Buenos Aires.

The director of Renault Argentina was badly wounded by plastic explosives concealed in a box of flowers on 27 August. On 10 September a Chrysler executive was killed by militants while leaving his home in Buenos Aires. On 8 October, the Buenos Aires offices of Fiat, Mercedes Benz and Chevrolet were attacked by militants with bombs. On 10 October, Domingo Lozano, Argentine manager of the Renault plant in Córdoba, was shot and killed by Montoneros guerrillas after leaving a church service in Córdoba.

On 18 October 1976, seven months after the government of Isabel de Perón had been ousted, five guerrillas killed Enrique Aroza Garay, an executive of the German-owned Borgward automobile factory. On 3 November, a Chrysler executive, Carlos Roberto Souto, was killed in Buenos Aires by Montoneros. Later the same month, the Montoneros kidnapped Franz Metz, the industrial director of Mercedez Benz in Argentina, but released him five weeks later when the German company agreed to pay a ransom, reportedly US$S 5 million. On 13 October 1977, a Montoneros car bomb detonated outside the home of a Chrysler executive. The businessman was not there, but his guard and a neighbor were killed. On 16 December, Montoneros killed Andre Gasparoux, a top French executive of the Peugeot Motor Company.

===Triple A===

The Argentine Anticommunist Alliance (''Alianza Anticomunista Argentina'' or Triple A) was a right-wing formations of death squads secretly founded in Argentina in 1973 and particularly active under the government of Isabel Perón. Initially associated with the Peronist right, the organisation opposed the Peronist left and other leftist organizations. It collaborated with the military and police to exterminate left wing guerrillas and their collaborators hidden among the civilian population. The paramilitary group was dissolved in 1976 by the military junta, which continued the tactics of the AAA until 1983.

==Revolutionaries==

Argentina experienced three failed attempts at rural guerrilla warfare between 1959 and 1969. At that point, the insurgents decided in favor of urban guerilla warfare. [[Jorge Ricardo Masetti]], leader of the ''Ejército Guerrillero del Pueblo'' (People's Guerrilla Army or EGP), which had infiltrated into Salta Province from Bolivia in 1964, is considered by some as Argentina's first "disappeared", as he went missing after the party militants' defeat in clashes with the Argentine gendarmerie.<ref>[https://latinta.com.ar/2018/05/jorge-masetti-guerrilla-desaparecido/ Masetti, el primer desaparecido]</ref>It seemed obvious that they would be safer and more relevant in crowded cities than in isolated rural areas.

Prior to 1973 the major revolutionary groups were the Peronist Armed Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Peronistas'' or FAP), the Marxist–Leninist-Peronist Revolutionary Armed Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias'' or FAR), and the Marxist–Leninist Armed Forces of Liberation (''Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación'' or FAL). The FAL guerrillas raided Campo de Mayo in April 1969 and stole 100 assault rifles from the elite 1st ''Patricios'' Infantry Regiment.<ref>Los 70, Violencia en la Argentina. p. 119. Ejército Argentino. (Círculo militar, 2001)</ref>

In time these armed groups consolidated, with the FAR joining the Montoneros, formerly an urban group of intellectuals and students, and the FAP and FAL being absorbed into the ERP. In 1970, [[Pedro Eugenio Aramburu]], one of the military leaders of the 1955 coup, was kidnapped and killed by the Montoneros, in its first claimed military action. In 1970, the Marxist People's Revolutionary Army (''Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo'' or ERP) was founded. By the early 1970s, leftist guerrillas kidnapped and assassinated high-ranking military and police officers almost weekly.<ref>Child Survival: Anthropological Perspectives on the Treatment and Maltreatment of Children, Nancy Scheper-Hughes, pg 228, Springer, 1987</ref>

The ERP publicly remained in the forefront. ERP guerrilla activity took the form of attacks on military outposts, police stations and convoys.
In 1971, the left-wing guerrillas killed 57 policemen, and in 1972 the ERP and Montoneros killed another 38 policemen.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, Page 53, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref> Between March and July 1971 the Argentine newspapers reported 316 armed attacks by the ERP.<ref>Masters of war: Latin America and United States Aggression from the Cuban Revolution through the Clinton Years, Clara Nieto, Page 234, Seven Stories Press, 2011</ref>

On January 19, 1974 60–70 ERP guerrillas traveling aboard captured army trucks attacked the 2,000-strong barracks at Azul outside Buenos Aires, killing Corporal Daniel Osvaldo González, the Commanding Officer of the 10th ''Húsares de Pueyrredon'' Armoured Cavalry Regiment (Colonel Camilo Arturo Gay) and his wife (Hilda Irma Casaux).<ref>[https://www.lanacion.com.ar/editoriales/el-olvido-historico-gran-aliado-de-la-violencia-nid1765534 El olvido histórico: gran aliado de la violencia]</ref>
The guerrillas, dressed in captured Argentinian Army uniforms, held the barracks for seven hours.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZqhfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dzIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3205,4401591&dq= "Argentine Rebels Hold Garrison 7 Hours"]</ref> The guerrillas took the Commanding Officer of the 1st Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Jorge Roberto Ibarzábal hostage in the surprise attack. He would remain in guerrilla hands for 300 days, before 23-year-old university student Sergio Gustavo Dicovsky executed him at a police roadblock on November 19, 1974.

===Cuban involvement===

During the height of Argentine left-wing terrorism, the Cubans used their embassy in Buenos Aires to maintain direct contact with Argentine guerrillas. In 1973, the Montoneros merged with the Cuban-backed Armed Revolutionary Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias'' or FAR) that in 1972 had planted a bomb in the Sheraton hotel in Buenos Aires that killed a Canadian tourist. On February 13, 1974, a clandestine meeting was held in Mendoza, Argentina, and the Junta of Revolutionary Coordination (''Junta de Coordinacion Revolucionaria'' or JCR) was formed. The JCR consisted of four guerrilla groups: the Uruguayan Tupamaros (MLN-T), the Chilean Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) and the Bolivian Revolutionary Army (ELN). The ERP guerrillas set up a guerrilla warfare training school, an arms factory, and a false documentation center in Argentina. These were all shut down in 1975 by Argentinian security forces. In 1976, ERP guerrillas started receiving training in Cuba on an 1800 hectare (7 square miles) estate near Guanabo as well as at another site in Pinar del Rio.

In July 2008, [[Fidel Castro]] admitted that he backed left-wing activists and guerrilla forces in Argentina in order to start an armed revolution: ''"The only place where we didn't promote a revolution was in Mexico. In the rest (of Latin America) we tried, without exception."''<ref>[https://www.pagina12.com.ar/1998/98-07/98-07-04/pag18.htm "Intentamos exportar la revolución a Latinoamérica", reconoció Fidel]</ref>

===PLO involvement===

The first meeting with the Montoneros and the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) representatives took place in 1971, when Montoneros ''comandante'' [[Rodolfo Galimberti]] entered into agreement with [[Saad Chedid]], president of the Center for Arabic Studies in Argentina, to obtain open support for the Palestinian cause within the Peronist movement. In August 1972, Galimberti made his first trip to Lebanon and received the backing from the exiled Juan Perón in Spain.

By late 1972, the first batch of Montoneros started receiving terrorist training in Lebanon. Upon completion of training, they served as political contacts in Europe before setting up administrative headquarters to handle logistics, falsify documents, and traffic arms. The PLO-Montoneros alliance was made public in 1977 when Montoneros commanders [[Mario Firmenich]] and [[Fernando Vaca Narvaja]] flew to Beirut to meet and be photographed with PLO leader [[Yasser Arafat]]. At that time, Arafat and the PLO were receiving much financial and political support from left-wing governments and political parties worldwide.

When the PLO split and [[Al Fatah]] was formed, the new militant wing offered the Montoneros further training camps in Lebanon, military instructors, and heavy weaponry in return for the installation in Southern Lebanon of a plastic explosives factory that had been pioneered by an Argentine civilian supporter of the Montoneros with a PhD in chemical engineering.

In January 1979, the Montoneros leadership publicly announced through its Evita Montonera magazine that it was ready to launch a counteroffensive in Argentina and topple the Military Junta, with the help of the various trade unions and affiliated workers. As a precursor to their final attacks, the Montoneros had targeted the World Cup Football Tournament being held in Argentina in 1978, launching a number of bomb attacks.

The Montoneros commanders had carefully studied the strategy that made possible the Sandinista victory in July 1979 in Nicaragua. Firmenich had even travelled to Managua to study in person the lessons of the Nicaraguan Revolution. As Firmenich declared on the eve of the Sandinista victory: ''"the solution to the crisis experienced in Argentina is to do what is being done in Nicaragua."''<ref>Argentina's "Dirty War": An Intellectual Biography, Donald C. Hodges, University of Texas Press, 2011</ref> The ''comandante'' of the Montoneros commandos (Tropas Especiales de Infantería or TEI) selected to take part in the infiltration in the work factories, Raúl Yager, explained that the purpose of the infiltrations was to assist in promoting open street battles. The conditions were ripe for a revolution, he believed, because the trade union protests had already gained momentum.<ref>"Thus Raúl Yager explained that the purpose of the armed counteroffensive was to assist in promoting a mass insurrection. The conditions were propitious for insurrection, he believed, because the trade union counteroffensive was under way." Argentina's "Dirty War": An Intellectual Biography, Donald C. Hodges, p. 206, University of Texas Press, 2011</ref>

In late 1979, the Montoneros launched their ''"strategic counteroffensive"'' in Argentina, and the forewarned security forces killed more than one hundred of the exiled Montoneros, who had been sent back to Argentina with false passports after receiving special forces training in PLO camps in Lebanon.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170619051140/http://elortiba.org/docmon82.html Estremecedor informe de inteligencia militar durante la dictadura]</ref>

The Montoneros TEI teams that were successfully infiltrated destroyed with bombs the homes of Juan Alemann (Secretary of Housing) on June 21 and Guillermo Walter Klein (Vice Minister of the Economy), after killing the two policemen (Hugo Cardacci and Julio Morenoon) on sentry duty outside, trapping his daughter Marina in the debris on September 27. The Montoneros also targeted businessman Francisco Soldati and his chauffeur, both shot dead by Montoneros disguised as policemen in downtown Buenos Aires on November 13.

According to France's intelligence service [[Deuxième Bureau]], the explosives technology utilized in these attacks would allow the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings to take place that would result in the deaths of 299 US and French peacekeepers in Lebanon.<ref>''"And according to France's intelligence service Deuxième Bureau, the 1983 bombing in Beirut that killed 299 U.S. and French servicemen was carried out with the explosives technology developed by the Montoneros."'' The War of All the People: The Nexus of Latin American Radicalism and Middle Eastern Terrorism, Jon B. Perdue, Potomac Books, Inc, 2012</ref>

===Church involvement===

Some Catholic priests sympathized with and helped the Montoneros. Radical priests, including Father Alberto Carbone, who was eventually indicted in the murder of former President Pedro Aramburu, preached Marxism and presented the early Church fathers as model revolutionaries in an attempt to legitimise the violence.<ref>Argentina: What Went Wrong, Colin M. MacLachlan, p. 136, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006</ref> A Catholic youth leader, Juan Ignacio Isla Casares, with the help of the Montoneros commander Eduardo Pereira Rossi (nom de guerre "El Carlón") was the mastermind behind the ambush and killing of five policemen (Pedro Dettle, Juan Ramón Costa, Carlos Livio Cejas, Cleofás Galeano and Juan Fernández) and the destruction of their patrol car near San Isidro Cathedral in Buenos Aires on October 26, 1975.<ref>30,000 Desaparecidos. Realidad, Mito y Dogma : Hhistoria Verdadera y Manipulación Ideologica, Guillermo Rojas, p. 246, Santiago Apóstol: 2003</ref>

Mario Firmenich, who later became the leader of the Montoneros, was the ex-president of the Catholic Action Youth Group and a former seminarian himself.<ref>Modern Tyrants: The Power and Prevalence of Evil in Our Age, Daniel Chirot, p.281, Free Press, 1994</ref> The Montoneros had ties with the Third World Priest Movement and a Jesuit priest, Father Carlos Mugica.<ref>Encyclopedia of Modern Worldwide Extremists and Extremist Groups, Stephen E. Atkins, p.201, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2004</ref> The Third World Priest Movement believed that the Church could not remain neutral in the conflict between the Peronist and anti-Peronists and a number of priests participated in the armed struggle alongside the guerrillas.<ref>Masters of War: Latin America & United States Aggression from the Cuban Revolution through the Clinton Years, Clara Nieto & Chris Brandt, p.163, Seven Stories Press, 2003</ref>

==Rural guerrilla warfare==

A determined effort on the part of the Argentinian left was made at creating a guerrilla front in Tucumán province. In 1974, Marxist guerrillas led by Roberto Santucho in the form of the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP) took control of the remote province of Tucumán and declared it an independent state.<ref>''ERP guerrillas set up a rural front in Tucuman province in a bid to elevate the insurgency into its final phase, actually claiming liberated areas — liberated, that is, from governmental control.'' Annual of Power and Conflict, Institute for the Study of Conflict, 1976</ref> In 1975 the Argentinian Army 5th Mountain Infantry Brigade was ordered to Tucumán to eradicate the insurgents and restore the province to the Argentinian state.

The Marxist guerrilla campaign in northern Argentina started with no more than 100 men and women of the ERP's ''Compañía de Monte Ramón Rosa Jiménez'' (Mountain Company) and ended with about 300 in the mountains of Tucumán (including reinforcements in the form of the elite Montoneros 65-strong Jungle Company that arrived in February 1976 and latter the ERP's ''Decididos de Córdoba'' Urban Company),<ref>Guerrillas & Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 126, Praeger Paperback, 2001</ref> which the 5th Mountain Brigade and parachute units from 4th Airborne Brigade managed to defeat, but at a cost.

The first ERP attack in Tucumán took place on September 6, 1971, when a platoon attacked the Villa Urquiza Prison and freed twelve convicted terrorist, killing five prison guards in their escape.<ref>''El 6 de setiembre, un comando del ERP al mando de Emilio All asalta el penal de Villa Urquiza en Tucumán, y mata a cinco guardiacárceles.'' 30.000 Desaparecidos: Realidad, Mito y Dogma: Historia Verdadera y Manipulación Ideológica, Guillermo Rojas , p. 176, Editorial Santiago Apóstol, 2003</ref>

Prior to this attack, Montoneros guerrillas operating in the province had shot and killed two policeman (Juan C. Ceballos and Juan Carlos Vallejo) on October 9, 1970.<ref>Los Otros Muertos: Las Víctimas Civiles del Terrorismo Guerrillero de los 70, Carlos Manfroni, Victoria E. Villarruel, Grupo Editorial Argentina, 2014</ref>

During a joint operation in Tucumán Province on July 27, 1972, Montoneros and FAR guerrillas stole weapons and uniforms from a police station, killing two policemen in the process.<ref>''27 de julio: un comando unificado de las organizaciones FAR y Montoneros copó una subcomisaría en Tucumán apoderándose de armas y uniformes. En el hecho mueren dos policías por resistirse.'' Golpe o Revolución: La Violencia Legitimada, Argentina, 1966-1973, María Matilde Ollier, p. 67, EDUNTREF, 2005</ref>

On August 5, 1973, ERP guerrillas in the province shot and killed a police inspector, Major Hugo Tomagnini. On October 4, the Marxist guerrillas struck again in Tucumán, mortally wounding a policeman, Casimiro Reyes Mansilla.

On May 22, 1974, a Police Corporal (Vicente Marcelo Lazarte) succumbs to his wounds, after having been gunned down by ERP guerrillas while on traffic control duties in Tucumán Province.

On September 20, 1974, the ERP guerrillas operating in the province kill another two policemen, Eudoro Ibarra and Héctor Oscar Zaraspe.<ref>Nadie fue: crónica, documentos y testimonios de los últimos meses, los últimos días, las últimas horas de Isabel Perón en el poder, Juan Bautista Yofre, p. 58, Autor, 2006</ref>

On January 5, 1975, an Army DHC-6 transport plane was downed near the Monteros mountains, shot down by Marxist Guerrillas.<ref>''Fue derribado un helicóptero como mínimo —hay gente que dice que nuestros compañeros abatieron dos helicópteros y un avión— y se produjeron alrededor de 60 muertos y numerosos heridos en el enemigo ...'' A Vencer o Morir: PRT-ERP Documentos, Volumen 2, Daniel De Santis, p. 496, Eudeba, 2000</ref><ref>Allí hubo gran acción en combates como el de Acheral, Pueblo Viejo y Famailla donde se volaron mas de 3400 horas. Como consecuencia de los mismos, se produjo el derribo de un Twin Otter, un Piper L-21B y dos Bell UH-1H." Tecnología Militar, Tomo 24, p. 26, Grupo Editorial Mönch. 2002</ref> All thirteen on board were killed.

On 14 February 1975, Senior Lieutenant Héctor Cáceres from the Army Commando Company supporting the 5th Mountain Infantry Brigade, is killed in an ERP ambush near Pueblo Viejo River. Another Army Commando, Lieutenant Rodolfo Ritcher is badly wounded and left wheelchair bound for life. Two Army helicopter gunships attempt to cut off the guerrilla escape route but are repelled by shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles.<ref>[https://www.contextotucuman.com/nota/125341/capitan-hector-caceres-por-proteger-a-un-companero-murio-a-mano-de-los-criminales-idealistas-del-erp.html Capitán Héctor Cáceres: por proteger a un compañero murió a mano de los criminales “idealistas” del ERP]</ref>

The Argentinian Army 5th Brigade (consisting of the 19th, 20th and 29th Mountain Infantry Regiments and commanded by Brigadier-General Acdel Vilas) received the order to move to Famailla in the foothills of the Monteros mountains on February 8, 1975. While fighting the guerrillas in the jungle, Vilas concentrated on uprooting the ERP civilian support network in the towns, using terror tactics later adopted nationwide, as well as a hearts and mind campaign. The Argentinian security forces used techniques no different from their US and French counterparts in Vietnam and Algeria.

In February 1976, in the Battle of El Cadillal, soldiers of the 14th Airborne Infantry Regiment engage the 65-strong Montonero Army Mountain Force sent to Tucumán Province as reinforcements, Corporal Héctor Roberto Lazarte and Private Pedro Burguener from the Paratroop Regiment are killed in the fierce action. Nevertheless, the paratroopers kill several Montoneros guerrillas in the army ambush, including Juan Carlos Alsogaray, commander of the mountain company and son of the former Commander in Chief of the Argentinian Army, Lieutenant-General Julio Alzogaray.

On September 28, 1977 counterinsurgency operations in Tucumán province finally came to an end, with the Argentinian military and police reporting 100 killed and 500 wounded in defeating the guerrillas.

==Urban guerilla warfare==

The Montonero insurgent leadership made a conscious decision to “militarize” the struggle and attack directly the Argentinian police and military forces in the main cities. The political objectives that originally motivated the envisioned proportionate action were sacrificed in favour of military escalation. The groups that were supposedly to bring national and social liberation to the country developed into mirror images of the Argentinian armed forces with their own military banners and uniforms, and legitimizing political-psychological efforts were considered unproductive niceties.

The urban guerrillas operating in Buenos Aires made major headlines on April 5, 1969 when armed members of the Armed Forces of Liberation (''Fuerzas Argentinas de Liberación'' or FAL) attacked the Campo de Mayo Army Barracks and seized 100 automatic rifles from the Elite 1st 'Patricios' Regiment.<ref>[http://jorgenegre.com.ar/web/index.php/2016/01/30/fal-copamiento-regimiento-patricios/FAL: copamiento Regimiento Patricios]</ref>

The leftist militants bombed and destroyed numerous buildings in the 1970s in its campaign against the civilian and military authorities; these belonged chiefly to police and military hierarchies. But a number of civilian and non-governmental buildings were targeted as well, such as the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Buenos Aires, which was bombed in 1972 (killing a Canadian woman, Lois Crozier and injuring her husband Gerry Crozier)<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z94QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yosDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7258,1915009&dq=&hl=en Peronists blamed in Hotel bombing]</ref> and the bombing of a crowded theatre in downtown Buenos Aires in 1975.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wuQeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0EYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2828,4751834&dq=&hl=en Isabel Peron cleared of charge]</ref> In November 1971, in solidarity with striking workers, Montoneros guerrillas seized an Italian car plant in Caseros and set alight and destroyed with gasoline several Fiat 38 vehicles.<ref>The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics, Gabriela Nouzeilles, Graciela Montaldo, p. 382, Duke University Press, 2002</ref> In 1971, the leftist guerrillas killed 57 policemen, and in 1972, despite a heightened alert, the ''guerrilleros'' managed to kill another 38 policemen.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 53, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref>

On February 4, 1972, police corporal Conrado Likay Faldi was shot dead in the Bernal suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>[https://adtomator.com/2014/07/07/los-terroristas-desaparecidos-no-merecen-ser-simbolo-patrio-por-nicolas-marquez/ Los terroristas “desaparecidos” no merecen ser símbolo patrio – Por Nicolás Márquez]</ref> On February 14, 1972, FAL guerrillas supporting urban operations in the Barrio Norte suburb of Buenos Aires, delivered a bomb concealed in a flower bouquet to the house of the ex-Justice Minister Jaime Perriaux, killing three policemen (Roque Russo, Rómulo Salvatierra and Néstor Godoy) and mortally wounding another (Oscar Raúl Pereda) of an anti-explosives unit, and wounding eleven others, including neighbors.<ref>Alétheia, Zacharkow de Marquart, Emilce E., Martinez & Maria Angelica, p. 79, Editorial Dunken, 2014</ref> In July 1972 a bomb planted by Montoneros activists in Plaza de San Isidro in Buenos Aires, wounded three policemen and blinded a fireman (Carlos Adrián Ayala) who died of his injuries in hospital.<ref>In Memoriam, Volume 2, p. 398, El Círculo, 1998</ref> On December 28, 1972, Marine Private Julio César Provenzano, operating on behalf of the ERP guerrillas, is killed while plating a bomb in the men's room of the Argentinian Navy Headquarters.12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1976
UNA "TRAVESURA" DE LOS
JÓVENES IDEALISTAS [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19730331&id=MGo0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=8QkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4256,7005410 Argentine Navy headquarters hit]</ref>

On February 1, 1973, First Lieutenant José Maria Naccarato was killed while driving in the city of Resistencia in Chaco Province when a bomb planted in his car detonated.<ref>[http://www.elojodigital.com/contenido/8379-denuncia-por-privacion-ilegitima-de-la-libertad-contra-miembros-de-la-administracion- Denuncia por privación ilegítima de la libertad contra miembros de la Administración Kirchner, acusados de haber pertenecido al grupo terrorista Montoneros]</ref> On March 6, 1973, urban guerrillas shot dead three policemen (1st Corporal Máximo Maydana and Corporals José Sergio Contreras and Luis María Benítez) at a dance hall in the José C. Paz suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>[http://www.mendozatransparente.com.ar/decada-del-70/el631973fueronasesinadoslospoliciasjosesergiocontrerasmaximomaidanayluismariabenitezdejandountotalde16huerfanos El 6/3/1973 fueron asesinados los policías José Sergio Contreras, Máximo Maidana y Luis María Benítez, dejando un total de 16 huérfanos]</ref> Between September 16 and 17 1974, about 100 Montoneros bombs exploded throughout Argentina against ceremonies commemorating the military revolt which ended Juan Perón's first term as president and foreign companies.

During the month of August 1975, the Argentinian city of Córdoba witnessed a number of armed actions on the part of the local left-wing guerrillas and militants that resulted in the death of at least five policemen (Sergeant Juan Carlos Román, Corporal Rosario del Carmen Moyano and Agents Luis Rodolfo López, Jorge Natividad Luna and Juan Antonio Diaz) and parachute units from the Elite 4th Airborne Infantry Brigade earmarked for deployment in Tucumán Province, were obliged to be called in to stand guard at strategic points around the city for the remainder of the year, after the bombing of the local police headquarters and the police radio communications centre.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vdJGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6XsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3887,3282259&dq= 5 Policemen Dead In Argentina Violence]</ref>

Targets in the bombings included three Ford showrooms; Peugeot and IKA-Renault showrooms; Goodyear and Firestone tire distributors, Riker and Eli pharmaceutical laboratories, Union carbide Battery Company, Bank of Boston and Chase Manhattan Bank branches, Xerox Corporation; and Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola bottling companies. In all, 83 members of the armed forces and policemen were killed in left-wing terror attacks between 1973 and 1974.<ref>State Terrorism in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, and International Human Rights, Thomas C. Wright, pg 102, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007</ref>

On November 13, 1975, three policemen and a leftist were reported killed in shoot-outs in the La Plata suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>Latin America, 1975, Hal Kosut, Chris Hunt, Grace M. Ferrara, p. 41, Facts on File, 1976</ref> On November 16, about 40 Montoneros guerrillas stormed the police station at Arana, 30 miles south of Buenos Aires. Five policemen and one army captain were wounded in this gun- battle.

On December 15 a large Montoneros bomb planted in the Ministry of Defence building in downtown Buenos Aires kills 14 senior officers attending a counterinsurgency meeting.<ref>The Disappeared: Voices From A Secret War, John Simpson, Jana Bennett, p. 95, Robson Books, 1985</ref>

In December 1975 most 5th Army Brigade units were committed to the border areas of Tucumán with over 5,000 troops deployed in the province. There was however, nothing to prevent infiltrating through this outer ring and the ERP guerrillas were still strong inside Buenos Aires. Mario Santucho's Christmas offensive opened on December 23, 1975. The operation was dramatic in its impact, with ERP units, supported by local Montoneros guerrillas, mounting a large scale assault against the army's Domingo Viejobueno supply base in the industrial suburb of Monte Chingolo, south of Buenos Aires. The attackers were defeated and driven off with 53 ERP guerrillas and 9 supporting Montoneros militants from the local suburbs killed.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100513021433/http://www.vocesderesistencia.com.ar/monte-chingolo Monte Chingolo]</ref>

Seven army troops and three policemen were reported killed. In this particular battle the ERP and supporting Montoneros militants had about 1,000 leftist militants deployed against 1,000 government forces.<ref>Review of the River Plate: A weekly journal dealing with commercial financial and economic affairs, 30 December 1975, p. 1021</ref> This large-scale operation was made possible not only by the planning of the guerrillas involved, but also by their civilian supporters who provided them safe houses, supplies and getaway vehicles.

On January 13, 1976, leftists set fire to a Buenos Aires commuter train after forcing passengers to descend at gunpoint.<ref>Peronist Guerrillas Burn Train Near Buenos Aires, ''The New York Times'', 14 January 1976</ref> On January 26, ERP guerrillas supporting Montoneros operations in the suburb of Barracas in Buenos Aires, shoot and kill a female police traffic officer (21-year-old Silvia Ester Rosboch de Campana).<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/celtyv/posts/10155440262373583/ CELTYV - Por las Víctimas del Terrorismo de Argentina]</ref> On January 29, during a raid on the Bendix factory in the suburb of Munro in Buenos Aires, Montoneros shoot and kill Alberto Olabarrieta and Jorge Sarlenga of the factory's management, and an off-duty policeman, Juan Carlos Garavaglio, who had tried to intervene. On February 2, 1976 about fifty Montoneros attacked the Juan Vucetich Police Academy in Buenos Aires in an attempt to capture the helicopter-gunships stationed there,<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qLsSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3vgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6809,70028&dq= "Guerrilla Raid Foiled"]. page 8, ''Spokane Daily Chronicle'' (2 February 1976).</ref> but were repelled in heavy fighting involving police reinforcements. In the week preceding the military coup, the Montoneros killed 13 policemen as part of its renewed offensive aptly named ''Third National Military Campaign''.<ref>Lewis, Paul. (2002). [https://books.google.com/books?id=NtZ3EvNYxjYC&pg=PA125&lpg=PA125 Guerrillas and Generals: the Dirty War in Argentina], p. 125, Greenwood Publishing Group.</ref> On March 15, a powerful guerrilla bomb exploded next to the Argentine Army Headquarters, smashing windows in the nearby Casa Rosada and wounding 15 military personnel and 6 civilians as well as killing a civilian passerby.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e_tQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Jr8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=1543,2038489&dq= Argentine army quarters blasted, The Telegraph Herald, 6 March 1976]</ref> On July 2, 1976, the Montoneros detonated a powerful bomb in the Argentinian Federal Police Headquarters in Buenos Aires, killing 24 and wounding 66 policemen and employees. During 1976, Videla himself narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in which a time bomb planted in the reviewing stand at the vast Campo de Mayo barracks blew out a meter-wide hole at the exact spot where he had been standing.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,946715,00.html "A Monopoly of Force"]. ''Time''. (18 October 1976).</ref>

On September 12, 1976, a Montoneros car bomb destroyed a bus carrying police officers in the City of Rosario, killing nine policemen and a married couple: 56-year-old Oscar Walter Ledesma and 42-year-old Irene Ángela Dib. There were at least 50 wounded in the bomb blast.<ref>[http://ar.geocities.com/ciudadanosalerta/terrorismo/12-09-1976.html 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1976 UNA "TRAVESURA" DE LOS JÓVENES IDEALISTAS]</ref> On September 29, 1976 fierce fighting took place in the Floresta suburb of Buenos Aires, where one-hundred soldiers and policemen were forced to use bazookas and armored cars against heavily armed guerrillas.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7k40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=OWcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1952,5810098&dq= "Troops Clash With Guerrillas"]. ''Sarasota Herald-Tribune'' (29 September 1976).</ref> On October 2, Lieutenant-General Jorge Videla narrowly escaped death when a bomb packed in metal tubing supporting a reviewing stand at the Campo de Mayo army barracks exploded only moments after he left.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KeVVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4OADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6997,382239&dq= Argentina's chief escapes blasts, Eugene Resister-Guard, 3 October 1976]. Google News.</ref> On October 4, 1976, Buenos Aires police foiled a leftist terror attack against American actress Rita Hayworth and members of the local press, during her widely publicized stay in the Sheraton Hotel.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/historia-argentina/2019/06/11/documentos-desclasificados-los-frustrados-atentados-guerrilleros-contra-videla-y-rita-hayworth-durante-la-dictadura/ Documentos desclasificados: los frustrados atentados guerrilleros contra Videla y Rita Hayworth durante la dictadura]</ref> On October 17 a bomb blast in an Army Club Cinema in downtown Buenos Aires killed 11 and wounded about 50 officers and attending family members.<ref>The Disappeared: Voices From A Secret War, John Simpson, Jana Bennett, p. 95, Robson Books, 1985</ref> On December 15, another bomb planted in a Defense Ministry movie hall killed 14 senior officers and injured another 30 military men and accompanying family members.<ref>"Montoneros explode fragmentation bomb in Defense Ministry killing fourteen senior officers and injuring thirty." Argentina, 1943-1987: The National Revolution and Resistance, Donald Clark Hodges, p. 310, University of New Mexico Press, 1988</ref> By the first anniversary of the coup that ousted President [[Isabel Martínez de Perón|Isabel Perón]], 124 soldiers and police had been killed combating left-wing guerrillas and militants<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,918823,00.html?iid=chix-sphere|title=Hope from a Clockwork Coup|work=Time|date=11 April 1977}}</ref> in what the military referred to as, "the Dirty War".

During 1977, in just Buenos Aires alone, 36 police were reported killed combating left-wing guerrillas and militants.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3V8zAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SSMIAAAAIBAJ&pg=2624,506767&dq= Buenos Aires police at war with leftists]</ref>

==Power vaccum==

After the death of the controversial President Juan Perón in 1974, his wife, Isabel Perón, assumed power. However, she was not very strong politically and a military junta led a coup against her and removed her from office. This military junta maintained its grip on power by cracking down on anybody whom they believed was associated with the guerrillas. The new regime under General Jorge Rafaél Videla attempted to apply a monetarist solution to economic problems and launched what it called the war against subversion, which came to be widely known to others as the "Dirty War", in an attempt to completely defeat left-wing guerrilla activity that was out of control by early 1976.

The Baltimore Sun reported in January 1976 on the fighting taking place in Tucumán province:
<blockquote>In the jungle-covered mountains of Tucumán, long known as 'Argentina's garden', Argentines are fighting Argentines in a Vietnam-style civil war. So far, the outcome is in doubt. But there is no doubt about the seriousness of the combat, which involves 2,000 or so leftist guerrillas and perhaps as many as 10,000 soldiers.<ref>"'Viet war' growing in Argentina," James Nelson Goodsell, ''The Baltimore Sun,'' 18 January 1976</ref></blockquote>

==National Reorganization Process ==

With the initial support of the majority of the Argentinian population, the military regime undertook widespread kidnappings, torture, and murder — not only of the violent guerrillas of the left but also civilian supporters in the form of the unarmed leftist political activists, guerrilla sympathizers, and their lawyers and families. The war against subversion was viewed within the military's National Security Doctrine as the beginning of "World War III," which it defined as a struggle against the efforts of communism for world supremacy. In seven years as many as 30,000 Argentines were either killed or imprisoned.

Military victory was achieved after three years of open fighting and a stream of kidnappings, disappearances and imprisonments that brought a total breakdown of due process for those suspected of being connected with the guerrillas. By June 1978 the guerrillas were all but eliminated, and the military junta declared victory. However, the Montoneros launched a counteroffensive in 1979 that resulted in the almost total annihilation of their returning PLO-trained Special Forces. By 1980 the last vestiges of the terrorist groups had died out, and the disappearances had stopped.

In the view of the [[National Reorganization Process]] (''Proceso de Reorganización Nacional'' or ''Proceso''), the eradication of subversion meant not only the guerrillas' activities, but also any form of left-wing activism whether found in the universities, the church, the press, the factory, or even the arts or culture. Building a new national framework required eradicating the Peronists, the left-wing trade unions, parliamentary radicals and leftist revolutionaries. To build the economy required eliminating Cultural Marxism and an industrial sector controlled by a blue-collar worker class sympathetic to the guerrilla movement.

==Victims==

Leftists were viewed with suspicion and tens of thousands were detained at one point: union leaders who agitated for wage increases and militancy in the US and European-owned car plants in Argentina, students who were members of the ''Unión de Estudiantes Secundarios'' (Union of High School Students or UES) that supplied the People's Revolutionary Army with fighters in Tucumán province,<ref>[http://www.offnews.info/verArticulo.php?contenidoID=51345 La Mentira Oficial sobre la Noche de los Lápices]</ref> left-wing journalists like [[Rodolfo Jorge Walsh]] that were not fearful of the dictatorship, human-rights lawyers who defended left-wing guerrillas and militants, young communists, socialists, nuns and priests that had ties with the [[Third World Priest Movement]]. And family members or friends of any of them; people that provided the left-wing guerrillas and militants with safe houses and financial support.

===Children of the Disappeared===

With the return of democracy, human rights groups in Argentina started searching for the grandchildren stolen from detained female guerrillas and civilian supporters and adopted in the military community. At the time, the ''Asociación Abuelas de Plaza de Plaza de Mayo'' claimed that 172 children disappeared together with their parents or were born at the numerous detention camps and had not been returned to their families.<ref>''La Asociación de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, organización creada por las abuelas de los niños desaparecidos, había registrado 172 niños detenidos junto con sus padres o nacidos durante el cautiverio de sus madres, que no habían sido devueltos a sus familias legítimas.'' Restitución de Niños, Asociación de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, p. 60, Editorial Universitaria de Buenos Aires SEM, 1997</ref>

The Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo now claim that 500 grandchildren were adopted by military families. 121 were admittedly located and reunited with their biological families by late 2016 with the announcement that Gustavo Menna, son of Domingo ''Mingo'' Menna, and Ana María ''La Aní'' Lanzillotto (both ERP militants) had been discovered.<ref>[http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/222555/the-story-behind-the-121st-grandchild%E2%80%99s-kidnapping The story behind the 121st grandchild’s kidnapping]</ref> On April 13, 2000, the grandmothers received a tip off that the birth certificate of Rosa Roisinblit's infant grandson, born in detention, had been falsified and the child given to an Air Force civil employee and his wife. Following the anonymous phone call, he was located and agreed to a DNA blood test, confirming his true identity. Rodolfo Fernando, grandson of Roisinblit, is the first known newborn of missing children returned to his family through the work of the grandmothers. Roisinblit's daughter, 25-year-old Patricia Julia Roisinblit de Perez, who was a Montoneros member, was kidnapped along with her husband, 24-year-old José Martínas Pérez Rojo, on October 6, 1978.

The case of Maria Eugenia Sampallo (born some time in 1978) also received considerable attention. Sampallo sued the couple who adopted her illegally as a baby after her parents disappeared, both admittedly Montoneros. Her grandmother spent 24 years looking for her. The case was filed in 2001, after DNA tests indicated that Osvaldo Rivas and Maria Cristina Gomez were not her biological parents. They, along with Army Captain Enrique Berthier, who furnished the couple with the baby, were sentenced respectively to 8, 7 and 10 years in prison for kidnapping during the Kirchner government.

===The PEN Disappeared held in detention camps===

By the time of the coup on March 24, 1976, the number of disappeared held under ''Poder Ejecutivo Nacional'' (PEN) stood at least 5,182. Some 18,000 disappeared in the form of PEN detainees were imprisoned in Argentina by the end of 1977 and it is estimated that some 3,000-4,000 deaths occurred in the Navy Engineering School (ESMA).<ref>''It is estimated that approximately 3,000–4,000 missing persons passed through this camp, of which only a few survived.'' Cultural Heritage , Dallen J. Timothy, Gyan P. Nyaupane, p. 220, Routledge, 2009</ref> These disappeared were held incommunicado and reportedly tortured. Some, like senator Hipolito Solari Yrigoyen and socialist leader professor Alfredo Bravo, were ''detenidos-desaparecidos''. Alicia Partnoy, a poet and member of the Peronist Youth that had links with the ''Montoneros'', also counts as one of the victims who had disappeared but later "reappeared." On November 10, 1977, Colonel Ricardo Flouret and Captain Eduardo Andujar, representing the interior ministry, explained to [[Amnesty International]] that many of the disappeared were in fact guerrillas who had gone underground or fled the country.<ref>Spanish and Latin American Transitions to Democracy, Carlos Horacio Waisman, Raanan Rein, p. 195, Sussex Academic Press, 2005</ref>

By refusing to acknowledge the existence of what was later established to be at least 340 detention camps throughout the country they also denied the existence of their occupants, some 30,000 Argentines are estimated to have passed through the camps. The total number of people who were detained for long periods was 8,625. Among them was future President Carlos Menem, who between 1976 and 1981 had been a political prisoner.

US President Jimmy Carter offered to accept 3,000 PEN detainees, as long as they had no terrorist background.<ref>Iain Guest, Behind the Disappearances: Argentina's Dirty War Against Human Rights & The United Nations, p. 498, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1990</ref> Some 8,600 PEN disappeared were eventually released under international pressure. Of these 4,029 were held in illegal detention centres for less than a year, 2,296 for one to three years, 1,172 for three to five years, 668 for five to seven years, and 431 for seven to nine years.<ref>Sonia Cardenas, Conflict and Compliance: State Responses to International Human Rights Pressure, p. 52,University of Pennsylvania Press, 2007</ref> Of these ''detenidos-desaparecidos'' 157 were killed after being released from detention.

===Casualty estimates===

The New York Times reporter David Vidal wrote on January 5, 1979 that the number of disappeared in Latin America as a whole now numbered 30,000.<ref>"Relatives of Missing Latins Press Drive for Accounting; 30,000 Reported Missing", David Vidal, The New York Times, 5 January 1979</ref> The Christian Science Monitor and The Boston Globe soon followed suit with similar stories, claiming 30,000 people had disappeared under military dictatorships in Latin America and not just Argentina.<ref>Latin America's 'Disappeared' Victims, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 January 1979</ref><ref>Latin American bishops debating church's role, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 February 1979</ref> The Los Angeles Times repeated the claims of 30,000 Latin Americans and not just Argentinians, disappeared in a new article published in October 1979 and November of that year.<ref>A Voice of 'the Disappeared', Los Angeles Times, 21 October 1979</ref><ref>Political Prisoners' Plight in Latin America Told, Los Angeles Times, 5 November 1979</ref> The Nunca Más report issued by the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons (CONADEP) in 1984, identified 8,961 persons "disappeared" between 1976 and 1983, in a case by case verification, and another list of 1,300 victims seen alive in clandestine detention centres.

In 1977, General Albano Harguindeguy, Interior Minister, admitted that 5,618 people disappeared in the form of PEN detenidos-desaparecidos were being held in detention camps throughout Argentina. According to a secret cable from DINA (Chilean secret police) operating in Buenos Aires, an intercepted report by the Argentine 601st Intelligence Battalion in mid-July 1978, which started counting victims in 1975, estimated that up to 22,000 people were missing in Argentina in 1978 (killed or held in detention camps) – this document was first published by John Dinges in 2004.<ref>[https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu//NSAEBB/NSAEBB185/index.htm ON 30th ANNIVERSARY OF ARGENTINE COUP NEW DECLASSIFIED DETAILS ON REPRESSION AND U.S. SUPPORT FOR MILITARY DICTATORSHIP]</ref>

The total number of disappeared in the form of PEN prisoners was 8,625 and of these disappeared 157 were killed after being released from detention. Human Rights Groups in Argentina often cite a figure of 30,000 disappeared, Amnesty International estimates 20,000<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/16/opinion/the-argentine-gulag.html THE ARGENTINE GULAG]</ref> while other observers think 12,000 is a more accurate figure. In 1988, the Asamblea por los Derechos Humanos (APDH or Assembly for Human Rights) published its findings on the disappearances and stated that 12,261 people were killed or disappeared during the Dirty War.<ref>''The Asamblea por los Derechos Humanos (Human Rights Assembly) in Argentina has confirmed the death of 12,261 people during the dictatorship.'' Latin American Dictators of the 20th Century, Javier A. Galván, p. 158, McFarland, 2013</ref> The Montoneros admitted losing 5,000 guerrillas killed, and the ERP admitted 5,000 of their own guerrillas had been killed. By comparison, Argentinian security forces also suffered heavy losses in the form of 523 killed between 1969 and 1975 and another 205 killed between 1976 and 1978. In all, there were 18,331 victims of left-wing terrorism, including 13,000 civilians and close to 5,000 killed, wounded or maimed for life in the military and police forces.<ref>"El 70% de las 18.331 víctimas eran civiles apolíticos, por eso no reclamaron sus derechos al Gobierno. No se conocían, eran sindicalistas, jueces, judíos, católicos, extranjeros... El 30% eran uniformados agredidos en situación de descanso, por lo que son civiles según el derecho internacional." [https://www.abc.es/internacional/abci-victoria-villarruel-entrevista-201112280000_noticia.html «Las víctimas del terror montonero no cuentan en Argentina»]</ref>

There is no agreement on the number of detenidos-desaparecidos. In a 2009 interview with the Buenos Aires daily newspaper Clarín, Graciela Fernández Meijide, who formed part of the 1984 truth commission, claimed that the proven number of Argentinian killed or disappeared was closer to 9,000. Between 1969 and 1979, left-wing guerrillas accounted for 3,249 kidnappings and murders and 5,215 bombings. CONADEP also recorded 458 assassinations (attributed to the Argentinian Anti-Communist Alliance) and about 600 forced disappearances during the period of democratic rule between 1973 and 1976.

In a final report televised on April 28, 1983 as the military prepared their departure, the ruling junta officially declared that the disappeared were all dead but said the military junta had saved the nation by their actions. Human Rights Group, such as the Argentinian League for Human Rights, condemned the junta's final report and claimed at the time, that between 6,000 and 15,000 people had disappeared in Argentina between 1975 and 1979. Some 11,000 Argentinians have applied for and received around US$200,000 each as monetary compensation for the loss of loved ones during the military dictatorship.<ref>''State Terrorism in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, and International Human Rights'', Thomas C. Wright, p. 158, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007</ref> In more recent times, journalist Alfonso Daniels put forward the outlandish claim in an article he wrote for the Daily Telegraph that over 30,000 Argentinians disappeared.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3673470/Argentinas-dirty-war-the-museum-of-horrors.html Argentina's dirty war: the museum of horrors]</ref>

==Military downfall==

Although the military junta carried out its successful war against suspected subversives throughout its entire existence, it was ironically a foreign foe allied with the Chilean military government of General Augusto Pinochet which brought the Argentinian regime to an end. In the early 1980s, it became clear to both the world and the Argentinian people that the military junta was behind the brutal disappearances and imprisonment of tens of thousands of kidnappings. The junta, facing increasing opposition over its human rights record, as well as mounting allegations of corruption, sought to allay domestic criticism by launching a successful campaign to regain ''Las Islas Malvinas'' (the Falkland Islands).

British military historian Martin Middlebrook argues that the military junta occupied the Falklands/Malvinas in order to suppress its opposition, principally the exiled Peronists, because the cost - measured in terms of legitimacy - of suppressing their supporters was relatively low at the beginning of the junta's rule. But the cost of suppression increased over time because of the military regime's ruthless suppression of anyone who supported the guerrillas, its failed economic policies, and its defeat in the Falkland Islands/Malvinas War, and thus it had to tolerate its opposition and eventually return power to civilian authority.

The Falklands/Malvinas Islands had been a thorn in the relations between Argentina and Britain, which reoccupied them in 1833, and Argentina, which claimed them since independence. The junta had thought that it could occupy these islands without a British military response, regaining its popularity and control over its people in the process. However, the government was wrong in its conclusions when 72 days after the initial Argentinian military operations, British army and marine units won the ground war, having captured over 11,000 Argentinians in the process.

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[https://www.britannica.com/event/Dirty-War Encyclopædia Britannica article]

[[Category:Argentina]]
[[Category:Wars]]

Dirty War (Argentina, 1976-83)

2020-03-09T21:23:36Z

Bearbrau: /* Revolutionaries */

The '''Dirty War''' in Argentina, from 1976-1983, was a seven-year dictatorship and counterinsurgency campaign waged by the Argentinian military junta against left-wing guerrillas and supporting civilians. Tens of thousands of Argentinian nationals, both guerrillas and sympathizers among the civilian population, were abducted by military task groups and supporting volunteer civilian [[Triple A]] military death squads often in the middle of the night. They were taken to secret government detention centers where they were eventually released or killed. These people (including survivors from the detention camps) are known as internationally as ''"los desaparecidos"'' or ''detenidos-desaparecidos'' ("the disappeared" or "detained disappeared"). In 2003, The National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons claimed the true number of disappeared to be around 13,000.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/ediciones-anteriores/duda-historica-sabe-desaparecidos_0_B1FG1JglCKl.html Una duda histórica: no se sabe cuántos son los desaparecidos]</ref>

The [[Mainstream media]] often cites the Chilean Secret Police (DINA) report on the estimate by the Argentinian Army's 601st Intelligence Battalion (''Batallón de Inteligencia 601'') of 22,000 disappeared between 1975 and mid-1978, implying they were all killed. However, it was later established that during this period at least 12,000 "disappeared" were in fact detainees held under National Executive Power (''Poder Ejecutivo Nacional'' or PEN), and kept in detention camps throughout Argentina before eventually being freed under diplomatic pressure.<ref>''"Durante la vigencia del estado de sitio entre noviembre de 1974 y octubre de 1983, los organismos de derechos humanos denunciaron la existencia de 12 mil presos politicos legales en las distintas cárceles de 'maxima seguridad' a lo largo de todo el territorio de Argentina."'' [https://web.archive.org/web/20130905061527/http://elortiba.org/pdf/Memoria-de-ex-presas-y-presos-politicos.pdf]</ref>

This unexpected Argentinian military defeat during the Falklands/Malvinas War in 1982 hastened the fall of the unpopular military junta that had lost the propaganda war, turning Argentina into a pariah state, and in mid-1982 Lieutenant-General Reynaldo Bignone (head of the interim government) restored basic civil liberties and retracted its ban on left-wing political parties. The Argentinian military dictatorship ended when [[Raúl Ricardo Alfonsín]]'s UCR (Unión Cívica Radical or Radical Civic Union) civilian government took control of the country on December 10, 1983.

Many people, 7,158<ref>"The justification for the Dirty War was the armed actions of the Montoneros and the ERP. From 1969 to 1979, there were 239 kidnappings and 1,020 murders by the guerrillas. During the same period, however, the military kidnapped 7,844 and murdered 7,850." The Psychology of Genocide and Violent Oppression: A Study of Mass Cruelty from Nazi Germany to Rwanda, Richard Morrock, William Marchak, p. 184, McFarland, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1621505-hablan-de-30000-desaparecidos-y-saben-que-es-falso Hablan de 30.000 desaparecidos y saben que es falso]</ref><ref>[http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1464650-videla-admitio-que-la-dictadura-mato-a-7-u-8-mil-personas Videla admitió la muerte y desaparición de "7 u 8 mil personas"]</ref>-13,000,<ref>[http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2003/10/06/p-00801.htm Una duda histórica: no se sabe cuántos son los desaparecidos]</ref> both Peronist and Marxist guerrillas as well as civilian opponents of the Argentinian military regime were "disappeared". By the end of 1978, 22,000 thousand Argentinians (according to an often-quoted Chilean military intelligence report) had been taken to secret government detention centers where they were killed or eventually freed under international diplomatic pressure.

Terence Roehrig in his book ''The Prosecution of Former Military Leaders in Newly Democratic Nations: The Cases of Argentina, Greece, and South Korea'' (McFarland & Company, 2001) estimates that of the disappeared, ''"at least 10,000 were involved in various ways with the guerrillas"''. Argentinian Justice Minister Ricardo Gil Lavedra, who formed part of the 1985 tribunal for the [[Trial of the Juntas]], later went on record saying, ''"I sincerely believe that the majority of the victims of the illegal repression were guerrilla militants"''.<ref>Amar al Enemigo, Javier Vigo Leguizamón, p. 68, Ediciones Pasco, 2001</ref>

The Montoneros in a statement issued in 1984 acknowledged having lost 5,000 guerrillas killed,<ref>"Firmenich alleged that some 5,000 Montoneros had fallen during the period of repression." Yearbook on International Communist Affairs Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace, pg. 48, Stanford University, 1985</ref> and the Marxist–Leninist People's Revolutionary Army (Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo or ERP) in 2007 admitted the deaths of some 5,000 of their own armed fighters.<ref>[http://www.cedema.org/ver.php?id=2713 A 32 AÑOS DE LA CAÍDA EN COMBATE DEL COMANDANTE MARIO ROBERTO SANTUCHO Y DE LA DIRECCIÓN HITÓRICA DEL PRT-ERP]</ref> Mario Firmenich, the commander of the Montoneros, in a radio interview in late 2001 from Spain said that, ''"In a country that experienced a civil war, everybody has blood on their hands"''.<ref>[http://www.lr21.com.uy/mundo/51817-firmenich-dijo-que-no-mato-a-nadie-inutilmente?utm_source=redirects&utm_medium=www.larepublica.com.uy&utm_campaign=301_Redirects Firmenich dijo que no mató "a nadie inútilmente"]</ref>

The left-wing guerrillas and their support base, were responsible for causing at least 6,000 casualties among the military, police forces and civilian population, according to a [[National Geographic Magazine]] special article published in the mid-1980s.<ref>National Geographic, Volume 170, p. 247, National Geographic Society, 1986</ref>

The leftist guerrillas caused at least 5,000 casualties among the military and police forces, according to a recent article by Spanish journalist Carmen Muñoz from ''Periódico ABC'' in 2011.<ref>"El 70% de las 18.331 víctimas eran civiles apolíticos, por eso no reclamaron sus derechos al Gobierno. No se conocían, eran sindicalistas, jueces, judíos, católicos, extranjeros... El 30% eran uniformados agredidos en situación de descanso, por lo que son civiles según el derecho internacional." [http://www.abc.es/20111228/internacional/abci-victoria-villarruel-entrevista-201112280343.html "Las víctimas del terror montonero no cuentan en Argentina", Periódico ABC, Carmen Muñoz, 28/12/2011]</ref>

==Origins==

The origins of the Dirty War have long been debated, with Professor Patricia Marchak in ''God's Assassins: State Terrorism in Argentina in the 1970s'' and Professor Carlos Marcelo Shäferstein in ''Cien años de subversión en Argentina''<ref>[http://www.lahistoriaparalela.com.ar/2009/06/19/cien-anos-de-subversion-en-argentina/ Cien años de subversión en Argentina]</ref> and historians Alejandro García<ref>La Crisis Argentina, 1966–1976: Notas y Documentos Sobre una época de Violencia Política, Alejandro García, p. 32, EDITUM, 1994</ref> and Antonius C. G. M. Robben arguing the political violence started with the anarchist bombing campaigns and armed uprisings in Buenos Aires and the Patagonia in the 1910s and 1920s. During the Patagonia uprisings in the Santa Cruz province in 1921 and 1922, some 300 anarchist were killed in action or executed by the Argentinian Army.<ref>"Los medios anarquistas hablan de 1500 muertos, la prensa oficial de 300." La Causa Argentina, Juan Archibaldo Lanús (p. 393). Emecé Editores, 1988</ref> During the Buenos Aires uprisings in 1919, some 140 anarchists were killed and several buildings in the capital were burnt down.

Prior to the armed uprisings, several efforts were made to interrupt the celebrations marking 100 years of Argentinian independence on May 25, 1910, including an anarchists handing over a hand-held bomb to a child to take inside a cathedral in Buenos Aires, but the bomb exploded prematurely killing the minor and mutilating another boy.<ref>[BOMBS IN ARGENTINA. BOY BLOWN TO AMOMS]</ref>

On June 28, 1910, another anarchist bomb exploded inside the ''Teatro Colón'' (in the Argentinian capital) and 20 theatregoers were gravely wounded, and the Argentinian senate approved soon after the death penalty for those anarchists responsible for deaths.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Nf9QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JWYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3804,6720471&dq=&hl=en FIND BOMB FACTORY. Argentine Capital Stirred by Uncovering Anarchists Lair]</ref>
On July 9, 1916, an anarchist armed with a hand-gun tried to kill the Argentinian president, Victorino de la Plaza. The attempted assassination took place while the president attended a military parade in Buenos Aires, during the centennial celebrations marking Argentinian independence from Spain.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v6dRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LmgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4473,3490772&dq=&hl=en EFFORT MADE TO KILL PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINE]</ref>

On February 9, 1918, violent strikes took place in the main Argentinian cities and army units were rushed to the affected areas after anarchists sabotaged train lines and burnt carriages transporting wheat to Buenos Aires for exportation.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yQteAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7l8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3282,3532019&dq=&hl=en Anarchy Reigns in Argentina When General Rail Strike Brings Riots]</ref> Argentinian left-wing activists at the time printed and widely distributed, even among conscripts, a newspaper promoting a Communist Revolution in Argentina.<ref>"Los anarquistas simpatizantes de la Revolución Rusa editaban un periódico para los soldados y hacían un activo trabajo en los cuarteles." El Marxismo y la Revolución Argentina, Tomo II, Otto Vargas, p. 152, Editorial Agora, 1999</ref> According to the Buenos Aires police, the anarchists in 1919 held 203 meetings, and two massive street demonstrations in which 429 key figureheads gave speeches.<ref>The Hispanic American Historical Review, 1946, James Alexander Robertson, p. 49, Board of Editors of the Hispanic American Review, 1946</ref> By the end of 1919, Argentina would witness 367 crippling strikes by some 300,000 workers.<ref>The Intelligence War in Latin America, 1914-1922, Jamie Bisher, p. 254, McFarland, 2016</ref>

The first Bolshevik uprising in Argentina took place during the Tragic Week (''Semana Trágica'') in Buenos Aires, which began on January 9, 1919 when striking metalworkers opened fire on a detachment of the 8th Cavalry Regiment under Captain Luis A. Cafferata. Shortly later, a group of strikers shoot and kill an Army NCO, Sergeant Ramón Díaz, as he walked down Pueyrredón Street. In nearby Corrientes Street an Argentinian Army platoon commander, Second Lieutenant Agustín Ronzoni and a civilian are also killed by the armed strikers. A rifle platoon under Sergeant Bonifacio Manzo is ambushed and a company of the 7th Infantry Regiment is forced to use Vickers machine-guns to repel the assembled strikers. Placing the city under martial law, President Hipolito Yrigoyen appointed Army Colonel Luis Dellepiane as the commander of government forces, after which disturbances subsided. The 5th and 12th Army Cavalry Regiments reinforced the Buenos Aires garrison on January 12, and 300 marines and a mountain artillery regiment are also shipped to Buenos Aires. Nevertheless, on the morning of January 13, 1919, anarchists attempted to seize arms and ammunition from a local police station but were forced to retreat after coming under fire from a naval detachment from the Argentinian Navy cruiser ARA 'San Martin'.

The leftist 'Vanguardia' newspaper claimed that over 700 deaths were recorded on Tragic Week, as well as 2,000 injured; with the military crackdown resulting in an estimated 50,000 arrests in the subsequent weeks. Professor Patricia Marchak estimates the real number of workers killed in the uprising and immediate aftermath at more than 100. The conservative 'La Nación' newspaper reported the number of workers killed in the uprising at around 100 and 400 injured.<ref>God's Assassins: State Terrorism in Argentina in the 1970s, Patricia Marchak, p. 47, McGill-Queen's University Press, 1999</ref>

The left-wing violence continued throughout the 1920s. On December 24, 1927 two powerful anarchist bombs went off in two US-owned banks in downtown Buenos Aires, killing two employees.<ref>"El 24 de diciembre de 1927 vuelan las casas centrales del Citibank y el Banco de Boston, con el lamentable saldo de dos muertos. Los Mitos de la Historia Argentina: De la ley Sáenz Peña a los Albores del Peronismo ", Tomo III, Felipe Pigna, p. 111, Grupo Editorial Norma, 2006</ref> On May 23, 1923, the anarchists detonate another bomb inside the Italian consulate in the Argentinian capital, killing 9 and wounding 41, the majority of them Italian-Argentinians.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1913&dat=19280523&id=h4EpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0mYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3534,4255127&hl=en Nine Killed, 41 Injured By Bomb In Buenos Aires]</ref> On December 24, 1929, Argentinian president Hipólito Yrigoyen narrowly survived an attempt on his life. The would-be assassin, 44 year-old Italian anarchist Gualterio Marinelli is killed by the return fire from the protecting police detachment.<ref>[https://www.diariouno.com.ar/pais/el-atentado-contra-el-presidente-yrigoyen-12242015_BkOGII-GHX El atentado contra el presidente Yrigoyen]</ref>

==President Juan Domingo Perón==
[[File:Juan Domingo Perón.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Juan Domingo Perón]]
A military coup overthrew president [[Juan Domingo Perón]] and restored the Argentinian political right to power in 1955. During the subsequent 18 years of exile, Perón used the Argentinian political left and Montoneros guerrillas as a primary means of breaking down law and order. He also used them to unite the left-wing trade unions in favour of Peronism in order to return to Argentinian presidency.

In 1973, as Juan Perón returned from exile, the [[Ezeiza massacre]] took place, marking the end of the alliance between left- and right-wing factions of Peronism.

By early 1974 President Perón had lost the support of the trade unions and its militant workers. Perón withdrew his support of the Montoneros shortly before his death on July 1, 1974.

==President Isabel Martínez de Perón==

Juan Perón's death precipitated a crisis that could be handled neither
by his wife and vice-president nor by her top aid, José López Rega. During the presidency of his widow Isabel, the far-right civilian Argentinian Anticommunist Alliance (''Alianza Anticomunista Argentina'' or Triple A) paramilitary group emerged. Armed struggle increased, and in 1975 Isabel signed a number of decrees empowering the military and the police to ''"annihilate"'' left-wing subversion, most prominently the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP) armed incursion in the province of Tucumán.

The new conservative government also sought to eliminate leftist influence in the education system, particularly the universities,through the appointment of conservative officials to the Ministry of Education. Economic policies were directed at restructuring wages and currency devaluations in order to attract foreign investment in Argentina.

The conservative government soon led to labor unrest in the automotive industry. By mid-1975 devaluations had prompted a price increase that was resented even by
workers whose wages had benefited from a pay rise. At that point the General Confederation of Labour (''Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina'' or CGT) requested an across-the-board 100-percent wage increase that was rejected by the government, thus prompting further labour unrest. Threats of a general strike led to a reshuffling of Isabel's cabinet that failed to satisfy either the CGT or the top military commanders,whose allegiance the administration had been so eager to attract.

In response to the economic chaos and the lack of government political
control of the various provinces, terrorist attacks began to rise.
These were led by leftist organizations such as the Montoneros and the
People's Revolutionary Army, as well as by the AAA. A general feeling
of uneasiness grew as inflation skyrocketed to some 350 percent by the
end of 1975.

López Rega was ousted as Isabel de Perón's adviser in June 1975;
Lieutenant-General General Alberto Numa Laplane, the commander in
chief of the army who had supported the administration through the
López Rega period, was replaced by Lieutenant-General Jorge Rafael
Videla in August 1975. On Christmas Eve, 1975, Videla issued an
ultimatum calling for the government ''"to adopt decisions to resolve
the country's problems."''

As her government struggled with the problems of declining production,
a growing budget deficit, the beginning of hyper inflation, and
left-wing terrorism, the military overthrew her government. On March
24th 1976, exactly 90 days after the ultimatum was issued and shortly
after the CGT had demanded Isabel de Perón's resignation, the armed
forces removed her from the presidency. She was held under house
arrest for several years before moving to Spain in 1981.

According to the International Congress for Victims of Terrorism in 2010, prior to the military takeover in 1976, there were a total of 16,000 victims (including killed, wounded or abducted) of left-wing terrorism in Argentina,<ref>[https://archive.li/DFLEb “Todos podíamos odiar, pero lo que queremos es sonreír cada día”]</ref> including civilians and military personnel.

===Left wing terror in the automotive industry===

Left-wing terrorism in the automotive industry had already started before the presidency of Isabel de Perón: In November 1971, in solidarity with militant car workers, Montoneros guerrillas took over a car manufacturing plant in Caseros, sprayed 38 Fiats with petrol, and then set them alight.<ref>The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics, Gabriela Nouzeilles & Graciela R. Montaldo, p. 382, Duke University Press, 2002</ref> Dr. Oberdan Sallustro, director-general of the Fiat Concord company in Argentina ― which manufactured cars, rolling stock and power generators under license from Fiat of Italy, the parent company ― and an Italian citizen, was kidnapped by ERP guerrillas in Buenos Aires on March 21, 1972 and found murdered on April 10, after having been held in a ''"people's prison"'' in a working-class suburb of the city. On December 2, the bodyguards of a Chrysler Corporation executive were attacked by militants, two were killed and another wounded.<ref>The Problems of U.S. Businesses Operating Abroad in Terrorist Environments, S. W. Purnell, Eleanor Sullivan Wainstein, p. 80, Rand 1981</ref>

On May 21, 1973, Luis Giovanelli, a Ford Motor Company executive, was killed and a female employee was wounded when machine-gunned by the ERP guerrillas in a kidnapping attempt that netted the guerrillas US$1 million from Ford as ''"protection money"''.<ref>Terrorism, Yonah Alexander, p. 224, Crane Russak, 1977</ref> On May 25, ERP guerrillas attempted to kill two Ford Motor Company executives but only wounded them.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 57, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref> On June 3, 1973, militants in Buenos Aires kidnapped Jose Chohelo, a Peugeot representative and later released him for a reported US$200,000.<ref>The Problems of U.S. Businesses Operating Abroad in Terrorist Environments, S. W. Purnell, Eleanor Sullivan Wainstein, p. 75, Rand 1981</ref>

On November 22, 1973, FAP guerrillas ambushed and killed John Swint, the American general manager of a Ford Motor Company subsidiary and three of his bodyguards. On December 29, 1973, the director of Peugeot in Argentina was kidnapped by seven armed leftists. Between June 24–26, 1974, seventeen bombs planted by leftist militants exploded in Buenos Aires, damaging offices, warehouses, showrooms including Ford, General Motors and Fiat dealerships, according to the Bangor Daily News.

On August 27, 1974, during the presidency of Isabel de Perón, FAP guerrillas killed Ricardo Goya, the labour relations manager of the IKA-Renault Motor Company in Córdoba while he was driving to work. On January 8, 1975, Rodolfo Saurnier, manager of an auto parts factory, was kidnapped by Montoneros guerrillas. On 28 July 1975, a bomb of the urban militants exploded at the Peugeot dealership in La Plata. On 9 October 1975 several Molotov cocktails were thrown by militants at Car dealerships in city of Mendoza. On 24 October 1975, Heinrich Franz Metz, production manager of the Mercedes-Benz truck plant in Buenos Aires, was kidnapped by Montoneros guerrillas.

On 29 October 1975, four Montoneros killed the Fiat-Concord personnel manager. On 16 November, militants broke into the home of a Renault executive in Córdoba and took him hostage. On 26 March 1976, two security guards of a Ford executive were killed by militants firing from a car. On 14 April, militants in Buenos Aires killed an executive of the US Chrysler Corporation. On 4 May, militants assassinated a Fiat executive in a suburb of Buenos Aires.

The director of Renault Argentina was badly wounded by plastic explosives concealed in a box of flowers on 27 August. On 10 September a Chrysler executive was killed by militants while leaving his home in Buenos Aires. On 8 October, the Buenos Aires offices of Fiat, Mercedes Benz and Chevrolet were attacked by militants with bombs. On 10 October, Domingo Lozano, Argentine manager of the Renault plant in Córdoba, was shot and killed by Montoneros guerrillas after leaving a church service in Córdoba.

On 18 October 1976, seven months after the government of Isabel de Perón had been ousted, five guerrillas killed Enrique Aroza Garay, an executive of the German-owned Borgward automobile factory. On 3 November, a Chrysler executive, Carlos Roberto Souto, was killed in Buenos Aires by Montoneros. Later the same month, the Montoneros kidnapped Franz Metz, the industrial director of Mercedez Benz in Argentina, but released him five weeks later when the German company agreed to pay a ransom, reportedly US$S 5 million. On 13 October 1977, a Montoneros car bomb detonated outside the home of a Chrysler executive. The businessman was not there, but his guard and a neighbor were killed. On 16 December, Montoneros killed Andre Gasparoux, a top French executive of the Peugeot Motor Company.

===Triple A===

The Argentine Anticommunist Alliance (''Alianza Anticomunista Argentina'' or Triple A) was a right-wing formations of death squads secretly founded in Argentina in 1973 and particularly active under the government of Isabel Perón. Initially associated with the Peronist right, the organisation opposed the Peronist left and other leftist organizations. It collaborated with the military and police to exterminate left wing guerrillas and their collaborators hidden among the civilian population. The paramilitary group was dissolved in 1976 by the military junta, which continued the tactics of the AAA until 1983.

==Revolutionaries==

Argentina experienced three failed attempts at rural guerrilla warfare between 1959 and 1969. At that point, the insurgents decided in favor of urban guerilla warfare. [[Jorge Ricardo Masetti]], leader of the ''Ejército Guerrillero del Pueblo'' (People's Guerrilla Army or EGP), which had infiltrated into Salta Province from Bolivia in 1964, is considered by some as Argentina's first "disappeared", as he went missing after the party militants' defeat in clashes with the Argentine gendarmerie.<ref>[https://latinta.com.ar/2018/05/jorge-masetti-guerrilla-desaparecido/ Masetti, el primer desaparecido]</ref>It seemed obvious that they would be safer and more relevant in crowded cities than in isolated rural areas.

Prior to 1973 the major revolutionary groups were the Peronist Armed Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Peronistas'' or FAP), the Marxist–Leninist-Peronist Revolutionary Armed Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias'' or FAR), and the Marxist–Leninist Armed Forces of Liberation (''Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación'' or FAL). The FAL guerrillas raided Campo de Mayo in April 1969 and stole 100 assault rifles from the elite 1st ''Patricios'' Infantry Regiment.<ref>Los 70, Violencia en la Argentina. p. 119. Ejército Argentino. (Círculo militar, 2001)</ref>

In time these armed groups consolidated, with the FAR joining the Montoneros, formerly an urban group of intellectuals and students, and the FAP and FAL being absorbed into the ERP. In 1970, [[Pedro Eugenio Aramburu]], one of the military leaders of the 1955 coup, was kidnapped and killed by the Montoneros, in its first claimed military action. In 1970, the Marxist People's Revolutionary Army (''Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo'' or ERP) was founded. By the early 1970s, leftist guerrillas kidnapped and assassinated high-ranking military and police officers almost weekly.<ref>Child Survival: Anthropological Perspectives on the Treatment and Maltreatment of Children, Nancy Scheper-Hughes, pg 228, Springer, 1987</ref>

The ERP publicly remained in the forefront. ERP guerrilla activity took the form of attacks on military outposts, police stations and convoys.
In 1971, the left-wing guerrillas killed 57 policemen, and in 1972 the ERP and Montoneros killed another 38 policemen.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, Page 53, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref> Between March and July 1971 the Argentine newspapers reported 316 armed attacks by the ERP.<ref>Masters of war: Latin America and United States Aggression from the Cuban Revolution through the Clinton Years, Clara Nieto, Page 234, Seven Stories Press, 2011</ref>

On January 19, 1974 60–70 ERP guerrillas traveling aboard captured army trucks attacked the 2,000-strong barracks at Azul outside Buenos Aires, killing Corporal Daniel Osvaldo González, the Commanding Officer of the 10th ''Húsares de Pueyrredon'' Armoured Cavalry Regiment (Colonel Camilo Arturo Gay) and his wife (Hilda Irma Casaux).<ref>[https://www.lanacion.com.ar/editoriales/el-olvido-historico-gran-aliado-de-la-violencia-nid1765534 El olvido histórico: gran aliado de la violencia]</ref>
The guerrillas, dressed in captured Argentinian Army uniforms, held the barracks for seven hours.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZqhfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dzIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3205,4401591&dq= "Argentine Rebels Hold Garrison 7 Hours"]</ref> The guerrillas took the Commanding Officer of the 1st Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Jorge Roberto Ibarzábal hostage in the surprise attack. He would remain in guerrilla hands for 300 days, before 23-year-old university student Sergio Gustavo Dicovsky executed him at a police roadblock on November 19, 1974.

===Cuban involvement===

During the height of Argentine left-wing terrorism, the Cubans used their embassy in Buenos Aires to maintain direct contact with Argentine guerrillas. In 1973, the Montoneros merged with the Cuban-backed Armed Revolutionary Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias'' or FAR) that in 1972 had planted a bomb in the Sheraton hotel in Buenos Aires that killed a Canadian tourist. On February 13, 1974, a clandestine meeting was held in Mendoza, Argentina, and the Junta of Revolutionary Coordination (''Junta de Coordinacion Revolucionaria'' or JCR) was formed. The JCR consisted of four guerrilla groups: the Uruguayan Tupamaros (MLN-T), the Chilean Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) and the Bolivian Revolutionary Army (ELN). The ERP guerrillas set up a guerrilla warfare training school, an arms factory, and a false documentation center in Argentina. These were all shut down in 1975 by Argentinian security forces. In 1976, ERP guerrillas started receiving training in Cuba on an 1800 hectare (7 square miles) estate near Guanabo as well as at another site in Pinar del Rio.

In July 2008, [[Fidel Castro]] admitted that he backed left-wing activists and guerrilla forces in Argentina in order to start an armed revolution: ''"The only place where we didn't promote a revolution was in Mexico. In the rest (of Latin America) we tried, without exception."''<ref>[https://www.pagina12.com.ar/1998/98-07/98-07-04/pag18.htm "Intentamos exportar la revolución a Latinoamérica", reconoció Fidel]</ref>

===PLO involvement===

The first meeting with the Montoneros and the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) representatives took place in 1971, when Montoneros ''comandante'' [[Rodolfo Galimberti]] entered into agreement with [[Saad Chedid]], president of the Center for Arabic Studies in Argentina, to obtain open support for the Palestinian cause within the Peronist movement. In August 1972, Galimberti made his first trip to Lebanon and received the backing from the exiled Juan Perón in Spain.

By late 1972, the first batch of Montoneros started receiving terrorist training in Lebanon. Upon completion of training, they served as political contacts in Europe before setting up administrative headquarters to handle logistics, falsify documents, and traffic arms. The PLO-Montoneros alliance was made public in 1977 when Montoneros commanders [[Mario Firmenich]] and [[Fernando Vaca Narvaja]] flew to Beirut to meet and be photographed with PLO leader [[Yasser Arafat]]. At that time, Arafat and the PLO were receiving much financial and political support from left-wing governments and political parties worldwide.

When the PLO split and [[Al Fatah]] was formed, the new militant wing offered the Montoneros further training camps in Lebanon, military instructors, and heavy weaponry in return for the installation in Southern Lebanon of a plastic explosives factory that had been pioneered by an Argentine civilian supporter of the Montoneros with a PhD in chemical engineering.

In January 1979, the Montoneros leadership publicly announced through its Evita Montonera magazine that it was ready to launch a counteroffensive in Argentina and topple the Military Junta, with the help of the various trade unions and affiliated workers. As a precursor to their final attacks, the Montoneros had targeted the World Cup Football Tournament being held in Argentina in 1978, launching a number of bomb attacks.

The Montoneros commanders had carefully studied the strategy that made possible the Sandinista victory in July 1979 in Nicaragua. Firmenich had even travelled to Managua to study in person the lessons of the Nicaraguan Revolution. As Firmenich declared on the eve of the Sandinista victory: ''"the solution to the crisis experienced in Argentina is to do what is being done in Nicaragua."''<ref>Argentina's "Dirty War": An Intellectual Biography, Donald C. Hodges, University of Texas Press, 2011</ref> The ''comandante'' of the Montoneros commandos (Tropas Especiales de Infantería or TEI) selected to take part in the infiltration in the work factories, Raúl Yager, explained that the purpose of the infiltrations was to assist in promoting open street battles. The conditions were ripe for a revolution, he believed, because the trade union protests had already gained momentum.<ref>"Thus Raúl Yager explained that the purpose of the armed counteroffensive was to assist in promoting a mass insurrection. The conditions were propitious for insurrection, he believed, because the trade union counteroffensive was under way." Argentina's "Dirty War": An Intellectual Biography, Donald C. Hodges, p. 206, University of Texas Press, 2011</ref>

In late 1979, the Montoneros launched their ''"strategic counteroffensive"'' in Argentina, and the forewarned security forces killed more than one hundred of the exiled Montoneros, who had been sent back to Argentina with false passports after receiving special forces training in PLO camps in Lebanon.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170619051140/http://elortiba.org/docmon82.html Estremecedor informe de inteligencia militar durante la dictadura]</ref>

The Montoneros TEI teams that were successfully infiltrated destroyed with bombs the homes of Juan Alemann (Secretary of Housing) on June 21 and Guillermo Walter Klein (Vice Minister of the Economy), after killing the two policemen (Hugo Cardacci and Julio Morenoon) on sentry duty outside, trapping his daughter Marina in the debris on September 27. The Montoneros also targeted businessman Francisco Soldati and his chauffeur, both shot dead by Montoneros disguised as policemen in downtown Buenos Aires on November 13.

According to France's intelligence service [[Deuxième Bureau]], the explosives technology utilized in these attacks would allow the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings to take place that would result in the deaths of 299 US and French peacekeepers in Lebanon.<ref>''"And according to France's intelligence service Deuxième Bureau, the 1983 bombing in Beirut that killed 299 U.S. and French servicemen was carried out with the explosives technology developed by the Montoneros."'' The War of All the People: The Nexus of Latin American Radicalism and Middle Eastern Terrorism, Jon B. Perdue, Potomac Books, Inc, 2012</ref>

===Church involvement===

Some Catholic priests sympathized with and helped the Montoneros. Radical priests, including Father Alberto Carbone, who was eventually indicted in the murder of former President Pedro Aramburu, preached Marxism and presented the early Church fathers as model revolutionaries in an attempt to legitimise the violence.<ref>Argentina: What Went Wrong, Colin M. MacLachlan, p. 136, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006</ref> A Catholic youth leader, Juan Ignacio Isla Casares, with the help of the Montoneros commander Eduardo Pereira Rossi (nom de guerre "El Carlón") was the mastermind behind the ambush and killing of five policemen (Pedro Dettle, Juan Ramón Costa, Carlos Livio Cejas, Cleofás Galeano and Juan Fernández) and the destruction of their patrol car near San Isidro Cathedral in Buenos Aires on October 26, 1975.<ref>30,000 Desaparecidos. Realidad, Mito y Dogma : Hhistoria Verdadera y Manipulación Ideologica, Guillermo Rojas, p. 246, Santiago Apóstol: 2003</ref>

Mario Firmenich, who later became the leader of the Montoneros, was the ex-president of the Catholic Action Youth Group and a former seminarian himself.<ref>Modern Tyrants: The Power and Prevalence of Evil in Our Age, Daniel Chirot, p.281, Free Press, 1994</ref> The Montoneros had ties with the Third World Priest Movement and a Jesuit priest, Father Carlos Mugica.<ref>Encyclopedia of Modern Worldwide Extremists and Extremist Groups, Stephen E. Atkins, p.201, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2004</ref> The Third World Priest Movement believed that the Church could not remain neutral in the conflict between the Peronist and anti-Peronists and a number of priests participated in the armed struggle alongside the guerrillas.<ref>Masters of War: Latin America & United States Aggression from the Cuban Revolution through the Clinton Years, Clara Nieto & Chris Brandt, p.163, Seven Stories Press, 2003</ref>

==Rural guerrilla warfare==

A determined effort on the part of the Argentinian left was made at creating a guerrilla front in Tucumán province. In 1974, Marxist guerrillas led by Roberto Santucho in the form of the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP) took control of the remote province of Tucumán and declared it an independent state.<ref>''ERP guerrillas set up a rural front in Tucuman province in a bid to elevate the insurgency into its final phase, actually claiming liberated areas — liberated, that is, from governmental control.'' Annual of Power and Conflict, Institute for the Study of Conflict, 1976</ref> In 1975 the Argentinian Army 5th Mountain Infantry Brigade was ordered to Tucumán to eradicate the insurgents and restore the province to the Argentinian state.

The Marxist guerrilla campaign in northern Argentina started with no more than 100 men and women of the ERP's ''Compañía de Monte Ramón Rosa Jiménez'' (Mountain Company) and ended with about 300 in the mountains of Tucumán (including reinforcements in the form of the elite Montoneros 65-strong Jungle Company that arrived in February 1976 and latter the ERP's ''Decididos de Córdoba'' Urban Company),<ref>Guerrillas & Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 126, Praeger Paperback, 2001</ref> which the 5th Mountain Brigade and parachute units from 4th Airborne Brigade managed to defeat, but at a cost.

The first ERP attack in Tucumán took place on September 6, 1971, when a platoon attacked the Villa Urquiza Prison and freed twelve convicted terrorist, killing five prison guards in their escape.<ref>''El 6 de setiembre, un comando del ERP al mando de Emilio All asalta el penal de Villa Urquiza en Tucumán, y mata a cinco guardiacárceles.'' 30.000 Desaparecidos: Realidad, Mito y Dogma: Historia Verdadera y Manipulación Ideológica, Guillermo Rojas , p. 176, Editorial Santiago Apóstol, 2003</ref>

Prior to this attack, Montoneros guerrillas operating in the province had shot and killed two policeman (Juan C. Ceballos and Juan Carlos Vallejo) on October 9, 1970.<ref>Los Otros Muertos: Las Víctimas Civiles del Terrorismo Guerrillero de los 70, Carlos Manfroni, Victoria E. Villarruel, Grupo Editorial Argentina, 2014</ref>

During a joint operation in Tucumán Province on July 27, 1972, Montoneros and FAR guerrillas stole weapons and uniforms from a police station, killing two policemen in the process.<ref>''27 de julio: un comando unificado de las organizaciones FAR y Montoneros copó una subcomisaría en Tucumán apoderándose de armas y uniformes. En el hecho mueren dos policías por resistirse.'' Golpe o Revolución: La Violencia Legitimada, Argentina, 1966-1973, María Matilde Ollier, p. 67, EDUNTREF, 2005</ref>

On August 5, 1973, ERP guerrillas in the province shot and killed a police inspector, Major Hugo Tomagnini. On October 4, the Marxist guerrillas struck again in Tucumán, mortally wounding a policeman, Casimiro Reyes Mansilla.

On May 22, 1974, a Police Corporal (Vicente Marcelo Lazarte) succumbs to his wounds, after having been gunned down by ERP guerrillas while on traffic control duties in Tucumán Province.

On September 20, 1974, the ERP guerrillas operating in the province kill another two policemen, Eudoro Ibarra and Héctor Oscar Zaraspe.<ref>Nadie fue: crónica, documentos y testimonios de los últimos meses, los últimos días, las últimas horas de Isabel Perón en el poder, Juan Bautista Yofre, p. 58, Autor, 2006</ref>

On January 5, 1975, an Army DHC-6 transport plane was downed near the Monteros mountains, shot down by Marxist Guerrillas.<ref>''Fue derribado un helicóptero como mínimo —hay gente que dice que nuestros compañeros abatieron dos helicópteros y un avión— y se produjeron alrededor de 60 muertos y numerosos heridos en el enemigo ...'' A Vencer o Morir: PRT-ERP Documentos, Volumen 2, Daniel De Santis, p. 496, Eudeba, 2000</ref><ref>Allí hubo gran acción en combates como el de Acheral, Pueblo Viejo y Famailla donde se volaron mas de 3400 horas. Como consecuencia de los mismos, se produjo el derribo de un Twin Otter, un Piper L-21B y dos Bell UH-1H." Tecnología Militar, Tomo 24, p. 26, Grupo Editorial Mönch. 2002</ref> All thirteen on board were killed.

On 14 February 1975, Senior Lieutenant Héctor Cáceres from the Army Commando Company supporting the 5th Mountain Infantry Brigade, is killed in an ERP ambush near Pueblo Viejo River. Another Army Commando, Lieutenant Rodolfo Ritcher is badly wounded and left wheelchair bound for life. Two Army helicopter gunships attempt to cut off the guerrilla escape route but are repelled by shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles.<ref>[https://www.contextotucuman.com/nota/125341/capitan-hector-caceres-por-proteger-a-un-companero-murio-a-mano-de-los-criminales-idealistas-del-erp.html Capitán Héctor Cáceres: por proteger a un compañero murió a mano de los criminales “idealistas” del ERP]</ref>

The Argentinian Army 5th Brigade (consisting of the 19th, 20th and 29th Mountain Infantry Regiments and commanded by Brigadier-General Acdel Vilas) received the order to move to Famailla in the foothills of the Monteros mountains on February 8, 1975. While fighting the guerrillas in the jungle, Vilas concentrated on uprooting the ERP civilian support network in the towns, using terror tactics later adopted nationwide, as well as a hearts and mind campaign. The Argentinian security forces used techniques no different from their US and French counterparts in Vietnam and Algeria.

In February 1976, in the Battle of El Cadillal, soldiers of the 14th Airborne Infantry Regiment engage the 65-strong Montonero Army Mountain Force sent to Tucumán Province as reinforcements, Corporal Héctor Roberto Lazarte and Private Pedro Burguener from the Paratroop Regiment are killed in the fierce action. Nevertheless, the paratroopers kill several Montoneros guerrillas in the army ambush, including Juan Carlos Alsogaray, commander of the mountain company and son of the former Commander in Chief of the Argentinian Army, Lieutenant-General Julio Alzogaray.

On September 28, 1977 counterinsurgency operations in Tucumán province finally came to an end, with the Argentinian military and police reporting 100 killed and 500 wounded in defeating the guerrillas.

==Urban guerilla warfare==

The Montonero insurgent leadership made a conscious decision to “militarize” the struggle and attack directly the Argentinian police and military forces in the main cities. The political objectives that originally motivated the envisioned proportionate action were sacrificed in favour of military escalation. The groups that were supposedly to bring national and social liberation to the country developed into mirror images of the Argentinian armed forces with their own military banners and uniforms, and legitimizing political-psychological efforts were considered unproductive niceties.

The urban guerrillas operating in Buenos Aires made major headlines on April 5, 1969 when armed members of the Armed Forces of Liberation (''Fuerzas Argentinas de Liberación'' or FAL) attacked the Campo de Mayo Army Barracks and seized 100 automatic rifles from the Elite 1st 'Patricios' Regiment.<ref>[http://jorgenegre.com.ar/web/index.php/2016/01/30/fal-copamiento-regimiento-patricios/FAL: copamiento Regimiento Patricios]</ref>

The leftist militants bombed and destroyed numerous buildings in the 1970s in its campaign against the civilian and military authorities; these belonged chiefly to police and military hierarchies. But a number of civilian and non-governmental buildings were targeted as well, such as the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Buenos Aires, which was bombed in 1972 (killing a Canadian woman, Lois Crozier and injuring her husband Gerry Crozier)<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z94QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yosDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7258,1915009&dq=&hl=en Peronists blamed in Hotel bombing]</ref> and the bombing of a crowded theatre in downtown Buenos Aires in 1975.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wuQeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0EYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2828,4751834&dq=&hl=en Isabel Peron cleared of charge]</ref> In November 1971, in solidarity with striking workers, Montoneros guerrillas seized an Italian car plant in Caseros and set alight and destroyed with gasoline several Fiat 38 vehicles.<ref>The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics, Gabriela Nouzeilles, Graciela Montaldo, p. 382, Duke University Press, 2002</ref> In 1971, the leftist guerrillas killed 57 policemen, and in 1972, despite a heightened alert, the ''guerrilleros'' managed to kill another 38 policemen.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 53, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref>

On February 4, 1972, police corporal Conrado Likay Faldi was shot dead in the Bernal suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>[https://adtomator.com/2014/07/07/los-terroristas-desaparecidos-no-merecen-ser-simbolo-patrio-por-nicolas-marquez/ Los terroristas “desaparecidos” no merecen ser símbolo patrio – Por Nicolás Márquez]</ref> On February 14, 1972, FAL guerrillas supporting urban operations in the Barrio Norte suburb of Buenos Aires, delivered a bomb concealed in a flower bouquet to the house of the ex-Justice Minister Jaime Perriaux, killing three policemen (Roque Russo, Rómulo Salvatierra and Néstor Godoy) and mortally wounding another (Oscar Raúl Pereda) of an anti-explosives unit, and wounding eleven others, including neighbors.<ref>Alétheia, Zacharkow de Marquart, Emilce E., Martinez & Maria Angelica, p. 79, Editorial Dunken, 2014</ref> In July 1972 a bomb planted by Montoneros activists in Plaza de San Isidro in Buenos Aires, wounded three policemen and blinded a fireman (Carlos Adrián Ayala) who died of his injuries in hospital.<ref>In Memoriam, Volume 2, p. 398, El Círculo, 1998</ref> On December 28, 1972, Marine Private Julio César Provenzano, operating on behalf of the ERP guerrillas, is killed while plating a bomb in the men's room of the Argentinian Navy Headquarters.12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1976
UNA "TRAVESURA" DE LOS
JÓVENES IDEALISTAS [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19730331&id=MGo0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=8QkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4256,7005410 Argentine Navy headquarters hit]</ref>

On February 1, 1973, First Lieutenant José Maria Naccarato was killed while driving in the city of Resistencia in Chaco Province when a bomb planted in his car detonated.<ref>[http://www.elojodigital.com/contenido/8379-denuncia-por-privacion-ilegitima-de-la-libertad-contra-miembros-de-la-administracion- Denuncia por privación ilegítima de la libertad contra miembros de la Administración Kirchner, acusados de haber pertenecido al grupo terrorista Montoneros]</ref> On March 6, 1973, urban guerrillas shot dead three policemen (1st Corporal Máximo Maydana and Corporals José Sergio Contreras and Luis María Benítez) at a dance hall in the José C. Paz suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>[http://www.mendozatransparente.com.ar/decada-del-70/el631973fueronasesinadoslospoliciasjosesergiocontrerasmaximomaidanayluismariabenitezdejandountotalde16huerfanos El 6/3/1973 fueron asesinados los policías José Sergio Contreras, Máximo Maidana y Luis María Benítez, dejando un total de 16 huérfanos]</ref> Between September 16 and 17 1974, about 100 Montoneros bombs exploded throughout Argentina against ceremonies commemorating the military revolt which ended Juan Perón's first term as president and foreign companies.

During the month of August 1975, the Argentinian city of Córdoba witnessed a number of armed actions on the part of the local left-wing guerrillas and militants that resulted in the death of at least five policemen (Sergeant Juan Carlos Román, Corporal Rosario del Carmen Moyano and Agents Luis Rodolfo López, Jorge Natividad Luna and Juan Antonio Diaz) and parachute units from the Elite 4th Airborne Infantry Brigade earmarked for deployment in Tucumán Province, were obliged to be called in to stand guard at strategic points around the city for the remainder of the year, after the bombing of the local police headquarters and the police radio communications centre.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vdJGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6XsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3887,3282259&dq= 5 Policemen Dead In Argentina Violence]</ref>

Targets in the bombings included three Ford showrooms; Peugeot and IKA-Renault showrooms; Goodyear and Firestone tire distributors, Riker and Eli pharmaceutical laboratories, Union carbide Battery Company, Bank of Boston and Chase Manhattan Bank branches, Xerox Corporation; and Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola bottling companies. In all, 83 members of the armed forces and policemen were killed in left-wing terror attacks between 1973 and 1974.<ref>State Terrorism in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, and International Human Rights, Thomas C. Wright, pg 102, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007</ref>

On November 13, 1975, three policemen and a leftist were reported killed in shoot-outs in the La Plata suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>Latin America, 1975, Hal Kosut, Chris Hunt, Grace M. Ferrara, p. 41, Facts on File, 1976</ref> On November 16, about 40 Montoneros guerrillas stormed the police station at Arana, 30 miles south of Buenos Aires. Five policemen and one army captain were wounded in this gun- battle.

On December 15 a large Montoneros bomb planted in the Ministry of Defence building in downtown Buenos Aires kills 14 senior officers attending a counterinsurgency meeting.<ref>The Disappeared: Voices From A Secret War, John Simpson, Jana Bennett, p. 95, Robson Books, 1985</ref>

In December 1975 most 5th Army Brigade units were committed to the border areas of Tucumán with over 5,000 troops deployed in the province. There was however, nothing to prevent infiltrating through this outer ring and the ERP guerrillas were still strong inside Buenos Aires. Mario Santucho's Christmas offensive opened on December 23, 1975. The operation was dramatic in its impact, with ERP units, supported by local Montoneros guerrillas, mounting a large scale assault against the army's Domingo Viejobueno supply base in the industrial suburb of Monte Chingolo, south of Buenos Aires. The attackers were defeated and driven off with 53 ERP guerrillas and 9 supporting Montoneros militants from the local suburbs killed.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100513021433/http://www.vocesderesistencia.com.ar/monte-chingolo Monte Chingolo]</ref>

Seven army troops and three policemen were reported killed. In this particular battle the ERP and supporting Montoneros militants had about 1,000 leftist militants deployed against 1,000 government forces.<ref>Review of the River Plate: A weekly journal dealing with commercial financial and economic affairs, 30 December 1975, p. 1021</ref> This large-scale operation was made possible not only by the planning of the guerrillas involved, but also by their civilian supporters who provided them safe houses, supplies and getaway vehicles.

On January 13, 1976, leftists set fire to a Buenos Aires commuter train after forcing passengers to descend at gunpoint.<ref>Peronist Guerrillas Burn Train Near Buenos Aires, ''The New York Times'', 14 January 1976</ref> On January 26, ERP guerrillas supporting Montoneros operations in the suburb of Barracas in Buenos Aires, shoot and kill a female police traffic officer (21-year-old Silvia Ester Rosboch de Campana).<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/celtyv/posts/10155440262373583/ CELTYV - Por las Víctimas del Terrorismo de Argentina]</ref> On January 29, during a raid on the Bendix factory in the suburb of Munro in Buenos Aires, Montoneros shoot and kill Alberto Olabarrieta and Jorge Sarlenga of the factory's management, and an off-duty policeman, Juan Carlos Garavaglio, who had tried to intervene. On February 2, 1976 about fifty Montoneros attacked the Juan Vucetich Police Academy in Buenos Aires in an attempt to capture the helicopter-gunships stationed there,<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qLsSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3vgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6809,70028&dq= "Guerrilla Raid Foiled"]. page 8, ''Spokane Daily Chronicle'' (2 February 1976).</ref> but were repelled in heavy fighting involving police reinforcements. In the week preceding the military coup, the Montoneros killed 13 policemen as part of its renewed offensive aptly named ''Third National Military Campaign''.<ref>Lewis, Paul. (2002). [https://books.google.com/books?id=NtZ3EvNYxjYC&pg=PA125&lpg=PA125 Guerrillas and Generals: the Dirty War in Argentina], p. 125, Greenwood Publishing Group.</ref> On March 15, a powerful guerrilla bomb exploded next to the Argentine Army Headquarters, smashing windows in the nearby Casa Rosada and wounding 15 military personnel and 6 civilians as well as killing a civilian passerby.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e_tQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Jr8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=1543,2038489&dq= Argentine army quarters blasted, The Telegraph Herald, 6 March 1976]</ref> On July 2, 1976, the Montoneros detonated a powerful bomb in the Argentinian Federal Police Headquarters in Buenos Aires, killing 24 and wounding 66 policemen and employees. During 1976, Videla himself narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in which a time bomb planted in the reviewing stand at the vast Campo de Mayo barracks blew out a meter-wide hole at the exact spot where he had been standing.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,946715,00.html "A Monopoly of Force"]. ''Time''. (18 October 1976).</ref>

On September 12, 1976, a Montoneros car bomb destroyed a bus carrying police officers in the City of Rosario, killing nine policemen and a married couple: 56-year-old Oscar Walter Ledesma and 42-year-old Irene Ángela Dib. There were at least 50 wounded in the bomb blast.<ref>[http://ar.geocities.com/ciudadanosalerta/terrorismo/12-09-1976.html 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1976 UNA "TRAVESURA" DE LOS JÓVENES IDEALISTAS]</ref> On September 29, 1976 fierce fighting took place in the Floresta suburb of Buenos Aires, where one-hundred soldiers and policemen were forced to use bazookas and armored cars against heavily armed guerrillas.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7k40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=OWcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1952,5810098&dq= "Troops Clash With Guerrillas"]. ''Sarasota Herald-Tribune'' (29 September 1976).</ref> On October 2, Lieutenant-General Jorge Videla narrowly escaped death when a bomb packed in metal tubing supporting a reviewing stand at the Campo de Mayo army barracks exploded only moments after he left.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KeVVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4OADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6997,382239&dq= Argentina's chief escapes blasts, Eugene Resister-Guard, 3 October 1976]. Google News.</ref> On October 4, 1976, Buenos Aires police foiled a leftist terror attack against American actress Rita Hayworth and members of the local press, during her widely publicized stay in the Sheraton Hotel.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/historia-argentina/2019/06/11/documentos-desclasificados-los-frustrados-atentados-guerrilleros-contra-videla-y-rita-hayworth-durante-la-dictadura/ Documentos desclasificados: los frustrados atentados guerrilleros contra Videla y Rita Hayworth durante la dictadura]</ref> On October 17 a bomb blast in an Army Club Cinema in downtown Buenos Aires killed 11 and wounded about 50 officers and attending family members.<ref>The Disappeared: Voices From A Secret War, John Simpson, Jana Bennett, p. 95, Robson Books, 1985</ref> On December 15, another bomb planted in a Defense Ministry movie hall killed 14 senior officers and injured another 30 military men and accompanying family members.<ref>"Montoneros explode fragmentation bomb in Defense Ministry killing fourteen senior officers and injuring thirty." Argentina, 1943-1987: The National Revolution and Resistance, Donald Clark Hodges, p. 310, University of New Mexico Press, 1988</ref> By the first anniversary of the coup that ousted President [[Isabel Martínez de Perón|Isabel Perón]], 124 soldiers and police had been killed combating left-wing guerrillas and militants<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,918823,00.html?iid=chix-sphere|title=Hope from a Clockwork Coup|work=Time|date=11 April 1977}}</ref> in what the military referred to as, "the Dirty War".

During 1977, in just Buenos Aires alone, 36 police were reported killed combating left-wing guerrillas and militants.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3V8zAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SSMIAAAAIBAJ&pg=2624,506767&dq= Buenos Aires police at war with leftists]</ref>

==Power vaccum==

After the death of the controversial President Juan Perón in 1974, his wife, Isabel Perón, assumed power. However, she was not very strong politically and a military junta led a coup against her and removed her from office. This military junta maintained its grip on power by cracking down on anybody whom they believed was associated with the guerrillas. The new regime under General Jorge Rafaél Videla attempted to apply a monetarist solution to economic problems and launched what it called the war against subversion, which came to be widely known to others as the "Dirty War", in an attempt to completely defeat left-wing guerrilla activity that was out of control by early 1976.

The Baltimore Sun reported in January 1976 on the fighting taking place in Tucumán province:
<blockquote>In the jungle-covered mountains of Tucumán, long known as 'Argentina's garden', Argentines are fighting Argentines in a Vietnam-style civil war. So far, the outcome is in doubt. But there is no doubt about the seriousness of the combat, which involves 2,000 or so leftist guerrillas and perhaps as many as 10,000 soldiers.<ref>"'Viet war' growing in Argentina," James Nelson Goodsell, ''The Baltimore Sun,'' 18 January 1976</ref></blockquote>

==National Reorganization Process ==

With the initial support of the majority of the Argentinian population, the military regime undertook widespread kidnappings, torture, and murder — not only of the violent guerrillas of the left but also civilian supporters in the form of the unarmed leftist political activists, guerrilla sympathizers, and their lawyers and families. The war against subversion was viewed within the military's National Security Doctrine as the beginning of "World War III," which it defined as a struggle against the efforts of communism for world supremacy. In seven years as many as 30,000 Argentines were either killed or imprisoned.

Military victory was achieved after three years of open fighting and a stream of kidnappings, disappearances and imprisonments that brought a total breakdown of due process for those suspected of being connected with the guerrillas. By June 1978 the guerrillas were all but eliminated, and the military junta declared victory. However, the Montoneros launched a counteroffensive in 1979 that resulted in the almost total annihilation of their returning PLO-trained Special Forces. By 1980 the last vestiges of the terrorist groups had died out, and the disappearances had stopped.

In the view of the [[National Reorganization Process]] (''Proceso de Reorganización Nacional'' or ''Proceso''), the eradication of subversion meant not only the guerrillas' activities, but also any form of left-wing activism whether found in the universities, the church, the press, the factory, or even the arts or culture. Building a new national framework required eradicating the Peronists, the left-wing trade unions, parliamentary radicals and leftist revolutionaries. To build the economy required eliminating Cultural Marxism and an industrial sector controlled by a blue-collar worker class sympathetic to the guerrilla movement.

==Victims==

Leftists were viewed with suspicion and tens of thousands were detained at one point: union leaders who agitated for wage increases and militancy in the US and European-owned car plants in Argentina, students who were members of the ''Unión de Estudiantes Secundarios'' (Union of High School Students or UES) that supplied the People's Revolutionary Army with fighters in Tucumán province,<ref>[http://www.offnews.info/verArticulo.php?contenidoID=51345 La Mentira Oficial sobre la Noche de los Lápices]</ref> left-wing journalists like [[Rodolfo Jorge Walsh]] that were not fearful of the dictatorship, human-rights lawyers who defended left-wing guerrillas and militants, young communists, socialists, nuns and priests that had ties with the [[Third World Priest Movement]]. And family members or friends of any of them; people that provided the left-wing guerrillas and militants with safe houses and financial support.

===Children of the Disappeared===

With the return of democracy, human rights groups in Argentina started searching for the grandchildren stolen from detained female guerrillas and civilian supporters and adopted in the military community. At the time, the ''Asociación Abuelas de Plaza de Plaza de Mayo'' claimed that 172 children disappeared together with their parents or were born at the numerous detention camps and had not been returned to their families.<ref>''La Asociación de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, organización creada por las abuelas de los niños desaparecidos, había registrado 172 niños detenidos junto con sus padres o nacidos durante el cautiverio de sus madres, que no habían sido devueltos a sus familias legítimas.'' Restitución de Niños, Asociación de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, p. 60, Editorial Universitaria de Buenos Aires SEM, 1997</ref>

The Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo now claim that 500 grandchildren were adopted by military families. 121 were admittedly located and reunited with their biological families by late 2016 with the announcement that Gustavo Menna, son of Domingo ''Mingo'' Menna, and Ana María ''La Aní'' Lanzillotto (both ERP militants) had been discovered.<ref>[http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/222555/the-story-behind-the-121st-grandchild%E2%80%99s-kidnapping The story behind the 121st grandchild’s kidnapping]</ref> On April 13, 2000, the grandmothers received a tip off that the birth certificate of Rosa Roisinblit's infant grandson, born in detention, had been falsified and the child given to an Air Force civil employee and his wife. Following the anonymous phone call, he was located and agreed to a DNA blood test, confirming his true identity. Rodolfo Fernando, grandson of Roisinblit, is the first known newborn of missing children returned to his family through the work of the grandmothers. Roisinblit's daughter, 25-year-old Patricia Julia Roisinblit de Perez, who was a Montoneros member, was kidnapped along with her husband, 24-year-old José Martínas Pérez Rojo, on October 6, 1978.

The case of Maria Eugenia Sampallo (born some time in 1978) also received considerable attention. Sampallo sued the couple who adopted her illegally as a baby after her parents disappeared, both admittedly Montoneros. Her grandmother spent 24 years looking for her. The case was filed in 2001, after DNA tests indicated that Osvaldo Rivas and Maria Cristina Gomez were not her biological parents. They, along with Army Captain Enrique Berthier, who furnished the couple with the baby, were sentenced respectively to 8, 7 and 10 years in prison for kidnapping during the Kirchner government.

===The PEN Disappeared held in detention camps===

By the time of the coup on March 24, 1976, the number of disappeared held under ''Poder Ejecutivo Nacional'' (PEN) stood at least 5,182. Some 18,000 disappeared in the form of PEN detainees were imprisoned in Argentina by the end of 1977 and it is estimated that some 3,000-4,000 deaths occurred in the Navy Engineering School (ESMA).<ref>''It is estimated that approximately 3,000–4,000 missing persons passed through this camp, of which only a few survived.'' Cultural Heritage , Dallen J. Timothy, Gyan P. Nyaupane, p. 220, Routledge, 2009</ref> These disappeared were held incommunicado and reportedly tortured. Some, like senator Hipolito Solari Yrigoyen and socialist leader professor Alfredo Bravo, were ''detenidos-desaparecidos''. Alicia Partnoy, a poet and member of the Peronist Youth that had links with the ''Montoneros'', also counts as one of the victims who had disappeared but later "reappeared." On November 10, 1977, Colonel Ricardo Flouret and Captain Eduardo Andujar, representing the interior ministry, explained to [[Amnesty International]] that many of the disappeared were in fact guerrillas who had gone underground or fled the country.<ref>Spanish and Latin American Transitions to Democracy, Carlos Horacio Waisman, Raanan Rein, p. 195, Sussex Academic Press, 2005</ref>

By refusing to acknowledge the existence of what was later established to be at least 340 detention camps throughout the country they also denied the existence of their occupants, some 30,000 Argentines are estimated to have passed through the camps. The total number of people who were detained for long periods was 8,625. Among them was future President Carlos Menem, who between 1976 and 1981 had been a political prisoner.

US President Jimmy Carter offered to accept 3,000 PEN detainees, as long as they had no terrorist background.<ref>Iain Guest, Behind the Disappearances: Argentina's Dirty War Against Human Rights & The United Nations, p. 498, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1990</ref> Some 8,600 PEN disappeared were eventually released under international pressure. Of these 4,029 were held in illegal detention centres for less than a year, 2,296 for one to three years, 1,172 for three to five years, 668 for five to seven years, and 431 for seven to nine years.<ref>Sonia Cardenas, Conflict and Compliance: State Responses to International Human Rights Pressure, p. 52,University of Pennsylvania Press, 2007</ref> Of these ''detenidos-desaparecidos'' 157 were killed after being released from detention.

===Casualty estimates===

The New York Times reporter David Vidal wrote on January 5, 1979 that the number of disappeared in Latin America as a whole now numbered 30,000.<ref>"Relatives of Missing Latins Press Drive for Accounting; 30,000 Reported Missing", David Vidal, The New York Times, 5 January 1979</ref> The Christian Science Monitor and The Boston Globe soon followed suit with similar stories, claiming 30,000 people had disappeared under military dictatorships in Latin America and not just Argentina.<ref>Latin America's 'Disappeared' Victims, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 January 1979</ref><ref>Latin American bishops debating church's role, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 February 1979</ref> The Los Angeles Times repeated the claims of 30,000 Latin Americans and not just Argentinians, disappeared in a new article published in October 1979 and November of that year.<ref>A Voice of 'the Disappeared', Los Angeles Times, 21 October 1979</ref><ref>Political Prisoners' Plight in Latin America Told, Los Angeles Times, 5 November 1979</ref> The Nunca Más report issued by the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons (CONADEP) in 1984, identified 8,961 persons "disappeared" between 1976 and 1983, in a case by case verification, and another list of 1,300 victims seen alive in clandestine detention centres.

In 1977, General Albano Harguindeguy, Interior Minister, admitted that 5,618 people disappeared in the form of PEN detenidos-desaparecidos were being held in detention camps throughout Argentina. According to a secret cable from DINA (Chilean secret police) operating in Buenos Aires, an intercepted report by the Argentine 601st Intelligence Battalion in mid-July 1978, which started counting victims in 1975, estimated that up to 22,000 people were missing in Argentina in 1978 (killed or held in detention camps) – this document was first published by John Dinges in 2004.<ref>[https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu//NSAEBB/NSAEBB185/index.htm ON 30th ANNIVERSARY OF ARGENTINE COUP NEW DECLASSIFIED DETAILS ON REPRESSION AND U.S. SUPPORT FOR MILITARY DICTATORSHIP]</ref>

The total number of disappeared in the form of PEN prisoners was 8,625 and of these disappeared 157 were killed after being released from detention. Human Rights Groups in Argentina often cite a figure of 30,000 disappeared, Amnesty International estimates 20,000<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/16/opinion/the-argentine-gulag.html THE ARGENTINE GULAG]</ref> while other observers think 12,000 is a more accurate figure. In 1988, the Asamblea por los Derechos Humanos (APDH or Assembly for Human Rights) published its findings on the disappearances and stated that 12,261 people were killed or disappeared during the Dirty War.<ref>''The Asamblea por los Derechos Humanos (Human Rights Assembly) in Argentina has confirmed the death of 12,261 people during the dictatorship.'' Latin American Dictators of the 20th Century, Javier A. Galván, p. 158, McFarland, 2013</ref> The Montoneros admitted losing 5,000 guerrillas killed, and the ERP admitted 5,000 of their own guerrillas had been killed. By comparison, Argentinian security forces also suffered heavy losses in the form of 523 killed between 1969 and 1975 and another 205 killed between 1976 and 1978. In all, there were 18,331 victims of left-wing terrorism, including 13,000 civilians and close to 5,000 killed, wounded or maimed for life in the military and police forces.<ref>"El 70% de las 18.331 víctimas eran civiles apolíticos, por eso no reclamaron sus derechos al Gobierno. No se conocían, eran sindicalistas, jueces, judíos, católicos, extranjeros... El 30% eran uniformados agredidos en situación de descanso, por lo que son civiles según el derecho internacional." [https://www.abc.es/internacional/abci-victoria-villarruel-entrevista-201112280000_noticia.html «Las víctimas del terror montonero no cuentan en Argentina»]</ref>

There is no agreement on the number of detenidos-desaparecidos. In a 2009 interview with the Buenos Aires daily newspaper Clarín, Graciela Fernández Meijide, who formed part of the 1984 truth commission, claimed that the proven number of Argentinian killed or disappeared was closer to 9,000. Between 1969 and 1979, left-wing guerrillas accounted for 3,249 kidnappings and murders and 5,215 bombings. CONADEP also recorded 458 assassinations (attributed to the Argentinian Anti-Communist Alliance) and about 600 forced disappearances during the period of democratic rule between 1973 and 1976.

In a final report televised on April 28, 1983 as the military prepared their departure, the ruling junta officially declared that the disappeared were all dead but said the military junta had saved the nation by their actions. Human Rights Group, such as the Argentinian League for Human Rights, condemned the junta's final report and claimed at the time, that between 6,000 and 15,000 people had disappeared in Argentina between 1975 and 1979. Some 11,000 Argentinians have applied for and received around US$200,000 each as monetary compensation for the loss of loved ones during the military dictatorship.<ref>''State Terrorism in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, and International Human Rights'', Thomas C. Wright, p. 158, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007</ref> In more recent times, journalist Alfonso Daniels put forward the outlandish claim in an article he wrote for the Daily Telegraph that over 30,000 Argentinians disappeared.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3673470/Argentinas-dirty-war-the-museum-of-horrors.html Argentina's dirty war: the museum of horrors]</ref>

==Military downfall==

Although the military junta carried out its successful war against suspected subversives throughout its entire existence, it was ironically a foreign foe allied with the Chilean military government of General Augusto Pinochet which brought the Argentinian regime to an end. In the early 1980s, it became clear to both the world and the Argentinian people that the military junta was behind the brutal disappearances and imprisonment of tens of thousands of kidnappings. The junta, facing increasing opposition over its human rights record, as well as mounting allegations of corruption, sought to allay domestic criticism by launching a successful campaign to regain ''Las Islas Malvinas'' (the Falkland Islands).

British military historian Martin Middlebrook argues that the military junta occupied the Falklands/Malvinas in order to suppress its opposition, principally the exiled Peronists, because the cost - measured in terms of legitimacy - of suppressing their supporters was relatively low at the beginning of the junta's rule. But the cost of suppression increased over time because of the military regime's ruthless suppression of anyone who supported the guerrillas, its failed economic policies, and its defeat in the Falkland Islands/Malvinas War, and thus it had to tolerate its opposition and eventually return power to civilian authority.

The Falklands/Malvinas Islands had been a thorn in the relations between Argentina and Britain, which reoccupied them in 1833, and Argentina, which claimed them since independence. The junta had thought that it could occupy these islands without a British military response, regaining its popularity and control over its people in the process. However, the government was wrong in its conclusions when 72 days after the initial Argentinian military operations, British army and marine units won the ground war, having captured over 11,000 Argentinians in the process.

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[https://www.britannica.com/event/Dirty-War Encyclopædia Britannica article]

[[Category:Argentina]]
[[Category:Wars]]

Dirty War (Argentina, 1976-83)

2020-03-09T21:00:20Z

Bearbrau: /* Revolutionaries */

The '''Dirty War''' in Argentina, from 1976-1983, was a seven-year dictatorship and counterinsurgency campaign waged by the Argentinian military junta against left-wing guerrillas and supporting civilians. Tens of thousands of Argentinian nationals, both guerrillas and sympathizers among the civilian population, were abducted by military task groups and supporting volunteer civilian [[Triple A]] military death squads often in the middle of the night. They were taken to secret government detention centers where they were eventually released or killed. These people (including survivors from the detention camps) are known as internationally as ''"los desaparecidos"'' or ''detenidos-desaparecidos'' ("the disappeared" or "detained disappeared"). In 2003, The National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons claimed the true number of disappeared to be around 13,000.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/ediciones-anteriores/duda-historica-sabe-desaparecidos_0_B1FG1JglCKl.html Una duda histórica: no se sabe cuántos son los desaparecidos]</ref>

The [[Mainstream media]] often cites the Chilean Secret Police (DINA) report on the estimate by the Argentinian Army's 601st Intelligence Battalion (''Batallón de Inteligencia 601'') of 22,000 disappeared between 1975 and mid-1978, implying they were all killed. However, it was later established that during this period at least 12,000 "disappeared" were in fact detainees held under National Executive Power (''Poder Ejecutivo Nacional'' or PEN), and kept in detention camps throughout Argentina before eventually being freed under diplomatic pressure.<ref>''"Durante la vigencia del estado de sitio entre noviembre de 1974 y octubre de 1983, los organismos de derechos humanos denunciaron la existencia de 12 mil presos politicos legales en las distintas cárceles de 'maxima seguridad' a lo largo de todo el territorio de Argentina."'' [https://web.archive.org/web/20130905061527/http://elortiba.org/pdf/Memoria-de-ex-presas-y-presos-politicos.pdf]</ref>

This unexpected Argentinian military defeat during the Falklands/Malvinas War in 1982 hastened the fall of the unpopular military junta that had lost the propaganda war, turning Argentina into a pariah state, and in mid-1982 Lieutenant-General Reynaldo Bignone (head of the interim government) restored basic civil liberties and retracted its ban on left-wing political parties. The Argentinian military dictatorship ended when [[Raúl Ricardo Alfonsín]]'s UCR (Unión Cívica Radical or Radical Civic Union) civilian government took control of the country on December 10, 1983.

Many people, 7,158<ref>"The justification for the Dirty War was the armed actions of the Montoneros and the ERP. From 1969 to 1979, there were 239 kidnappings and 1,020 murders by the guerrillas. During the same period, however, the military kidnapped 7,844 and murdered 7,850." The Psychology of Genocide and Violent Oppression: A Study of Mass Cruelty from Nazi Germany to Rwanda, Richard Morrock, William Marchak, p. 184, McFarland, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1621505-hablan-de-30000-desaparecidos-y-saben-que-es-falso Hablan de 30.000 desaparecidos y saben que es falso]</ref><ref>[http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1464650-videla-admitio-que-la-dictadura-mato-a-7-u-8-mil-personas Videla admitió la muerte y desaparición de "7 u 8 mil personas"]</ref>-13,000,<ref>[http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2003/10/06/p-00801.htm Una duda histórica: no se sabe cuántos son los desaparecidos]</ref> both Peronist and Marxist guerrillas as well as civilian opponents of the Argentinian military regime were "disappeared". By the end of 1978, 22,000 thousand Argentinians (according to an often-quoted Chilean military intelligence report) had been taken to secret government detention centers where they were killed or eventually freed under international diplomatic pressure.

Terence Roehrig in his book ''The Prosecution of Former Military Leaders in Newly Democratic Nations: The Cases of Argentina, Greece, and South Korea'' (McFarland & Company, 2001) estimates that of the disappeared, ''"at least 10,000 were involved in various ways with the guerrillas"''. Argentinian Justice Minister Ricardo Gil Lavedra, who formed part of the 1985 tribunal for the [[Trial of the Juntas]], later went on record saying, ''"I sincerely believe that the majority of the victims of the illegal repression were guerrilla militants"''.<ref>Amar al Enemigo, Javier Vigo Leguizamón, p. 68, Ediciones Pasco, 2001</ref>

The Montoneros in a statement issued in 1984 acknowledged having lost 5,000 guerrillas killed,<ref>"Firmenich alleged that some 5,000 Montoneros had fallen during the period of repression." Yearbook on International Communist Affairs Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace, pg. 48, Stanford University, 1985</ref> and the Marxist–Leninist People's Revolutionary Army (Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo or ERP) in 2007 admitted the deaths of some 5,000 of their own armed fighters.<ref>[http://www.cedema.org/ver.php?id=2713 A 32 AÑOS DE LA CAÍDA EN COMBATE DEL COMANDANTE MARIO ROBERTO SANTUCHO Y DE LA DIRECCIÓN HITÓRICA DEL PRT-ERP]</ref> Mario Firmenich, the commander of the Montoneros, in a radio interview in late 2001 from Spain said that, ''"In a country that experienced a civil war, everybody has blood on their hands"''.<ref>[http://www.lr21.com.uy/mundo/51817-firmenich-dijo-que-no-mato-a-nadie-inutilmente?utm_source=redirects&utm_medium=www.larepublica.com.uy&utm_campaign=301_Redirects Firmenich dijo que no mató "a nadie inútilmente"]</ref>

The left-wing guerrillas and their support base, were responsible for causing at least 6,000 casualties among the military, police forces and civilian population, according to a [[National Geographic Magazine]] special article published in the mid-1980s.<ref>National Geographic, Volume 170, p. 247, National Geographic Society, 1986</ref>

The leftist guerrillas caused at least 5,000 casualties among the military and police forces, according to a recent article by Spanish journalist Carmen Muñoz from ''Periódico ABC'' in 2011.<ref>"El 70% de las 18.331 víctimas eran civiles apolíticos, por eso no reclamaron sus derechos al Gobierno. No se conocían, eran sindicalistas, jueces, judíos, católicos, extranjeros... El 30% eran uniformados agredidos en situación de descanso, por lo que son civiles según el derecho internacional." [http://www.abc.es/20111228/internacional/abci-victoria-villarruel-entrevista-201112280343.html "Las víctimas del terror montonero no cuentan en Argentina", Periódico ABC, Carmen Muñoz, 28/12/2011]</ref>

==Origins==

The origins of the Dirty War have long been debated, with Professor Patricia Marchak in ''God's Assassins: State Terrorism in Argentina in the 1970s'' and Professor Carlos Marcelo Shäferstein in ''Cien años de subversión en Argentina''<ref>[http://www.lahistoriaparalela.com.ar/2009/06/19/cien-anos-de-subversion-en-argentina/ Cien años de subversión en Argentina]</ref> and historians Alejandro García<ref>La Crisis Argentina, 1966–1976: Notas y Documentos Sobre una época de Violencia Política, Alejandro García, p. 32, EDITUM, 1994</ref> and Antonius C. G. M. Robben arguing the political violence started with the anarchist bombing campaigns and armed uprisings in Buenos Aires and the Patagonia in the 1910s and 1920s. During the Patagonia uprisings in the Santa Cruz province in 1921 and 1922, some 300 anarchist were killed in action or executed by the Argentinian Army.<ref>"Los medios anarquistas hablan de 1500 muertos, la prensa oficial de 300." La Causa Argentina, Juan Archibaldo Lanús (p. 393). Emecé Editores, 1988</ref> During the Buenos Aires uprisings in 1919, some 140 anarchists were killed and several buildings in the capital were burnt down.

Prior to the armed uprisings, several efforts were made to interrupt the celebrations marking 100 years of Argentinian independence on May 25, 1910, including an anarchists handing over a hand-held bomb to a child to take inside a cathedral in Buenos Aires, but the bomb exploded prematurely killing the minor and mutilating another boy.<ref>[BOMBS IN ARGENTINA. BOY BLOWN TO AMOMS]</ref>

On June 28, 1910, another anarchist bomb exploded inside the ''Teatro Colón'' (in the Argentinian capital) and 20 theatregoers were gravely wounded, and the Argentinian senate approved soon after the death penalty for those anarchists responsible for deaths.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Nf9QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JWYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3804,6720471&dq=&hl=en FIND BOMB FACTORY. Argentine Capital Stirred by Uncovering Anarchists Lair]</ref>
On July 9, 1916, an anarchist armed with a hand-gun tried to kill the Argentinian president, Victorino de la Plaza. The attempted assassination took place while the president attended a military parade in Buenos Aires, during the centennial celebrations marking Argentinian independence from Spain.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v6dRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LmgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4473,3490772&dq=&hl=en EFFORT MADE TO KILL PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINE]</ref>

On February 9, 1918, violent strikes took place in the main Argentinian cities and army units were rushed to the affected areas after anarchists sabotaged train lines and burnt carriages transporting wheat to Buenos Aires for exportation.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yQteAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7l8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3282,3532019&dq=&hl=en Anarchy Reigns in Argentina When General Rail Strike Brings Riots]</ref> Argentinian left-wing activists at the time printed and widely distributed, even among conscripts, a newspaper promoting a Communist Revolution in Argentina.<ref>"Los anarquistas simpatizantes de la Revolución Rusa editaban un periódico para los soldados y hacían un activo trabajo en los cuarteles." El Marxismo y la Revolución Argentina, Tomo II, Otto Vargas, p. 152, Editorial Agora, 1999</ref> According to the Buenos Aires police, the anarchists in 1919 held 203 meetings, and two massive street demonstrations in which 429 key figureheads gave speeches.<ref>The Hispanic American Historical Review, 1946, James Alexander Robertson, p. 49, Board of Editors of the Hispanic American Review, 1946</ref> By the end of 1919, Argentina would witness 367 crippling strikes by some 300,000 workers.<ref>The Intelligence War in Latin America, 1914-1922, Jamie Bisher, p. 254, McFarland, 2016</ref>

The first Bolshevik uprising in Argentina took place during the Tragic Week (''Semana Trágica'') in Buenos Aires, which began on January 9, 1919 when striking metalworkers opened fire on a detachment of the 8th Cavalry Regiment under Captain Luis A. Cafferata. Shortly later, a group of strikers shoot and kill an Army NCO, Sergeant Ramón Díaz, as he walked down Pueyrredón Street. In nearby Corrientes Street an Argentinian Army platoon commander, Second Lieutenant Agustín Ronzoni and a civilian are also killed by the armed strikers. A rifle platoon under Sergeant Bonifacio Manzo is ambushed and a company of the 7th Infantry Regiment is forced to use Vickers machine-guns to repel the assembled strikers. Placing the city under martial law, President Hipolito Yrigoyen appointed Army Colonel Luis Dellepiane as the commander of government forces, after which disturbances subsided. The 5th and 12th Army Cavalry Regiments reinforced the Buenos Aires garrison on January 12, and 300 marines and a mountain artillery regiment are also shipped to Buenos Aires. Nevertheless, on the morning of January 13, 1919, anarchists attempted to seize arms and ammunition from a local police station but were forced to retreat after coming under fire from a naval detachment from the Argentinian Navy cruiser ARA 'San Martin'.

The leftist 'Vanguardia' newspaper claimed that over 700 deaths were recorded on Tragic Week, as well as 2,000 injured; with the military crackdown resulting in an estimated 50,000 arrests in the subsequent weeks. Professor Patricia Marchak estimates the real number of workers killed in the uprising and immediate aftermath at more than 100. The conservative 'La Nación' newspaper reported the number of workers killed in the uprising at around 100 and 400 injured.<ref>God's Assassins: State Terrorism in Argentina in the 1970s, Patricia Marchak, p. 47, McGill-Queen's University Press, 1999</ref>

The left-wing violence continued throughout the 1920s. On December 24, 1927 two powerful anarchist bombs went off in two US-owned banks in downtown Buenos Aires, killing two employees.<ref>"El 24 de diciembre de 1927 vuelan las casas centrales del Citibank y el Banco de Boston, con el lamentable saldo de dos muertos. Los Mitos de la Historia Argentina: De la ley Sáenz Peña a los Albores del Peronismo ", Tomo III, Felipe Pigna, p. 111, Grupo Editorial Norma, 2006</ref> On May 23, 1923, the anarchists detonate another bomb inside the Italian consulate in the Argentinian capital, killing 9 and wounding 41, the majority of them Italian-Argentinians.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1913&dat=19280523&id=h4EpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0mYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3534,4255127&hl=en Nine Killed, 41 Injured By Bomb In Buenos Aires]</ref> On December 24, 1929, Argentinian president Hipólito Yrigoyen narrowly survived an attempt on his life. The would-be assassin, 44 year-old Italian anarchist Gualterio Marinelli is killed by the return fire from the protecting police detachment.<ref>[https://www.diariouno.com.ar/pais/el-atentado-contra-el-presidente-yrigoyen-12242015_BkOGII-GHX El atentado contra el presidente Yrigoyen]</ref>

==President Juan Domingo Perón==
[[File:Juan Domingo Perón.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Juan Domingo Perón]]
A military coup overthrew president [[Juan Domingo Perón]] and restored the Argentinian political right to power in 1955. During the subsequent 18 years of exile, Perón used the Argentinian political left and Montoneros guerrillas as a primary means of breaking down law and order. He also used them to unite the left-wing trade unions in favour of Peronism in order to return to Argentinian presidency.

In 1973, as Juan Perón returned from exile, the [[Ezeiza massacre]] took place, marking the end of the alliance between left- and right-wing factions of Peronism.

By early 1974 President Perón had lost the support of the trade unions and its militant workers. Perón withdrew his support of the Montoneros shortly before his death on July 1, 1974.

==President Isabel Martínez de Perón==

Juan Perón's death precipitated a crisis that could be handled neither
by his wife and vice-president nor by her top aid, José López Rega. During the presidency of his widow Isabel, the far-right civilian Argentinian Anticommunist Alliance (''Alianza Anticomunista Argentina'' or Triple A) paramilitary group emerged. Armed struggle increased, and in 1975 Isabel signed a number of decrees empowering the military and the police to ''"annihilate"'' left-wing subversion, most prominently the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP) armed incursion in the province of Tucumán.

The new conservative government also sought to eliminate leftist influence in the education system, particularly the universities,through the appointment of conservative officials to the Ministry of Education. Economic policies were directed at restructuring wages and currency devaluations in order to attract foreign investment in Argentina.

The conservative government soon led to labor unrest in the automotive industry. By mid-1975 devaluations had prompted a price increase that was resented even by
workers whose wages had benefited from a pay rise. At that point the General Confederation of Labour (''Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina'' or CGT) requested an across-the-board 100-percent wage increase that was rejected by the government, thus prompting further labour unrest. Threats of a general strike led to a reshuffling of Isabel's cabinet that failed to satisfy either the CGT or the top military commanders,whose allegiance the administration had been so eager to attract.

In response to the economic chaos and the lack of government political
control of the various provinces, terrorist attacks began to rise.
These were led by leftist organizations such as the Montoneros and the
People's Revolutionary Army, as well as by the AAA. A general feeling
of uneasiness grew as inflation skyrocketed to some 350 percent by the
end of 1975.

López Rega was ousted as Isabel de Perón's adviser in June 1975;
Lieutenant-General General Alberto Numa Laplane, the commander in
chief of the army who had supported the administration through the
López Rega period, was replaced by Lieutenant-General Jorge Rafael
Videla in August 1975. On Christmas Eve, 1975, Videla issued an
ultimatum calling for the government ''"to adopt decisions to resolve
the country's problems."''

As her government struggled with the problems of declining production,
a growing budget deficit, the beginning of hyper inflation, and
left-wing terrorism, the military overthrew her government. On March
24th 1976, exactly 90 days after the ultimatum was issued and shortly
after the CGT had demanded Isabel de Perón's resignation, the armed
forces removed her from the presidency. She was held under house
arrest for several years before moving to Spain in 1981.

According to the International Congress for Victims of Terrorism in 2010, prior to the military takeover in 1976, there were a total of 16,000 victims (including killed, wounded or abducted) of left-wing terrorism in Argentina,<ref>[https://archive.li/DFLEb “Todos podíamos odiar, pero lo que queremos es sonreír cada día”]</ref> including civilians and military personnel.

===Left wing terror in the automotive industry===

Left-wing terrorism in the automotive industry had already started before the presidency of Isabel de Perón: In November 1971, in solidarity with militant car workers, Montoneros guerrillas took over a car manufacturing plant in Caseros, sprayed 38 Fiats with petrol, and then set them alight.<ref>The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics, Gabriela Nouzeilles & Graciela R. Montaldo, p. 382, Duke University Press, 2002</ref> Dr. Oberdan Sallustro, director-general of the Fiat Concord company in Argentina ― which manufactured cars, rolling stock and power generators under license from Fiat of Italy, the parent company ― and an Italian citizen, was kidnapped by ERP guerrillas in Buenos Aires on March 21, 1972 and found murdered on April 10, after having been held in a ''"people's prison"'' in a working-class suburb of the city. On December 2, the bodyguards of a Chrysler Corporation executive were attacked by militants, two were killed and another wounded.<ref>The Problems of U.S. Businesses Operating Abroad in Terrorist Environments, S. W. Purnell, Eleanor Sullivan Wainstein, p. 80, Rand 1981</ref>

On May 21, 1973, Luis Giovanelli, a Ford Motor Company executive, was killed and a female employee was wounded when machine-gunned by the ERP guerrillas in a kidnapping attempt that netted the guerrillas US$1 million from Ford as ''"protection money"''.<ref>Terrorism, Yonah Alexander, p. 224, Crane Russak, 1977</ref> On May 25, ERP guerrillas attempted to kill two Ford Motor Company executives but only wounded them.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 57, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref> On June 3, 1973, militants in Buenos Aires kidnapped Jose Chohelo, a Peugeot representative and later released him for a reported US$200,000.<ref>The Problems of U.S. Businesses Operating Abroad in Terrorist Environments, S. W. Purnell, Eleanor Sullivan Wainstein, p. 75, Rand 1981</ref>

On November 22, 1973, FAP guerrillas ambushed and killed John Swint, the American general manager of a Ford Motor Company subsidiary and three of his bodyguards. On December 29, 1973, the director of Peugeot in Argentina was kidnapped by seven armed leftists. Between June 24–26, 1974, seventeen bombs planted by leftist militants exploded in Buenos Aires, damaging offices, warehouses, showrooms including Ford, General Motors and Fiat dealerships, according to the Bangor Daily News.

On August 27, 1974, during the presidency of Isabel de Perón, FAP guerrillas killed Ricardo Goya, the labour relations manager of the IKA-Renault Motor Company in Córdoba while he was driving to work. On January 8, 1975, Rodolfo Saurnier, manager of an auto parts factory, was kidnapped by Montoneros guerrillas. On 28 July 1975, a bomb of the urban militants exploded at the Peugeot dealership in La Plata. On 9 October 1975 several Molotov cocktails were thrown by militants at Car dealerships in city of Mendoza. On 24 October 1975, Heinrich Franz Metz, production manager of the Mercedes-Benz truck plant in Buenos Aires, was kidnapped by Montoneros guerrillas.

On 29 October 1975, four Montoneros killed the Fiat-Concord personnel manager. On 16 November, militants broke into the home of a Renault executive in Córdoba and took him hostage. On 26 March 1976, two security guards of a Ford executive were killed by militants firing from a car. On 14 April, militants in Buenos Aires killed an executive of the US Chrysler Corporation. On 4 May, militants assassinated a Fiat executive in a suburb of Buenos Aires.

The director of Renault Argentina was badly wounded by plastic explosives concealed in a box of flowers on 27 August. On 10 September a Chrysler executive was killed by militants while leaving his home in Buenos Aires. On 8 October, the Buenos Aires offices of Fiat, Mercedes Benz and Chevrolet were attacked by militants with bombs. On 10 October, Domingo Lozano, Argentine manager of the Renault plant in Córdoba, was shot and killed by Montoneros guerrillas after leaving a church service in Córdoba.

On 18 October 1976, seven months after the government of Isabel de Perón had been ousted, five guerrillas killed Enrique Aroza Garay, an executive of the German-owned Borgward automobile factory. On 3 November, a Chrysler executive, Carlos Roberto Souto, was killed in Buenos Aires by Montoneros. Later the same month, the Montoneros kidnapped Franz Metz, the industrial director of Mercedez Benz in Argentina, but released him five weeks later when the German company agreed to pay a ransom, reportedly US$S 5 million. On 13 October 1977, a Montoneros car bomb detonated outside the home of a Chrysler executive. The businessman was not there, but his guard and a neighbor were killed. On 16 December, Montoneros killed Andre Gasparoux, a top French executive of the Peugeot Motor Company.

===Triple A===

The Argentine Anticommunist Alliance (''Alianza Anticomunista Argentina'' or Triple A) was a right-wing formations of death squads secretly founded in Argentina in 1973 and particularly active under the government of Isabel Perón. Initially associated with the Peronist right, the organisation opposed the Peronist left and other leftist organizations. It collaborated with the military and police to exterminate left wing guerrillas and their collaborators hidden among the civilian population. The paramilitary group was dissolved in 1976 by the military junta, which continued the tactics of the AAA until 1983.

==Revolutionaries==

Argentina experienced three failed attempts at rural guerrilla warfare between 1959 and 1969. At that point, the insurgents decided in favor of urban guerilla warfare. [[Jorge Ricardo Masetti]], leader of the ''Ejército Guerrillero del Pueblo'' (People's Guerrilla Army or EGP), which had infiltrated into Salta Province from Bolivia in 1964, is considered by some as Argentina's first "disappeared", as he went missing after the party militants' defeat in clashes with the Argentine gendarmerie. It seemed obvious that they would be safer and more relevant in crowded cities than in isolated rural areas.

Prior to 1973 the major revolutionary groups were the Peronist Armed Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Peronistas'' or FAP), the Marxist–Leninist-Peronist Revolutionary Armed Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias'' or FAR), and the Marxist–Leninist Armed Forces of Liberation (''Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación'' or FAL). The FAL guerrillas raided Campo de Mayo in April 1969 and stole 100 assault rifles from the elite 1st ''Patricios'' Infantry Regiment.<ref>Los 70, Violencia en la Argentina. p. 119. Ejército Argentino. (Círculo militar, 2001)</ref>

In time these armed groups consolidated, with the FAR joining the Montoneros, formerly an urban group of intellectuals and students, and the FAP and FAL being absorbed into the ERP. In 1970, [[Pedro Eugenio Aramburu]], one of the military leaders of the 1955 coup, was kidnapped and killed by the Montoneros, in its first claimed military action. In 1970, the Marxist People's Revolutionary Army (''Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo'' or ERP) was founded. By the early 1970s, leftist guerrillas kidnapped and assassinated high-ranking military and police officers almost weekly.<ref>Child Survival: Anthropological Perspectives on the Treatment and Maltreatment of Children, Nancy Scheper-Hughes, pg 228, Springer, 1987</ref>

The ERP publicly remained in the forefront. ERP guerrilla activity took the form of attacks on military outposts, police stations and convoys.
In 1971, the left-wing guerrillas killed 57 policemen, and in 1972 the ERP and Montoneros killed another 38 policemen.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, Page 53, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref> Between March and July 1971 the Argentine newspapers reported 316 armed attacks by the ERP.<ref>Masters of war: Latin America and United States Aggression from the Cuban Revolution through the Clinton Years, Clara Nieto, Page 234, Seven Stories Press, 2011</ref>

On January 19, 1974 60–70 ERP guerrillas traveling aboard captured army trucks attacked the 2,000-strong barracks at Azul outside Buenos Aires, killing Corporal Daniel Osvaldo González, the Commanding Officer of the 10th ''Húsares de Pueyrredon'' Armoured Cavalry Regiment (Colonel Camilo Arturo Gay) and his wife (Hilda Irma Casaux).<ref>[https://www.lanacion.com.ar/editoriales/el-olvido-historico-gran-aliado-de-la-violencia-nid1765534 El olvido histórico: gran aliado de la violencia]</ref>
The guerrillas, dressed in captured Argentinian Army uniforms, held the barracks for seven hours.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZqhfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dzIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3205,4401591&dq= "Argentine Rebels Hold Garrison 7 Hours"]</ref> The guerrillas took the Commanding Officer of the 1st Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Jorge Roberto Ibarzábal hostage in the surprise attack. He would remain in guerrilla hands for 300 days, before 23-year-old university student Sergio Gustavo Dicovsky executed him at a police roadblock on November 19, 1974.

===Cuban involvement===

During the height of Argentine left-wing terrorism, the Cubans used their embassy in Buenos Aires to maintain direct contact with Argentine guerrillas. In 1973, the Montoneros merged with the Cuban-backed Armed Revolutionary Forces (''Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias'' or FAR) that in 1972 had planted a bomb in the Sheraton hotel in Buenos Aires that killed a Canadian tourist. On February 13, 1974, a clandestine meeting was held in Mendoza, Argentina, and the Junta of Revolutionary Coordination (''Junta de Coordinacion Revolucionaria'' or JCR) was formed. The JCR consisted of four guerrilla groups: the Uruguayan Tupamaros (MLN-T), the Chilean Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) and the Bolivian Revolutionary Army (ELN). The ERP guerrillas set up a guerrilla warfare training school, an arms factory, and a false documentation center in Argentina. These were all shut down in 1975 by Argentinian security forces. In 1976, ERP guerrillas started receiving training in Cuba on an 1800 hectare (7 square miles) estate near Guanabo as well as at another site in Pinar del Rio.

In July 2008, [[Fidel Castro]] admitted that he backed left-wing activists and guerrilla forces in Argentina in order to start an armed revolution: ''"The only place where we didn't promote a revolution was in Mexico. In the rest (of Latin America) we tried, without exception."''<ref>[https://www.pagina12.com.ar/1998/98-07/98-07-04/pag18.htm "Intentamos exportar la revolución a Latinoamérica", reconoció Fidel]</ref>

===PLO involvement===

The first meeting with the Montoneros and the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) representatives took place in 1971, when Montoneros ''comandante'' [[Rodolfo Galimberti]] entered into agreement with [[Saad Chedid]], president of the Center for Arabic Studies in Argentina, to obtain open support for the Palestinian cause within the Peronist movement. In August 1972, Galimberti made his first trip to Lebanon and received the backing from the exiled Juan Perón in Spain.

By late 1972, the first batch of Montoneros started receiving terrorist training in Lebanon. Upon completion of training, they served as political contacts in Europe before setting up administrative headquarters to handle logistics, falsify documents, and traffic arms. The PLO-Montoneros alliance was made public in 1977 when Montoneros commanders [[Mario Firmenich]] and [[Fernando Vaca Narvaja]] flew to Beirut to meet and be photographed with PLO leader [[Yasser Arafat]]. At that time, Arafat and the PLO were receiving much financial and political support from left-wing governments and political parties worldwide.

When the PLO split and [[Al Fatah]] was formed, the new militant wing offered the Montoneros further training camps in Lebanon, military instructors, and heavy weaponry in return for the installation in Southern Lebanon of a plastic explosives factory that had been pioneered by an Argentine civilian supporter of the Montoneros with a PhD in chemical engineering.

In January 1979, the Montoneros leadership publicly announced through its Evita Montonera magazine that it was ready to launch a counteroffensive in Argentina and topple the Military Junta, with the help of the various trade unions and affiliated workers. As a precursor to their final attacks, the Montoneros had targeted the World Cup Football Tournament being held in Argentina in 1978, launching a number of bomb attacks.

The Montoneros commanders had carefully studied the strategy that made possible the Sandinista victory in July 1979 in Nicaragua. Firmenich had even travelled to Managua to study in person the lessons of the Nicaraguan Revolution. As Firmenich declared on the eve of the Sandinista victory: ''"the solution to the crisis experienced in Argentina is to do what is being done in Nicaragua."''<ref>Argentina's "Dirty War": An Intellectual Biography, Donald C. Hodges, University of Texas Press, 2011</ref> The ''comandante'' of the Montoneros commandos (Tropas Especiales de Infantería or TEI) selected to take part in the infiltration in the work factories, Raúl Yager, explained that the purpose of the infiltrations was to assist in promoting open street battles. The conditions were ripe for a revolution, he believed, because the trade union protests had already gained momentum.<ref>"Thus Raúl Yager explained that the purpose of the armed counteroffensive was to assist in promoting a mass insurrection. The conditions were propitious for insurrection, he believed, because the trade union counteroffensive was under way." Argentina's "Dirty War": An Intellectual Biography, Donald C. Hodges, p. 206, University of Texas Press, 2011</ref>

In late 1979, the Montoneros launched their ''"strategic counteroffensive"'' in Argentina, and the forewarned security forces killed more than one hundred of the exiled Montoneros, who had been sent back to Argentina with false passports after receiving special forces training in PLO camps in Lebanon.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170619051140/http://elortiba.org/docmon82.html Estremecedor informe de inteligencia militar durante la dictadura]</ref>

The Montoneros TEI teams that were successfully infiltrated destroyed with bombs the homes of Juan Alemann (Secretary of Housing) on June 21 and Guillermo Walter Klein (Vice Minister of the Economy), after killing the two policemen (Hugo Cardacci and Julio Morenoon) on sentry duty outside, trapping his daughter Marina in the debris on September 27. The Montoneros also targeted businessman Francisco Soldati and his chauffeur, both shot dead by Montoneros disguised as policemen in downtown Buenos Aires on November 13.

According to France's intelligence service [[Deuxième Bureau]], the explosives technology utilized in these attacks would allow the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings to take place that would result in the deaths of 299 US and French peacekeepers in Lebanon.<ref>''"And according to France's intelligence service Deuxième Bureau, the 1983 bombing in Beirut that killed 299 U.S. and French servicemen was carried out with the explosives technology developed by the Montoneros."'' The War of All the People: The Nexus of Latin American Radicalism and Middle Eastern Terrorism, Jon B. Perdue, Potomac Books, Inc, 2012</ref>

===Church involvement===

Some Catholic priests sympathized with and helped the Montoneros. Radical priests, including Father Alberto Carbone, who was eventually indicted in the murder of former President Pedro Aramburu, preached Marxism and presented the early Church fathers as model revolutionaries in an attempt to legitimise the violence.<ref>Argentina: What Went Wrong, Colin M. MacLachlan, p. 136, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006</ref> A Catholic youth leader, Juan Ignacio Isla Casares, with the help of the Montoneros commander Eduardo Pereira Rossi (nom de guerre "El Carlón") was the mastermind behind the ambush and killing of five policemen (Pedro Dettle, Juan Ramón Costa, Carlos Livio Cejas, Cleofás Galeano and Juan Fernández) and the destruction of their patrol car near San Isidro Cathedral in Buenos Aires on October 26, 1975.<ref>30,000 Desaparecidos. Realidad, Mito y Dogma : Hhistoria Verdadera y Manipulación Ideologica, Guillermo Rojas, p. 246, Santiago Apóstol: 2003</ref>

Mario Firmenich, who later became the leader of the Montoneros, was the ex-president of the Catholic Action Youth Group and a former seminarian himself.<ref>Modern Tyrants: The Power and Prevalence of Evil in Our Age, Daniel Chirot, p.281, Free Press, 1994</ref> The Montoneros had ties with the Third World Priest Movement and a Jesuit priest, Father Carlos Mugica.<ref>Encyclopedia of Modern Worldwide Extremists and Extremist Groups, Stephen E. Atkins, p.201, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2004</ref> The Third World Priest Movement believed that the Church could not remain neutral in the conflict between the Peronist and anti-Peronists and a number of priests participated in the armed struggle alongside the guerrillas.<ref>Masters of War: Latin America & United States Aggression from the Cuban Revolution through the Clinton Years, Clara Nieto & Chris Brandt, p.163, Seven Stories Press, 2003</ref>

==Rural guerrilla warfare==

A determined effort on the part of the Argentinian left was made at creating a guerrilla front in Tucumán province. In 1974, Marxist guerrillas led by Roberto Santucho in the form of the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP) took control of the remote province of Tucumán and declared it an independent state.<ref>''ERP guerrillas set up a rural front in Tucuman province in a bid to elevate the insurgency into its final phase, actually claiming liberated areas — liberated, that is, from governmental control.'' Annual of Power and Conflict, Institute for the Study of Conflict, 1976</ref> In 1975 the Argentinian Army 5th Mountain Infantry Brigade was ordered to Tucumán to eradicate the insurgents and restore the province to the Argentinian state.

The Marxist guerrilla campaign in northern Argentina started with no more than 100 men and women of the ERP's ''Compañía de Monte Ramón Rosa Jiménez'' (Mountain Company) and ended with about 300 in the mountains of Tucumán (including reinforcements in the form of the elite Montoneros 65-strong Jungle Company that arrived in February 1976 and latter the ERP's ''Decididos de Córdoba'' Urban Company),<ref>Guerrillas & Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 126, Praeger Paperback, 2001</ref> which the 5th Mountain Brigade and parachute units from 4th Airborne Brigade managed to defeat, but at a cost.

The first ERP attack in Tucumán took place on September 6, 1971, when a platoon attacked the Villa Urquiza Prison and freed twelve convicted terrorist, killing five prison guards in their escape.<ref>''El 6 de setiembre, un comando del ERP al mando de Emilio All asalta el penal de Villa Urquiza en Tucumán, y mata a cinco guardiacárceles.'' 30.000 Desaparecidos: Realidad, Mito y Dogma: Historia Verdadera y Manipulación Ideológica, Guillermo Rojas , p. 176, Editorial Santiago Apóstol, 2003</ref>

Prior to this attack, Montoneros guerrillas operating in the province had shot and killed two policeman (Juan C. Ceballos and Juan Carlos Vallejo) on October 9, 1970.<ref>Los Otros Muertos: Las Víctimas Civiles del Terrorismo Guerrillero de los 70, Carlos Manfroni, Victoria E. Villarruel, Grupo Editorial Argentina, 2014</ref>

During a joint operation in Tucumán Province on July 27, 1972, Montoneros and FAR guerrillas stole weapons and uniforms from a police station, killing two policemen in the process.<ref>''27 de julio: un comando unificado de las organizaciones FAR y Montoneros copó una subcomisaría en Tucumán apoderándose de armas y uniformes. En el hecho mueren dos policías por resistirse.'' Golpe o Revolución: La Violencia Legitimada, Argentina, 1966-1973, María Matilde Ollier, p. 67, EDUNTREF, 2005</ref>

On August 5, 1973, ERP guerrillas in the province shot and killed a police inspector, Major Hugo Tomagnini. On October 4, the Marxist guerrillas struck again in Tucumán, mortally wounding a policeman, Casimiro Reyes Mansilla.

On May 22, 1974, a Police Corporal (Vicente Marcelo Lazarte) succumbs to his wounds, after having been gunned down by ERP guerrillas while on traffic control duties in Tucumán Province.

On September 20, 1974, the ERP guerrillas operating in the province kill another two policemen, Eudoro Ibarra and Héctor Oscar Zaraspe.<ref>Nadie fue: crónica, documentos y testimonios de los últimos meses, los últimos días, las últimas horas de Isabel Perón en el poder, Juan Bautista Yofre, p. 58, Autor, 2006</ref>

On January 5, 1975, an Army DHC-6 transport plane was downed near the Monteros mountains, shot down by Marxist Guerrillas.<ref>''Fue derribado un helicóptero como mínimo —hay gente que dice que nuestros compañeros abatieron dos helicópteros y un avión— y se produjeron alrededor de 60 muertos y numerosos heridos en el enemigo ...'' A Vencer o Morir: PRT-ERP Documentos, Volumen 2, Daniel De Santis, p. 496, Eudeba, 2000</ref><ref>Allí hubo gran acción en combates como el de Acheral, Pueblo Viejo y Famailla donde se volaron mas de 3400 horas. Como consecuencia de los mismos, se produjo el derribo de un Twin Otter, un Piper L-21B y dos Bell UH-1H." Tecnología Militar, Tomo 24, p. 26, Grupo Editorial Mönch. 2002</ref> All thirteen on board were killed.

On 14 February 1975, Senior Lieutenant Héctor Cáceres from the Army Commando Company supporting the 5th Mountain Infantry Brigade, is killed in an ERP ambush near Pueblo Viejo River. Another Army Commando, Lieutenant Rodolfo Ritcher is badly wounded and left wheelchair bound for life. Two Army helicopter gunships attempt to cut off the guerrilla escape route but are repelled by shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles.<ref>[https://www.contextotucuman.com/nota/125341/capitan-hector-caceres-por-proteger-a-un-companero-murio-a-mano-de-los-criminales-idealistas-del-erp.html Capitán Héctor Cáceres: por proteger a un compañero murió a mano de los criminales “idealistas” del ERP]</ref>

The Argentinian Army 5th Brigade (consisting of the 19th, 20th and 29th Mountain Infantry Regiments and commanded by Brigadier-General Acdel Vilas) received the order to move to Famailla in the foothills of the Monteros mountains on February 8, 1975. While fighting the guerrillas in the jungle, Vilas concentrated on uprooting the ERP civilian support network in the towns, using terror tactics later adopted nationwide, as well as a hearts and mind campaign. The Argentinian security forces used techniques no different from their US and French counterparts in Vietnam and Algeria.

In February 1976, in the Battle of El Cadillal, soldiers of the 14th Airborne Infantry Regiment engage the 65-strong Montonero Army Mountain Force sent to Tucumán Province as reinforcements, Corporal Héctor Roberto Lazarte and Private Pedro Burguener from the Paratroop Regiment are killed in the fierce action. Nevertheless, the paratroopers kill several Montoneros guerrillas in the army ambush, including Juan Carlos Alsogaray, commander of the mountain company and son of the former Commander in Chief of the Argentinian Army, Lieutenant-General Julio Alzogaray.

On September 28, 1977 counterinsurgency operations in Tucumán province finally came to an end, with the Argentinian military and police reporting 100 killed and 500 wounded in defeating the guerrillas.

==Urban guerilla warfare==

The Montonero insurgent leadership made a conscious decision to “militarize” the struggle and attack directly the Argentinian police and military forces in the main cities. The political objectives that originally motivated the envisioned proportionate action were sacrificed in favour of military escalation. The groups that were supposedly to bring national and social liberation to the country developed into mirror images of the Argentinian armed forces with their own military banners and uniforms, and legitimizing political-psychological efforts were considered unproductive niceties.

The urban guerrillas operating in Buenos Aires made major headlines on April 5, 1969 when armed members of the Armed Forces of Liberation (''Fuerzas Argentinas de Liberación'' or FAL) attacked the Campo de Mayo Army Barracks and seized 100 automatic rifles from the Elite 1st 'Patricios' Regiment.<ref>[http://jorgenegre.com.ar/web/index.php/2016/01/30/fal-copamiento-regimiento-patricios/FAL: copamiento Regimiento Patricios]</ref>

The leftist militants bombed and destroyed numerous buildings in the 1970s in its campaign against the civilian and military authorities; these belonged chiefly to police and military hierarchies. But a number of civilian and non-governmental buildings were targeted as well, such as the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Buenos Aires, which was bombed in 1972 (killing a Canadian woman, Lois Crozier and injuring her husband Gerry Crozier)<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z94QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yosDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7258,1915009&dq=&hl=en Peronists blamed in Hotel bombing]</ref> and the bombing of a crowded theatre in downtown Buenos Aires in 1975.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wuQeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0EYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2828,4751834&dq=&hl=en Isabel Peron cleared of charge]</ref> In November 1971, in solidarity with striking workers, Montoneros guerrillas seized an Italian car plant in Caseros and set alight and destroyed with gasoline several Fiat 38 vehicles.<ref>The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics, Gabriela Nouzeilles, Graciela Montaldo, p. 382, Duke University Press, 2002</ref> In 1971, the leftist guerrillas killed 57 policemen, and in 1972, despite a heightened alert, the ''guerrilleros'' managed to kill another 38 policemen.<ref>Guerrillas and Generals: The Dirty War in Argentina, Paul H. Lewis, p. 53, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002</ref>

On February 4, 1972, police corporal Conrado Likay Faldi was shot dead in the Bernal suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>[https://adtomator.com/2014/07/07/los-terroristas-desaparecidos-no-merecen-ser-simbolo-patrio-por-nicolas-marquez/ Los terroristas “desaparecidos” no merecen ser símbolo patrio – Por Nicolás Márquez]</ref> On February 14, 1972, FAL guerrillas supporting urban operations in the Barrio Norte suburb of Buenos Aires, delivered a bomb concealed in a flower bouquet to the house of the ex-Justice Minister Jaime Perriaux, killing three policemen (Roque Russo, Rómulo Salvatierra and Néstor Godoy) and mortally wounding another (Oscar Raúl Pereda) of an anti-explosives unit, and wounding eleven others, including neighbors.<ref>Alétheia, Zacharkow de Marquart, Emilce E., Martinez & Maria Angelica, p. 79, Editorial Dunken, 2014</ref> In July 1972 a bomb planted by Montoneros activists in Plaza de San Isidro in Buenos Aires, wounded three policemen and blinded a fireman (Carlos Adrián Ayala) who died of his injuries in hospital.<ref>In Memoriam, Volume 2, p. 398, El Círculo, 1998</ref> On December 28, 1972, Marine Private Julio César Provenzano, operating on behalf of the ERP guerrillas, is killed while plating a bomb in the men's room of the Argentinian Navy Headquarters.12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1976
UNA "TRAVESURA" DE LOS
JÓVENES IDEALISTAS [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19730331&id=MGo0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=8QkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4256,7005410 Argentine Navy headquarters hit]</ref>

On February 1, 1973, First Lieutenant José Maria Naccarato was killed while driving in the city of Resistencia in Chaco Province when a bomb planted in his car detonated.<ref>[http://www.elojodigital.com/contenido/8379-denuncia-por-privacion-ilegitima-de-la-libertad-contra-miembros-de-la-administracion- Denuncia por privación ilegítima de la libertad contra miembros de la Administración Kirchner, acusados de haber pertenecido al grupo terrorista Montoneros]</ref> On March 6, 1973, urban guerrillas shot dead three policemen (1st Corporal Máximo Maydana and Corporals José Sergio Contreras and Luis María Benítez) at a dance hall in the José C. Paz suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>[http://www.mendozatransparente.com.ar/decada-del-70/el631973fueronasesinadoslospoliciasjosesergiocontrerasmaximomaidanayluismariabenitezdejandountotalde16huerfanos El 6/3/1973 fueron asesinados los policías José Sergio Contreras, Máximo Maidana y Luis María Benítez, dejando un total de 16 huérfanos]</ref> Between September 16 and 17 1974, about 100 Montoneros bombs exploded throughout Argentina against ceremonies commemorating the military revolt which ended Juan Perón's first term as president and foreign companies.

During the month of August 1975, the Argentinian city of Córdoba witnessed a number of armed actions on the part of the local left-wing guerrillas and militants that resulted in the death of at least five policemen (Sergeant Juan Carlos Román, Corporal Rosario del Carmen Moyano and Agents Luis Rodolfo López, Jorge Natividad Luna and Juan Antonio Diaz) and parachute units from the Elite 4th Airborne Infantry Brigade earmarked for deployment in Tucumán Province, were obliged to be called in to stand guard at strategic points around the city for the remainder of the year, after the bombing of the local police headquarters and the police radio communications centre.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vdJGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6XsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3887,3282259&dq= 5 Policemen Dead In Argentina Violence]</ref>

Targets in the bombings included three Ford showrooms; Peugeot and IKA-Renault showrooms; Goodyear and Firestone tire distributors, Riker and Eli pharmaceutical laboratories, Union carbide Battery Company, Bank of Boston and Chase Manhattan Bank branches, Xerox Corporation; and Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola bottling companies. In all, 83 members of the armed forces and policemen were killed in left-wing terror attacks between 1973 and 1974.<ref>State Terrorism in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, and International Human Rights, Thomas C. Wright, pg 102, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007</ref>

On November 13, 1975, three policemen and a leftist were reported killed in shoot-outs in the La Plata suburb of Buenos Aires.<ref>Latin America, 1975, Hal Kosut, Chris Hunt, Grace M. Ferrara, p. 41, Facts on File, 1976</ref> On November 16, about 40 Montoneros guerrillas stormed the police station at Arana, 30 miles south of Buenos Aires. Five policemen and one army captain were wounded in this gun- battle.

On December 15 a large Montoneros bomb planted in the Ministry of Defence building in downtown Buenos Aires kills 14 senior officers attending a counterinsurgency meeting.<ref>The Disappeared: Voices From A Secret War, John Simpson, Jana Bennett, p. 95, Robson Books, 1985</ref>

In December 1975 most 5th Army Brigade units were committed to the border areas of Tucumán with over 5,000 troops deployed in the province. There was however, nothing to prevent infiltrating through this outer ring and the ERP guerrillas were still strong inside Buenos Aires. Mario Santucho's Christmas offensive opened on December 23, 1975. The operation was dramatic in its impact, with ERP units, supported by local Montoneros guerrillas, mounting a large scale assault against the army's Domingo Viejobueno supply base in the industrial suburb of Monte Chingolo, south of Buenos Aires. The attackers were defeated and driven off with 53 ERP guerrillas and 9 supporting Montoneros militants from the local suburbs killed.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100513021433/http://www.vocesderesistencia.com.ar/monte-chingolo Monte Chingolo]</ref>

Seven army troops and three policemen were reported killed. In this particular battle the ERP and supporting Montoneros militants had about 1,000 leftist militants deployed against 1,000 government forces.<ref>Review of the River Plate: A weekly journal dealing with commercial financial and economic affairs, 30 December 1975, p. 1021</ref> This large-scale operation was made possible not only by the planning of the guerrillas involved, but also by their civilian supporters who provided them safe houses, supplies and getaway vehicles.

On January 13, 1976, leftists set fire to a Buenos Aires commuter train after forcing passengers to descend at gunpoint.<ref>Peronist Guerrillas Burn Train Near Buenos Aires, ''The New York Times'', 14 January 1976</ref> On January 26, ERP guerrillas supporting Montoneros operations in the suburb of Barracas in Buenos Aires, shoot and kill a female police traffic officer (21-year-old Silvia Ester Rosboch de Campana).<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/celtyv/posts/10155440262373583/ CELTYV - Por las Víctimas del Terrorismo de Argentina]</ref> On January 29, during a raid on the Bendix factory in the suburb of Munro in Buenos Aires, Montoneros shoot and kill Alberto Olabarrieta and Jorge Sarlenga of the factory's management, and an off-duty policeman, Juan Carlos Garavaglio, who had tried to intervene. On February 2, 1976 about fifty Montoneros attacked the Juan Vucetich Police Academy in Buenos Aires in an attempt to capture the helicopter-gunships stationed there,<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qLsSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3vgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6809,70028&dq= "Guerrilla Raid Foiled"]. page 8, ''Spokane Daily Chronicle'' (2 February 1976).</ref> but were repelled in heavy fighting involving police reinforcements. In the week preceding the military coup, the Montoneros killed 13 policemen as part of its renewed offensive aptly named ''Third National Military Campaign''.<ref>Lewis, Paul. (2002). [https://books.google.com/books?id=NtZ3EvNYxjYC&pg=PA125&lpg=PA125 Guerrillas and Generals: the Dirty War in Argentina], p. 125, Greenwood Publishing Group.</ref> On March 15, a powerful guerrilla bomb exploded next to the Argentine Army Headquarters, smashing windows in the nearby Casa Rosada and wounding 15 military personnel and 6 civilians as well as killing a civilian passerby.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e_tQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Jr8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=1543,2038489&dq= Argentine army quarters blasted, The Telegraph Herald, 6 March 1976]</ref> On July 2, 1976, the Montoneros detonated a powerful bomb in the Argentinian Federal Police Headquarters in Buenos Aires, killing 24 and wounding 66 policemen and employees. During 1976, Videla himself narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in which a time bomb planted in the reviewing stand at the vast Campo de Mayo barracks blew out a meter-wide hole at the exact spot where he had been standing.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,946715,00.html "A Monopoly of Force"]. ''Time''. (18 October 1976).</ref>

On September 12, 1976, a Montoneros car bomb destroyed a bus carrying police officers in the City of Rosario, killing nine policemen and a married couple: 56-year-old Oscar Walter Ledesma and 42-year-old Irene Ángela Dib. There were at least 50 wounded in the bomb blast.<ref>[http://ar.geocities.com/ciudadanosalerta/terrorismo/12-09-1976.html 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1976 UNA "TRAVESURA" DE LOS JÓVENES IDEALISTAS]</ref> On September 29, 1976 fierce fighting took place in the Floresta suburb of Buenos Aires, where one-hundred soldiers and policemen were forced to use bazookas and armored cars against heavily armed guerrillas.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7k40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=OWcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1952,5810098&dq= "Troops Clash With Guerrillas"]. ''Sarasota Herald-Tribune'' (29 September 1976).</ref> On October 2, Lieutenant-General Jorge Videla narrowly escaped death when a bomb packed in metal tubing supporting a reviewing stand at the Campo de Mayo army barracks exploded only moments after he left.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KeVVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4OADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6997,382239&dq= Argentina's chief escapes blasts, Eugene Resister-Guard, 3 October 1976]. Google News.</ref> On October 4, 1976, Buenos Aires police foiled a leftist terror attack against American actress Rita Hayworth and members of the local press, during her widely publicized stay in the Sheraton Hotel.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/historia-argentina/2019/06/11/documentos-desclasificados-los-frustrados-atentados-guerrilleros-contra-videla-y-rita-hayworth-durante-la-dictadura/ Documentos desclasificados: los frustrados atentados guerrilleros contra Videla y Rita Hayworth durante la dictadura]</ref> On October 17 a bomb blast in an Army Club Cinema in downtown Buenos Aires killed 11 and wounded about 50 officers and attending family members.<ref>The Disappeared: Voices From A Secret War, John Simpson, Jana Bennett, p. 95, Robson Books, 1985</ref> On December 15, another bomb planted in a Defense Ministry movie hall killed 14 senior officers and injured another 30 military men and accompanying family members.<ref>"Montoneros explode fragmentation bomb in Defense Ministry killing fourteen senior officers and injuring thirty." Argentina, 1943-1987: The National Revolution and Resistance, Donald Clark Hodges, p. 310, University of New Mexico Press, 1988</ref> By the first anniversary of the coup that ousted President [[Isabel Martínez de Perón|Isabel Perón]], 124 soldiers and police had been killed combating left-wing guerrillas and militants<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,918823,00.html?iid=chix-sphere|title=Hope from a Clockwork Coup|work=Time|date=11 April 1977}}</ref> in what the military referred to as, "the Dirty War".

During 1977, in just Buenos Aires alone, 36 police were reported killed combating left-wing guerrillas and militants.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3V8zAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SSMIAAAAIBAJ&pg=2624,506767&dq= Buenos Aires police at war with leftists]</ref>

==Power vaccum==

After the death of the controversial President Juan Perón in 1974, his wife, Isabel Perón, assumed power. However, she was not very strong politically and a military junta led a coup against her and removed her from office. This military junta maintained its grip on power by cracking down on anybody whom they believed was associated with the guerrillas. The new regime under General Jorge Rafaél Videla attempted to apply a monetarist solution to economic problems and launched what it called the war against subversion, which came to be widely known to others as the "Dirty War", in an attempt to completely defeat left-wing guerrilla activity that was out of control by early 1976.

The Baltimore Sun reported in January 1976 on the fighting taking place in Tucumán province:
<blockquote>In the jungle-covered mountains of Tucumán, long known as 'Argentina's garden', Argentines are fighting Argentines in a Vietnam-style civil war. So far, the outcome is in doubt. But there is no doubt about the seriousness of the combat, which involves 2,000 or so leftist guerrillas and perhaps as many as 10,000 soldiers.<ref>"'Viet war' growing in Argentina," James Nelson Goodsell, ''The Baltimore Sun,'' 18 January 1976</ref></blockquote>

==National Reorganization Process ==

With the initial support of the majority of the Argentinian population, the military regime undertook widespread kidnappings, torture, and murder — not only of the violent guerrillas of the left but also civilian supporters in the form of the unarmed leftist political activists, guerrilla sympathizers, and their lawyers and families. The war against subversion was viewed within the military's National Security Doctrine as the beginning of "World War III," which it defined as a struggle against the efforts of communism for world supremacy. In seven years as many as 30,000 Argentines were either killed or imprisoned.

Military victory was achieved after three years of open fighting and a stream of kidnappings, disappearances and imprisonments that brought a total breakdown of due process for those suspected of being connected with the guerrillas. By June 1978 the guerrillas were all but eliminated, and the military junta declared victory. However, the Montoneros launched a counteroffensive in 1979 that resulted in the almost total annihilation of their returning PLO-trained Special Forces. By 1980 the last vestiges of the terrorist groups had died out, and the disappearances had stopped.

In the view of the [[National Reorganization Process]] (''Proceso de Reorganización Nacional'' or ''Proceso''), the eradication of subversion meant not only the guerrillas' activities, but also any form of left-wing activism whether found in the universities, the church, the press, the factory, or even the arts or culture. Building a new national framework required eradicating the Peronists, the left-wing trade unions, parliamentary radicals and leftist revolutionaries. To build the economy required eliminating Cultural Marxism and an industrial sector controlled by a blue-collar worker class sympathetic to the guerrilla movement.

==Victims==

Leftists were viewed with suspicion and tens of thousands were detained at one point: union leaders who agitated for wage increases and militancy in the US and European-owned car plants in Argentina, students who were members of the ''Unión de Estudiantes Secundarios'' (Union of High School Students or UES) that supplied the People's Revolutionary Army with fighters in Tucumán province,<ref>[http://www.offnews.info/verArticulo.php?contenidoID=51345 La Mentira Oficial sobre la Noche de los Lápices]</ref> left-wing journalists like [[Rodolfo Jorge Walsh]] that were not fearful of the dictatorship, human-rights lawyers who defended left-wing guerrillas and militants, young communists, socialists, nuns and priests that had ties with the [[Third World Priest Movement]]. And family members or friends of any of them; people that provided the left-wing guerrillas and militants with safe houses and financial support.

===Children of the Disappeared===

With the return of democracy, human rights groups in Argentina started searching for the grandchildren stolen from detained female guerrillas and civilian supporters and adopted in the military community. At the time, the ''Asociación Abuelas de Plaza de Plaza de Mayo'' claimed that 172 children disappeared together with their parents or were born at the numerous detention camps and had not been returned to their families.<ref>''La Asociación de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, organización creada por las abuelas de los niños desaparecidos, había registrado 172 niños detenidos junto con sus padres o nacidos durante el cautiverio de sus madres, que no habían sido devueltos a sus familias legítimas.'' Restitución de Niños, Asociación de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, p. 60, Editorial Universitaria de Buenos Aires SEM, 1997</ref>

The Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo now claim that 500 grandchildren were adopted by military families. 121 were admittedly located and reunited with their biological families by late 2016 with the announcement that Gustavo Menna, son of Domingo ''Mingo'' Menna, and Ana María ''La Aní'' Lanzillotto (both ERP militants) had been discovered.<ref>[http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/222555/the-story-behind-the-121st-grandchild%E2%80%99s-kidnapping The story behind the 121st grandchild’s kidnapping]</ref> On April 13, 2000, the grandmothers received a tip off that the birth certificate of Rosa Roisinblit's infant grandson, born in detention, had been falsified and the child given to an Air Force civil employee and his wife. Following the anonymous phone call, he was located and agreed to a DNA blood test, confirming his true identity. Rodolfo Fernando, grandson of Roisinblit, is the first known newborn of missing children returned to his family through the work of the grandmothers. Roisinblit's daughter, 25-year-old Patricia Julia Roisinblit de Perez, who was a Montoneros member, was kidnapped along with her husband, 24-year-old José Martínas Pérez Rojo, on October 6, 1978.

The case of Maria Eugenia Sampallo (born some time in 1978) also received considerable attention. Sampallo sued the couple who adopted her illegally as a baby after her parents disappeared, both admittedly Montoneros. Her grandmother spent 24 years looking for her. The case was filed in 2001, after DNA tests indicated that Osvaldo Rivas and Maria Cristina Gomez were not her biological parents. They, along with Army Captain Enrique Berthier, who furnished the couple with the baby, were sentenced respectively to 8, 7 and 10 years in prison for kidnapping during the Kirchner government.

===The PEN Disappeared held in detention camps===

By the time of the coup on March 24, 1976, the number of disappeared held under ''Poder Ejecutivo Nacional'' (PEN) stood at least 5,182. Some 18,000 disappeared in the form of PEN detainees were imprisoned in Argentina by the end of 1977 and it is estimated that some 3,000-4,000 deaths occurred in the Navy Engineering School (ESMA).<ref>''It is estimated that approximately 3,000–4,000 missing persons passed through this camp, of which only a few survived.'' Cultural Heritage , Dallen J. Timothy, Gyan P. Nyaupane, p. 220, Routledge, 2009</ref> These disappeared were held incommunicado and reportedly tortured. Some, like senator Hipolito Solari Yrigoyen and socialist leader professor Alfredo Bravo, were ''detenidos-desaparecidos''. Alicia Partnoy, a poet and member of the Peronist Youth that had links with the ''Montoneros'', also counts as one of the victims who had disappeared but later "reappeared." On November 10, 1977, Colonel Ricardo Flouret and Captain Eduardo Andujar, representing the interior ministry, explained to [[Amnesty International]] that many of the disappeared were in fact guerrillas who had gone underground or fled the country.<ref>Spanish and Latin American Transitions to Democracy, Carlos Horacio Waisman, Raanan Rein, p. 195, Sussex Academic Press, 2005</ref>

By refusing to acknowledge the existence of what was later established to be at least 340 detention camps throughout the country they also denied the existence of their occupants, some 30,000 Argentines are estimated to have passed through the camps. The total number of people who were detained for long periods was 8,625. Among them was future President Carlos Menem, who between 1976 and 1981 had been a political prisoner.

US President Jimmy Carter offered to accept 3,000 PEN detainees, as long as they had no terrorist background.<ref>Iain Guest, Behind the Disappearances: Argentina's Dirty War Against Human Rights & The United Nations, p. 498, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1990</ref> Some 8,600 PEN disappeared were eventually released under international pressure. Of these 4,029 were held in illegal detention centres for less than a year, 2,296 for one to three years, 1,172 for three to five years, 668 for five to seven years, and 431 for seven to nine years.<ref>Sonia Cardenas, Conflict and Compliance: State Responses to International Human Rights Pressure, p. 52,University of Pennsylvania Press, 2007</ref> Of these ''detenidos-desaparecidos'' 157 were killed after being released from detention.

===Casualty estimates===

The New York Times reporter David Vidal wrote on January 5, 1979 that the number of disappeared in Latin America as a whole now numbered 30,000.<ref>"Relatives of Missing Latins Press Drive for Accounting; 30,000 Reported Missing", David Vidal, The New York Times, 5 January 1979</ref> The Christian Science Monitor and The Boston Globe soon followed suit with similar stories, claiming 30,000 people had disappeared under military dictatorships in Latin America and not just Argentina.<ref>Latin America's 'Disappeared' Victims, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 January 1979</ref><ref>Latin American bishops debating church's role, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 February 1979</ref> The Los Angeles Times repeated the claims of 30,000 Latin Americans and not just Argentinians, disappeared in a new article published in October 1979 and November of that year.<ref>A Voice of 'the Disappeared', Los Angeles Times, 21 October 1979</ref><ref>Political Prisoners' Plight in Latin America Told, Los Angeles Times, 5 November 1979</ref> The Nunca Más report issued by the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons (CONADEP) in 1984, identified 8,961 persons "disappeared" between 1976 and 1983, in a case by case verification, and another list of 1,300 victims seen alive in clandestine detention centres.

In 1977, General Albano Harguindeguy, Interior Minister, admitted that 5,618 people disappeared in the form of PEN detenidos-desaparecidos were being held in detention camps throughout Argentina. According to a secret cable from DINA (Chilean secret police) operating in Buenos Aires, an intercepted report by the Argentine 601st Intelligence Battalion in mid-July 1978, which started counting victims in 1975, estimated that up to 22,000 people were missing in Argentina in 1978 (killed or held in detention camps) – this document was first published by John Dinges in 2004.<ref>[https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu//NSAEBB/NSAEBB185/index.htm ON 30th ANNIVERSARY OF ARGENTINE COUP NEW DECLASSIFIED DETAILS ON REPRESSION AND U.S. SUPPORT FOR MILITARY DICTATORSHIP]</ref>

The total number of disappeared in the form of PEN prisoners was 8,625 and of these disappeared 157 were killed after being released from detention. Human Rights Groups in Argentina often cite a figure of 30,000 disappeared, Amnesty International estimates 20,000<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/16/opinion/the-argentine-gulag.html THE ARGENTINE GULAG]</ref> while other observers think 12,000 is a more accurate figure. In 1988, the Asamblea por los Derechos Humanos (APDH or Assembly for Human Rights) published its findings on the disappearances and stated that 12,261 people were killed or disappeared during the Dirty War.<ref>''The Asamblea por los Derechos Humanos (Human Rights Assembly) in Argentina has confirmed the death of 12,261 people during the dictatorship.'' Latin American Dictators of the 20th Century, Javier A. Galván, p. 158, McFarland, 2013</ref> The Montoneros admitted losing 5,000 guerrillas killed, and the ERP admitted 5,000 of their own guerrillas had been killed. By comparison, Argentinian security forces also suffered heavy losses in the form of 523 killed between 1969 and 1975 and another 205 killed between 1976 and 1978. In all, there were 18,331 victims of left-wing terrorism, including 13,000 civilians and close to 5,000 killed, wounded or maimed for life in the military and police forces.<ref>"El 70% de las 18.331 víctimas eran civiles apolíticos, por eso no reclamaron sus derechos al Gobierno. No se conocían, eran sindicalistas, jueces, judíos, católicos, extranjeros... El 30% eran uniformados agredidos en situación de descanso, por lo que son civiles según el derecho internacional." [https://www.abc.es/internacional/abci-victoria-villarruel-entrevista-201112280000_noticia.html «Las víctimas del terror montonero no cuentan en Argentina»]</ref>

There is no agreement on the number of detenidos-desaparecidos. In a 2009 interview with the Buenos Aires daily newspaper Clarín, Graciela Fernández Meijide, who formed part of the 1984 truth commission, claimed that the proven number of Argentinian killed or disappeared was closer to 9,000. Between 1969 and 1979, left-wing guerrillas accounted for 3,249 kidnappings and murders and 5,215 bombings. CONADEP also recorded 458 assassinations (attributed to the Argentinian Anti-Communist Alliance) and about 600 forced disappearances during the period of democratic rule between 1973 and 1976.

In a final report televised on April 28, 1983 as the military prepared their departure, the ruling junta officially declared that the disappeared were all dead but said the military junta had saved the nation by their actions. Human Rights Group, such as the Argentinian League for Human Rights, condemned the junta's final report and claimed at the time, that between 6,000 and 15,000 people had disappeared in Argentina between 1975 and 1979. Some 11,000 Argentinians have applied for and received around US$200,000 each as monetary compensation for the loss of loved ones during the military dictatorship.<ref>''State Terrorism in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, and International Human Rights'', Thomas C. Wright, p. 158, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007</ref> In more recent times, journalist Alfonso Daniels put forward the outlandish claim in an article he wrote for the Daily Telegraph that over 30,000 Argentinians disappeared.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3673470/Argentinas-dirty-war-the-museum-of-horrors.html Argentina's dirty war: the museum of horrors]</ref>

==Military downfall==

Although the military junta carried out its successful war against suspected subversives throughout its entire existence, it was ironically a foreign foe allied with the Chilean military government of General Augusto Pinochet which brought the Argentinian regime to an end. In the early 1980s, it became clear to both the world and the Argentinian people that the military junta was behind the brutal disappearances and imprisonment of tens of thousands of kidnappings. The junta, facing increasing opposition over its human rights record, as well as mounting allegations of corruption, sought to allay domestic criticism by launching a successful campaign to regain ''Las Islas Malvinas'' (the Falkland Islands).

British military historian Martin Middlebrook argues that the military junta occupied the Falklands/Malvinas in order to suppress its opposition, principally the exiled Peronists, because the cost - measured in terms of legitimacy - of suppressing their supporters was relatively low at the beginning of the junta's rule. But the cost of suppression increased over time because of the military regime's ruthless suppression of anyone who supported the guerrillas, its failed economic policies, and its defeat in the Falkland Islands/Malvinas War, and thus it had to tolerate its opposition and eventually return power to civilian authority.

The Falklands/Malvinas Islands had been a thorn in the relations between Argentina and Britain, which reoccupied them in 1833, and Argentina, which claimed them since independence. The junta had thought that it could occupy these islands without a British military response, regaining its popularity and control over its people in the process. However, the government was wrong in its conclusions when 72 days after the initial Argentinian military operations, British army and marine units won the ground war, having captured over 11,000 Argentinians in the process.

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[https://www.britannica.com/event/Dirty-War Encyclopædia Britannica article]

[[Category:Argentina]]
[[Category:Wars]]

User talk:1990'sguy

2020-02-25T22:19:38Z

Bearbrau:

{{welcome}}

Thanks for adding your edits, hopefully you'll become a regular contributor. If I can help you out with anything let me know. [[User:Progressingamerica|Progressingamerica]] ([[User talk:Progressingamerica|talk]]) 19:45, 27 July 2016 (EDT)

:Thank you! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:49, 27 July 2016 (EDT)

Account promoted to skip the Captcha requirement. Thanks for your enlightening edits to [[Examples of Bias in Wikipedia]].

Congratulations!--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 19:37, 28 July 2016 (EDT)

:Thank you! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:45, 28 July 2016 (EDT)
::Congratulations and welcome. You should be aware that people who edit at both CP and WP with the same user name are sometimes harrassed at WP as a result. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 00:11, 29 July 2016 (EDT)
:::Thank you for the welcome and thanks for the heads up! I've already received some heat on Wikipedia for taking some unpopular positions and opposing the bias there, so it will be nothing new for me. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:36, 29 July 2016 (EDT)

----
I saw your helpful addition to the article on Murder of Seth Rich, so I thought I would visit your talk page. How long have you lasted on the WickedPedia? I would be surprised that you would last long there, as I have found the WickedPedia incredibly intolerant and censorious, a pseudo-aristocracy with dominating bullies, biased enough for me to consider it a candidate for the Big T award (T in the Calvinist TULIP); i.e, total depravity! LOL I don't think you can do much on Wikipedia without being part of a group of old boys or buddies who work together. ([[User:Thunkful2|Thunkful2]] ([[User talk:Thunkful2|talk]]) 19:26, 23 August 2016 (EDT))

:Did you mean my Wikipedia talk page? I have been editing Wikipedia for almost three years already. A big reason why I've lasted so long there is because many of the topics I edit are not particularly controversial. However, you are completely right in your description of Wikipedia. I have seen firsthand the massive (and very visible) intolerance and bias Wikipedia has against conservatives, Christians, and anything that contradicts secular and humanistic (pseudo)"scientific knowledge". I could probably write a book about all my criticisms of Wikipedia. I have been able to do some good work (I was able to bring the article "Electoral history of Ronald Reagan" to official "Good Article" status, and I created a few articles), but on other articles, like the Murder of Seth Rich, we cannot have much confidence on the quality and neutrality of those articles. I do applaud you, Thunkful2, for your excellent work on "Murder of Seth Rich". It's awesome that at least one person can accurately present this story! :) --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:35, 23 August 2016 (EDT)

----
I meant right here, this talk page -- I visited it after seeing your good edit. No, I haven't gone to your talk page on the WickedPedia. Thanks for the complement. ([[User:Thunkful2|Thunkful2]] ([[User talk:Thunkful2|talk]]) 10:45, 24 August 2016 (EDT))

:OK, got it. And thanks for your complement. :) --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:50, 24 August 2016 (EDT)

== References from Wikipedia ==

While it's not really plagiarism to copy a reference from WP, it just want to point out that you probably shouldn't do so unless you have read that source, and believe that it supports what is being said. If you are reading the books you are referencing, that's fine--I just can't tell. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:33, 8 September 2016 (EDT)
:Oh, that's a good point. I actually did not read those books, I just wanted to cite something so I wouldn't be adding unsourced info to the article. Should I remove those references anyway? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:36, 8 September 2016 (EDT)

::It is a good idea to find references to support unsourced statements, but it is a little deceptive to cite something you haven't read. To be entirely beyond reproach, removal probably would be best. At this point though, I honestly don't know if I'd bother. In my opinion, it's up to you. No one else has said anything, so it might be okay to leave them, I'm just not sure. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:51, 8 September 2016 (EDT)

:::OK. I will do my own research and find other sources that I can use instead. However, it's getting late, so I will deal with that tomorrow. Thanks for your help! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:58, 8 September 2016 (EDT)

== Account promoted ==

Your account has been promoted to include blocking and overnight editing capability. Congratulations!--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 00:30, 29 September 2016 (EDT)

:Congratulations! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:57, 29 September 2016 (EDT)

::Well done! [[User:AlanE|AlanE]] ([[User talk:AlanE|talk]]) 01:06, 29 September 2016 (EDT)

:::Thanks all! I really appreciate it! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:21, 29 September 2016 (EDT)

::::Excellent! you did good keeping an eye on that vandal yesterday. [[User:Progressingamerica|Progressingamerica]] ([[User talk:Progressingamerica|talk]]) 14:52, 29 September 2016 (EDT)

:::::Thanks, Progressingamerica, I appreciate it! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:42, 29 September 2016 (EDT)

==Reading the WSJ==
Re: [[Christoph Blocher]]

Typically, when I want to read a WSJ article that requires subscriber sign in is to Google the headline and access the web page from a search engine instead of directly. Most of the time this requires a clean browser tab, sometimes it needs to be done in a different browser. Rarely, it requires a cookie clearing. Just thought that information may be of help. This even works with articles that are years old.

As a last resort, see if its in the internet archive.(though, most articles I don't want that bad to keep trying) But they're all good procedures to know. Sometimes works for other news sites too, besides WSJ. [[User:Progressingamerica|Progressingamerica]] ([[User talk:Progressingamerica|talk]]) 00:00, 10 October 2016 (EDT)

:Thanks for the tip! That's what I will do. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:32, 10 October 2016 (EDT)

== Account promoted ==

Your account has been promoted to include upload and rollback features. Congratulations!--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 17:26, 13 October 2016 (EDT)
:Thanks! I really appreciate it! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:36, 13 October 2016 (EDT)
::Congratulations! Keep it up! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 19:31, 13 October 2016 (EDT)
:::Thanks David! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:43, 13 October 2016 (EDT)

== Move and unlock requests ==

You can post your move and unlock requests to [[User talk:Karajou]]. [[User:PeterKa|PeterKa]] ([[User talk:PeterKa|talk]]) 22:30, 13 October 2016 (EDT)
:Thanks for the tip! It's getting late, so I will do that tomorrow. I appreciate it! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:37, 13 October 2016 (EDT)
::You don't actually need any privileges to do a move. You can cut-and-paste from one lemma to another. For purposes of copyright law, the edit summaries must make it clear where the incoming material comes from. [[User:PeterKa|PeterKa]] ([[User talk:PeterKa|talk]]) 00:54, 14 October 2016 (EDT)

== Karajou blocked a user who expressed views supporting the Presidential candidate who is not a sexual preditor. ==

People should not be judged in race on alleged sexuality. A proper critique of Karajou would be asking him about blocking a user who expressed views supporting the Presidential candidate who is not a sexual preditor.--[[User:Rodgerr|Rodgerr]] ([[User talk:Rodgerr|talk]]) 19:04, 14 October 2016 (EDT)

:If you think you have been judged unfairly, you could have just emailed Karajou or webmaster@conservapedia.com (see [[Conservapedia:Guidelines#Member Accounts]]). However, more than once, you decided to take the low route, calling him filthy, immature words [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User_talk:Karajou&diff=1283494&oldid=1283491]. See [[Conservapedia:Avoid personal remarks]]. And why in the world did you do this? [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Coal_burning&curid=140922&diff=1283484&oldid=1283423] (for someone who apparently abhors Trump for the tape, your words seem just as bad) That, honestly, is shameful. I will note that the "Bringreaganback" account clearly violated [[Conservapedia:90/10 rule]]. Considering all this, it's quite clear you deserved the block. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:12, 14 October 2016 (EDT)

== Mainpageleft ==

In response to your good question about entries on [[Template:Mainpageleft|Mainpageleft]], currently there are about 112 featured entries there, which are "reshuffled" periodically. Do you have any suggestions about how that "team" of entries be improved, with respect to insight, influence, popularity, interest level, educational value, etc.? It's a terrific mix of topics now but there is always room for improvement, particularly as the issues and interest in certain topics by the public inevitably shifts over time. Thanks much for any suggestions you may have.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 11:46, 18 October 2016 (EDT)

:An example: "[[Underrated Sports Stars]]" is a solid entry, but should probably be replaced on [[Template:Mainpageleft|Mainpageleft]]. Do you have any favored, influential, insightful, potentially or already popular entry that you like, which you would recommend to replace it?--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 12:55, 18 October 2016 (EDT)

::I do have a few suggestions. [[Murder of Seth Rich]] is probably the best suggestion, as it is very detailed and well sourced. Also, the Wikipedia article of the murder has been the victim of leftist bias (two times, within a month, editors have tried to delete the article, and with that failing, the article appears to have been stripped of much detail) which our article covers well. Other suggestions that I have are the [[Ark Encounter]] (a popular and influential attraction, and one that has been the victim of atheist and evolutionary bias, which the article covers), and [[Larry McDonald]] (a true patriot who stayed true to his principles, and his article actually covers the theories on his possible survival). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:22, 18 October 2016 (EDT)

== Account promoted again ==

Congratulations, your account has been promoted again, so that you can edit protected articles, and protect and unprotect articles. Very well done!--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 22:05, 10 November 2016 (EST)
:Wow! Thank you very much, Mr. Schlafly! I really appreciate it! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:19, 10 November 2016 (EST)
::Congratulations! I've had some problems with the "protect" privilege, but I hope it works for you! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:35, 12 November 2016 (EST)
:::Thanks! I hope so too! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:15, 12 November 2016 (EST)
::::Congratulations on yet another promotion. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 11:46, 12 November 2016 (EST)
:::::Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:46, 12 November 2016 (EST)

==Can't edit article==
Hi again, 1990'sguy, it's Ambassador. Is there any reason I can't edit the article on the [[Big Bang]]? To keep atheists from changing it, I suppose. If you have access to it, you might want to add the point about the Big Bang, due to planets and moons spinning backwards, contradicting the law of Conservation of angular momentum. Find out about it [http://www.creationwiki.org/Three_planets_and_several_moons_revolve_backwards_(Talk.Origins) here]. Thanks! [[User:Ambassador|Ambassador]] ([[User talk:Ambassador|talk]]) 19:56, 22 November 2016 (EST)
:Yes, the article is protected probably because of atheist/secularist/liberal vandalism. Unfortunately, I cannot edit it myself as I do not have full admin capabilities. I recommend asking an admin ([http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Special:ListUsers&username=&group=sysop&limit=100 list]) to unlock the article or add the information you want added. Or, you can go to [[Talk:Main Page|the main talk page]] and add your request there, where more people can see it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:08, 22 November 2016 (EST)

== Thank you! ==

Hello there, and thank you for editing the article on [[Islam and Christianity]]. --[[User:SWAJCAHL&S|SWAJCAHL&S]] ([[User talk:SWAJCAHL&S|talk]]) 09:13, 23 November 2016 (EST)
:No problem, and thank you for creating it! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:14, 23 November 2016 (EST)

::And also thank you, for your help - and tips! - on [[Jared Kushner]]. I'll try to remember the ref's and cat's in the future. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] ([[User talk:Ed Poor|talk]]) 21:49, 23 November 2016 (EST)
:::Sounds great and you're welcome! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:05, 23 November 2016 (EST)

== Geocentric page ==

I added a bit on the talk page a while ago. [[User:PeterIceHockey|PeterIceHockey]] ([[User talk:PeterIceHockey|talk]]) 17:15, 3 December 2016 (EST)
:Do you mean on the section "Ptolemy's view of a stationary earth"? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:13, 3 December 2016 (EST)
::Sorry for the late reply but yes. It doesn't seemed to have created a new heading so I will add that now. [[User:PeterIceHockey|PeterIceHockey]] ([[User talk:PeterIceHockey|talk]]) 17:11, 5 December 2016 (EST)
:::I removed it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:21, 5 December 2016 (EST)

== This is a simple misunderstanding. Please be reasonable. ==

This is [[User:Amorrow]]. I had to dirty myself by creating a sockpuppet because you cut off every last channel of communication. The issues:
# SSN of dead people are release by the government of the USA. I made it clear that my father is dead. His name was William Knight Morrow. You can find his name and SSN, for instance, at [http://sortedbybirthdate.com/pages/19311104.html this page]. It is public, not private.
# You could have removed that link and let it go at that. I do not require notification of such actions. I do not care about that link very much. I put it there simply as a convenience.
Is the matter resolved? If so, then please unblock me or let me know here what remains unresolved.--[[User:Amorrow2|Amorrow2]] ([[User talk:Amorrow2|talk]]) 20:44, 3 December 2016 (EST)

:I am discussing the issue on [[User talk:DavidB4]]. You are welcome to join in. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:48, 3 December 2016 (EST)
::You are unblocked. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:46, 3 December 2016 (EST)

Hello um 1990sguy Im not a spammer or troll I just want to edit this page so I can mod the Alexa device to read out conservapedia instead of wickedpedia.
:First off, you need talk page permission if you're going to make massive changes on one of CP's most important articles. I re-inserted some of your edits, but you need talk page permission to go further and change the article's very tone and point of view. Second, are you a sock of Amorrow? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 08:58, 8 November 2018 (EST)
::I am almost certainly not apart of this sock of amorrow, what is an Amorrow anyway 1990s?--[[User:Reevestehsnek|Reevestehsnek]] ([[User talk:Reevestehsnek|talk]] 14:58, 8 November 2018 (EST)
:::Amorrow is the user who started the discussion you're commenting in. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:04, 8 November 2018 (EST)
::::Reeves, if your going to troll, you need an upgrade. Don't be so amatuerish about it. Show us something new and witty so we can develop appropriate countermeasures. You're obviously not stupid. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 15:31, 8 November 2018 (EST)
:::::Not a Troll, just following guidelines to not start a new section unless it hasn't been posted--[[User:Reevestehsnek|Reevestehsnek]] ([[User talk:Reevestehsnek|talk]] 16:09, 8 November 2018 (EST)
::::::Like I am legit confused, During these last few Hours I get the feeling that you 1990s guy either think Im trying to wreck youre words or that I'm a troll. I also get the feeling that I am extremely unwelcome. Like is all this because I'm black. Because if that's the case Ill leave this site like real pronto.--[[User:Reevestehsnek|Reevestehsnek]] ([[User talk:Reevestehsnek|talk]] 16:26, 8 November 2018 (EST)
:::::::You're confusing me with RobS, who also commented right above. I did not accuse you of trolling. If you feel unwelcome, it's probably because you're new, and you are not familiar with CP's rules. Also, CP is an '''extremely''' high target of vandalism, so we act the same way for '''every''' new user to vet them. Your skin color (which nobody knows) has nothing to do with it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:58, 8 November 2018 (EST)
::::::::Also, we '''recommend''' that you make a new section on a talk page. We discourage commenting on a two-year-old section about a completely different topic. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:11, 8 November 2018 (EST)

==Pitch hitting==

Thanks for the ref [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Donald_Trump&oldid=1293435]. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] [[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]] 13:34, 18 December 2016 (EST)
:You're welcome. Always happy to help! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:15, 18 December 2016 (EST)

==Trump==
You're not telling me it's just a coincidence, are you? [[User:JohnZ|JohnZ]] ([[User talk:JohnZ|talk]]) 18:44, 23 December 2016 (EST)

:Seriously? It is extremely unlikely that this passage, which is about the Second Coming of Christ, has anything to do with Donald Trump. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:46, 23 December 2016 (EST)
::Dang :( Thought I'd had my first ever conservative insight. Must be the morphine. [[User:JohnZ|JohnZ]] ([[User talk:JohnZ|talk]]) 18:56, 23 December 2016 (EST)
:::I think this has more to do with biblical [[hermeneutics]] than conservatism. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:00, 23 December 2016 (EST)

== Merry Christmas ==

[[Image:Merry Christmas.gif|cebter|260px]]
{{clear}}
Thank you for all your contributions to Conservaoedia as far your web article content.

Merry Christmas! And have a happy New Year's Day. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 16:37, 24 December 2016 (EST)

:Thank you very much, Conservative, and the same to you as well! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:43, 24 December 2016 (EST)

== [[St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre]] ==

I suggest doing the redirect in the opposite direction for two reasons. First, it preserves the history and visits to the pre-existing entry. Second, it leaves intact the "Saint" spelled out, which is a stronger and more effective title than the secularized abbreviation. I'd be happy to change the direction of the redirect, if you agree. Regardless, thanks for your efforts!--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 23:01, 27 December 2016 (EST)

:Yes please, Mr. Schlafly, that would be great if you would move it. Just as long as the article shows up as being created by me on the "New Pages" feed. I didn't know that this article already existed, but I worked hard on it and I think that my article is of higher quality by any objective measure. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:39, 28 December 2016 (EST)

==European immigration==
I was thinking of doing an article on the [[European immigration]] problem (don't want to call 'European immigration crisis', yet). Americans are woefully ignorant of what's happening in Europe, and we're looking at doing perhaps the biggest change in Immigration law since 1952. In Europe, whole new political parties have been spawned because of the establishment parties failure to deal with the problems. In 20 years, the German mi!itary may be majority Muslim which would impact the future of the NATO alliance. Better get started now in educating the American public on changing demographics and how this may affect America's role as a Superpower, assuming it still is by then.

Would you care to collaborate? [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''#NeverHillary'']] 01:39, 29 December 2016 (EST)

:Of course, I'll be happy to help! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:39, 29 December 2016 (EST)
::Do you think we should add a subsection under UK about Brexit and to what extent that was motivated by immigration? Also, I'd like to include something about the Schengen Agreement. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''#NeverHillary'']] 16:46, 29 December 2016 (EST)
:::Both of those are great ideas. The "freedom of movement" EU policy played a large part in the referendum and its aftermath. People are tired of unlimited immigration.
:::As for the Schengen area, people can go anywhere they want in Europe without worrying about border security (and before, it was quite tough crossing the border I've heard). The agreement is an essential part of the EU plan to reach full political unification. It really has nothing to do with economics. Also, criminals and terrorists can easily cross the border. The recent Berlin attacker was caught in Italy. He crossed at least two borders without being caught. Imagine if he tried doing that without the agreement. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:53, 29 December 2016 (EST)
:::::Same as most of suspects in 1200 reported sexual assault cases New Years Eve in Cologne. Something like only 7 or 22 arrests have ever been made, while most of the other identified suspects are reported to have fled the country.[[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''#NeverHillary'']] 17:06, 29 December 2016 (EST)

== Father's SSN ==

I created [[Social Security Death Index]]. After I add some ref's, I hope that we can revisit the notion of me declaring what my father's SSN is.

Just to mention where I got this idea from, it is from the web site anusha.com . Sloan has lived an erratic and at times immoral life, but he is just below the level of genius in raw talent. I refer to him as an "accidental adventurer". Please see thermo4thermo.org/sam_sloan.html for some of his life-adventures.
I am not promoting his lifestyle, but he is my publisher for my upcoming book. His web site is a mess. It has about 3000 pages but just a mess of cross-references. The home page is very, very long. You can look at pages like www.anusha.com/pafc147.htm . He also has pages like www.anusha.com/uncles-p.htm . His memory is almost perfect. Near Total Recall. Anyway, I hope we can engage in dialog about my father's SSN.--[[User:Amorrow|Amorrow]] ([[User talk:Amorrow|talk]]) 22:11, 3 January 2017 (EST)
==Hate crime==
Dear 1990'sguy, I am not trying to get into an edit war with you, but I believe that you are misreading the hate crime laws. They do not address "hate speech," just violence or other criminal acts against target groups that receive a lot of hate. I suggest that you do further research, and I hope that you will come to the same conclusion. Thanks, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 20:31, 7 January 2017 (EST)
:For clarification, are you telling me that hate crime laws do not cover "hate speech"? Regardless, I think we should mention that slowly (but steadily) speaking out for biblical Christian principles (opposition to homosexual marriage, saying Islam is a false religion, etc.) is being seen as "hate speech" and vulnerable to being criminalized. See this recent story[https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/simon-turpin/2016/01/08/northern-ireland-pastor-not-guilty-criticising-islam/] and please note the recent attempts to censor Christian sermons in Houston (I don't know if other cities did the same). Censorship of Christian and conservative opinions is growing, and I could a few (but probably unrelated to hate crimes) examples. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:09, 7 January 2017 (EST)
::Also, while you can keep you additions, would you please restore the [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Hate_crime&curid=3861&diff=1298155&oldid=1298153 material you deleted in this edit] (particularly those three completely deleted paragraphs)? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:11, 7 January 2017 (EST)
:::Thank you for fixing the dead link and finding an additional source. You are exactly right. Hate crime and hate speech are completely different. All Conservatives disapprove of speech codes, "safe spaces policy" and political correctness. The First Amendment is clear that regulation of speech must be neutral as to the message. The person(s) who wrote the [[Hate crime]] article years ago got a bit tangled up. Liberals want hate speech codes, and Conservatives oppose them. Both Liberals and Conservatives have voted to enact true hate crime laws to protect religious freedom and to address hate violence on the basis of race. Some Conservatives argue that the list of hate targets in those laws should not include "sexual orientation," but that argument does not belong in a section discussing protecting religion.
:::I took out the two paragraphs because they were repetitive, out-of-place and not germaine. Why not add them to [[Hate speech]]? Thanks, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 21:39, 7 January 2017 (EST)
::::Thank you for clarifying and for moving the content. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:00, 7 January 2017 (EST)
:::::You are welcome. Our discussion here was a bit time delayed. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 22:02, 7 January 2017 (EST)
If you want to include the legislative history, it should explain which bill that was finally adopted that is being discussed and how the bill that was adopted differs from the earlier bills. The people that worked on this article years ago were obviously opposed to a series of bills and were making arguments on why a bill would be bad. Their narative is out of date. We have a number of state and federal hate crime laws on the books and we need to describe what exists, give facts and statistics about how the laws work, and include some commentary on whether the law has been applied fairly. If you want to expand the history section beyond the two sentences that I have explaining how the federal law expanded the role of the FBI, please do so. But the fact that certain people sponsored bills that did not pass before a bill did pass is not helpful unless you explain what changes were made or how the early efforts illumniates our understanding of the bill that passed. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 00:50, 13 January 2017 (EST)
:If these proposed bills became law, we should definitely include this (even if we word it differently). We should do this in order to inform the public about leftist laws and to show that they didn't always exist. Unfortunately, I am quite busy right now, so I cannot do anything about this at the moment. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:49, 13 January 2017 (EST)
:::1990sguy, these bills did '''not''' become law. A similar bill later became law. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 01:10, 14 January 2017 (EST)
::Not to sidetrack your guys discussion, but let me point out (cause the media hasn't) we have just witnessed something very rare and unusual in the US. Traditionally, because of state sovereignty, the states prosecute murder cases and federal government's role is restricted, for most of our history, to capital cases in the US military. In the 20th century federal crimes like murdering the president, or terrorism on federal property causing death ([[Timothy McVeigh]]), were added. This guy, [http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/12/us/dylann-roof-death-penalty-explainer/ Dylann Roof], has just been sentenced to death for violating peoples civil rights with a hate crime enhancement, and ''not for murder''. The federal government does not have the legal authority to try this as a murder case. In fact, Roof probably never will be tried for murder cause the State of South Carolina isn't gonna spend the time and money to do it after the feds are done. In my lifetime, I think this is only the fourth case like this I ever heard of, tho I'm sure there's been a few others. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|Make Exxon Great Again]] 22:37, 13 January 2017 (EST)
:::Rob, this happened a lot in the 1960s. Civil rights workers would go South and were murdered and either the murder was not prosecuted or a local jury would acquit the accused. The FBI would then investigate and the US DOJ would successfully prosecute for civil rights violations in Federal Court. The question is whether there is enough of a commerce clause basis to allow for the passage of such federal crimes, and the courts have upheld them on the grounds that if the federal government did not prevent such intimidation, people would not feel safe crossing state lines. Also, many states have suspended or abolished the death penalty, while it remains available in federal court. State "sovereignty" is very limited and not ''actual'' sovereignty in the legal sense. To me, this is a more interesting aspect of the Hate crime article than whether or not the definition should be expanded to include "gender identity." [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 01:08, 14 January 2017 (EST)
::::I'm not sure it happened "a lot". There was the 'Mississippi Burning' case, where the local cops and others were charged with civil rights violations, but no one served more than a six year sentence. This is why "hate crime" legislation was added later, cause sentences were too light for a "civil rights violation resulting in death". The problem in those days were all-white juries exonerating murder cases, so the feds invented a way they could prosecute killers. One guy was convicted in a state trial [http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/price&bowers/killen.htm 40 years later in 2005 of manslaughter,] but he wasn't the trigger man. No one has ever been charged with the actual killings.
::::Then there was Salt Lake City case of a civil rights violation resulting in death in 1978, but Utah was never part of the Confederacy, was not put under federal scrutiny in the Voting Rights Act, nor has a history of all-white jurries exonersting whites accused of murdering blacks.

::::In the 1990s, Brian Beckwith was convicted of violating Medgar Evers civil rights by killing him in the 1970s.

::::In the 90s Timothy McVeigh was the first person executed by the federal government since, like 1956. But this was a terrorism charge resulting in death, not a civil rights violation, AFAIK. ([https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3azq6b/eli5how_timothy_mcveigh_only_got_convicted_of_8/ McVeigh was only charged with 8 counts of murder, although 168 were killed]). Since McVeigh, there's been maybe one or two other cases of people executed by the federal government.
::::Bottomline, the federal hate crime enhancement was added cause, while the feds proved they could get a conviction where the state failed to act, the penalty was too low. Since its inception, it's hard to find a single case that the law was used for what it was designed for. There is no evidence whatsoever that South Carolina would not prosecute Dylann Roos, or an all-white jury would have exonerated him if the feds failed to intrude. South Carolina has lost its right to govern itself, its sovereignty. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|Make Exxon Great Again]] 06:32, 14 January 2017 (EST)
:::::If this is true, then it definitely should be added. It would give yet another ignored example of massive governmental expansion and movement towards socialism. JDano, if the 2009 proposal did not become law, then what did the actual law consist of? If the bill that was listed on the article did not become law, then there is no point in including it. However, a legislative history of successful bills would be good. However, I am still quite busy, so I will not attempt to do anything about this at the moment. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:49, 14 January 2017 (EST)

==Contest==
I will provide the details you seek when i get some time. You were in the top 5. --Jpatt 10:19, 16 January 2017 (EST)
:Thank you for the reply Jpatt! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:40, 16 January 2017 (EST)

== discuession ==

I am continuing the discussion on my talk page.--[[User:Amorrow|Amorrow]] ([[User talk:Amorrow|talk]]) 10:39, 22 January 2017 (EST)

==Question==
What would be the best word to describe Eurosceptic's opponents? Eurocentric? Pan European? Some other? I don't like globalist in this context. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|Make Exxon Great Again]] 12:42, 28 January 2017 (EST)
:I would say either "Europeanists," "Europhiles," or "Euro-Federalists" are the best. They either seem to be the most used terms. Of those three, I would personally opt for the first. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:00, 28 January 2017 (EST)

== Ban editing ==

Hi, I've noticed you sometimes change blocks by other admins to increase the time or make in infinite. I appreciate your intentions, but just thought I would point out a couple things. Firstly, the blocking admin generally has the final say over the block they have imposed. For example, if a person want to dispute the ban, they are to go to the blocking admin, and that admin decides whether to revoke the ban or not (as can be seen [[Conservapedia:Quick_reference#If_you_get_blocked|here]]). Since you are not revoking a block, it's probably not as big of an issue, but it still seems to be proper etiquette. Of course, full admins have authority over assistants such as you and I, so they have the right to direct revise of revoke blocks we make. 
Secondly, While it makes good sense to block those people forever, it doesn't really work that way. A ban applies to the username, and the IP from which they edited if the option is selected--nothing more. Vandals almost always use servers to redirect their connection, however, so that their true IP is never seen by CP. This means that when we block those users, we are really just blocking the server they were using. This is a good thing too, but the problem is that these servers are usually assigned new IPs periodically, so the block no longer applies--now the blocked IP is unassigned. Since most people in the western world still use IPv4, there are not that many spare IP addresses, so the IP is soon assigned to someone else. Now some innocent person is using an IP which for all eternity has been blocked on CP. They probably will never even know, but if we set infinite blocks enough, the chances of that happening regularly increase continuously. I know some people here do use infinite block regularly, but in my opinion its a logistical problem. This is why I almost always set a time limit, or block only the username infinitely, and leave the IP unblocked (which I prefer not to do).
Thanks for your ongoing efforts! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:05, 31 January 2017 (EST)
:Yikes, I should have thought of that. The thought of indefinitely blocking innocent people from CP certainly is not a good thing. If you haven't reverted by block change, feel free to undo it. I'm too busy right now to do it myself. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:11, 31 January 2017 (EST)

::The chances of that happening from a couple blocks are pretty low, but it can add up. Anyway, no harm done. I just thought I'd mention it. Thanks! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:24, 31 January 2017 (EST)

:::I apologize for adding to a discussion which is over a year old. However, DMorris straightened me out about this, and I wanted to belatedly set the record straight. When a user is blocked, the username/account is blocked for a specified amount of time, but the IP address is only blocked for 24 hours, unless it is banned separately. Autoblock will put a 24-hour ban on all IPs used by the banned account, though I'm not sure if it also blocks IPs which log into the banned account at a later time...I believe it does. Therefore, it seems we do not need to worry about the last point I made, as I was mistaken. Once DMorris corrected me, I did some research and testing, which confirmed what he told me. --[[User:DavidB4|DavidB4]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:03, 28 March 2019 (EDT)

::::Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 08:23, 28 March 2019 (EDT)

== expand ==

[[Gainful employment]]. Yes. I dare you to.--[[User:Amorrow|Amorrow]] ([[User talk:Amorrow|talk]]) 08:32, 4 February 2017 (EST)
:Why? What's the purpose of you messaging me? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:25, 4 February 2017 (EST)

==[[Abortion]] article==
It's open for you to make your suggested additions. As to the Leif Ericson image, what needs to happen is a new image uploaded in its place. I'll try to find one later. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] ([[User talk:Karajou|talk]]) 13:18, 6 February 2017 (EST)
:New Leif image uploaded and added to article. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] ([[User talk:Karajou|talk]]) 12:56, 7 February 2017 (EST)
::Thank you. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:02, 7 February 2017 (EST)

== Addiction article and TAR ==

Hello again, Regarding the [[Addiction]] article and specifically its categories, I agree with JDano. Let me attempt to explain: 

"TAR" is short for [[User:TheAmericanRedoubt|TheAmericanRedoubt]] a former user and assistant SysOp here at Conservapedia. People have differing opinions of him, but mine is that he did offer some valuable contributions, but also did not understand and did not learn the rules of CP. Among some other issues, he tended to add many "See also" links to articles which were not sufficiently relevant and did the same with categories. Thus, when editors refer to "TAR" they are usually talking about this debris, which should not exist. TheAmericanRedoubt (TAR) has since stopped editing here, and his account has been deleted. However, some of the links and categories he inserted still exists, and make things look messy. For this reason, a number of editors (including myself) try to clean up these issues and restore a little more order. The guide page [[Conservapedia:How to create and maintain high-quality articles]] was the direct result of TAR's methods. 
Regarding the categories specifically, it's best to maintain a "tree" structure. A page should not connect to categories which also contain subcategories it links to. Also, it should link only to categories which contain it, not categories which the page topic can contain. In other words, a page "drug" should be in the category "medicines" but not in a category "antibiotics". 
I hope this clarifies a bit. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:42, 13 February 2017 (EST)

:Please allow me to apologize for my impatience with the "addiction" article. You accidentally stepped into the remains of a hornets' nest. TAR added lots of utterly irrelevant see-also's and categories, in what can only be described as an attempt to turn this wiki into survivalist-pedia, or perhaps James-Wesley-Rawles-pedia. He offended a huge number of people with his implications that we were all supposed to stockpile bullets, batteries, and other survivalist stuff (I could look it up but it's too nauseating) and move to a "redoubt" in Idaho or similar place while we wait for the apocalypse. We were also all supposed to be into some kind of crackpot Indian alternative medicine. (I think it was called "ayurvedic" or something like that; once again too nauseating.) The whole wiki was in an enormous uproar for a few months. (And Cons, who really doesn't subscribe to that stuff, nevertheless stirred up the pot by pretending to be in email contact with the guy.)
:So if you see suspicious see-also's or categories, especially with codewords like "nanny state" or "gun-grabbing", be aware this might be detritus from TAR. I support the second amendment, but I don't support putting all this survivalist garbage into an article on fire hydrants.
:[[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 01:36, 13 February 2017 (EST)
::It has taken a huge amount of work to undo TAR's damage. I suppose that you think that there is a bias against any change he had made, and there is probably some truth to that. He did not understand that our categories have a tree structure. Instead, he thought of categories as a word association test. Putting in excess categories and excessive red links makes Conservapedia less appealing to users and lowers our google search engine rankings. In theory, every article could be in every category, because there is some plausible connection between any two subjects. If we had a separate article on "Drug Addiction" then it could have categories like [[:Category:Illegal Drugs]] or [[:Category:Drugs]]. The problem is that [[:Category:Illegal Drugs]] is a subcategory of [[:Category:Drugs]] ''breaking up the category tree with an infinite loop.'' Here the Addiction article is on a much higher level that discusses video games, etc. So, it is not useful to a high school student looking for information about illegal drugs, in my opinion. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 05:46, 13 February 2017 (EST)

:::Thank you all for your explanations. Considering these things, I will try not to get in the way next time this clean up occurs. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:13, 13 February 2017 (EST)
== Thanks! ==

You helped make [http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/conservapedia.com THIS] happen.

I have never seen a non-profit website go from below 100,000 rank to nearly a 50,000 Alexa ranking in about a year. And Andy payed zero dollars for internet marketing services during this period.

And there is no sign of a nearing web traffic plateau. My guess is that Trump supporters/Trump era and the resulting political waves significantly explains the boost in traffic.

Trump supporters seem very loyal so the traffic boost could be long lasting. It also seems like there is a reawakening of right-wing politics/nationalism that will be long lasting. And right-wing populism and "[[best of the public]]" go together like peanut butter and jelly. :) [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 17:30, 13 February 2017 (EST)

:You're welcome, and thank ''you'' for all your edits! I'm happy to help improve the quality of Conservapedia. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:56, 13 February 2017 (EST)
==Quick project==
Dear Guy:
Our state articles list the members of Congress from each state, but they have not be updated for 2016. If five editors could update 10 states each, we would be done quickly. Could you please take a look at [[Conservapedia:Community Portal#Political directory]]? Thanks in advance, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 16:13, 15 February 2017 (EST)

Thank you for your help with the project and with People's Party. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 23:02, 21 February 2017 (EST)

== Tip ==

Thanks for your terrific work. One tip: the licensing information should be expressly included in the uploads. I added it here: [[File:EU_member_states.png]]. Thanks again for your edits and uploads.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 23:27, 7 March 2017 (EST)
:Thank you for the tip. I will remember to add the information next time. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:34, 7 March 2017 (EST)

==[[Template:Book]]==
Try working on it now. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] ([[User talk:Karajou|talk]]) 10:48, 11 March 2017 (EST)

== Questions ==

A few months ago, you told me to ask you any questions I had, so here goes:
*When recategorizing the massive and messy [Category:Authors] by nationality, I found two authors, [[Theo Hobson]] and [[Carl Sagan]], whom I could not recategorize as [Category:American Authors]. Could you change them for me?
*When fixing the [[Francois Rabelais]] cedilla mess, I set up a redirect. Has anyone ever made a loop out of redirects? If so, what happened? I'm scared to try it.
*Lastly, where is my attention now best sent - expanding the author articles, improving our coverage of science and mathematics, or maybe tackling another recat job, like [Category:Music]?

:1) Concerning [[Theo Hobson]] and [[Carl Sagan]], those articles are protected, and as an assistant sysop, I do not have the ability to edit them. I recommend asking someone like [[User:Karajou]] or CP's owner, [[User:Aschlafly]] to either unlock the articles to allow you to fix the category or to have them change the cat themselves. I've made many similar requests to them and they will be happy to help.

:2) I have not heard of someone doing that before. I personally don't think anything bad would happen if someone did try it, as you can still access the actual redirect page to remove the loop.

:3) Honestly, all three choices are great. If I were you, I would probably choose to expand the articles already created so that the average reader would find them more interesting and worthwhile, rather than just seeing a stub. After that, I would personally move on to work on another category, so that CP is better-organized. Then after that, I would do math and science, which is (as far as I can tell) on a different theme than your other work. This is my personal preference, but if you would prefer doing it in a different order feel free! You have been very helpful to CP, and I appreciate your work. Keep it up! :) --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:20, 14 March 2017 (EDT)

::Hi, just a quick note: A redirect loop shouldn't be a problem. I think the user is only redirected once, so after that they see the second redirect page. Redirect loops, double redirects, and dead redirects should all be avoided when possible. Thanks for your contributions! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 20:23, 14 March 2017 (EDT)

:::You are entirely correct, DavidB4; I just tried a loop with soda and pop (and removed it). Typing one would give you the page for the other, and an option to redirect. I'll proceed to expand the author pages now. Feel free to removed this section to abridge the talk page.--[[User:Abcqwe|Abcqwe]] ([[User talk:Abcqwe|talk]]) 15:58, 15 March 2017 (EDT)

== Could you please write this article? ==

Could you please write this important article: [[Atheism and ethics]]?

I may ask another writer or tow to contribute to it also. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 08:07, 18 March 2017 (EDT)

:Yes, I think I will be able to find some time to do it. Unfortunately, I have other things on my to-do list (even for CP), but this article is important, and I will try to find time to help. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:10, 18 March 2017 (EDT)

::OK. Thanks. I think [[User:Pokeria1]] will be assisting you. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 10:55, 18 March 2017 (EDT)

=== Sources to help you write an article ===

*[https://www.spectator.co.uk/2014/04/ethics-for-atheists/# Would human life be sacred in an atheist world?]

*[http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/atheists_more_immoral.html Atheism Doesn't Lead to Immoral Behavior - Or Does It?]

*[http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/atheism_determinism_morality.html Does Atheism (Determinism) Negatively Impact Morality?]

*[http://apologetics-notes.comereason.org/2015/03/atheism-ethics-and-immorality.html Atheism, Ethics, and Immorality]

*[https://www.thinkingchristian.net/posts/2016/01/good-nothing-make-atheist-ethics-better-christian/ Being Good “For Nothing” — Does That Make Atheist Ethics Better Than Christian?]

*[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/questions-on-atheism-ethics-and-marital-conflict Questions on Atheism, Ethics, and Marital Conflict]

*[http://creation.com/atheism#atheism-and-ethics Atheism and ethics]

Secular sources:

*[http://www.iep.utm.edu/n-atheis/#H5 Secular Morality]

*[http://www.iep.utm.edu/n-atheis/#H4 The Moral Evaluation of Religion]

Additional sources:

*[http://www.paulcopan.com/articles/pdf/God-naturalism-morality.pdf God, Naturalism, and the Foundations of Morality] by Paul Copan
*[http://www.equip.org/articles/atheists-and-the-quest-for-objective-morality/ Atheists and the Quest for Objective Morality] by Chad Meister
*[http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-amorality-of-atheism The amorality of atheim] by Rob Smith
*[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/can-we-be-good-without-godCan Can we be good without God?] by William Lane Craig]
*[http://creation.com/atheism#atheism-and-ethics Atheism and ethics and morality] by Ken Ammi
*[http://www.doesgodexist.org/NovDec06/AtheisticExplanations.html Atheist explanations of morality and common sense]
*[http://whatswrongwiththeworld.net/2015/09/does_being_an_atheist_interfer.html Does being an atheist interfere with being moral?] by Lydia McGrew
*[http://americanvision.org/2742/nietzsche-slaps-down-dawkins-on-the-illusion-of-atheist-morality/ Nietzsche slaps down Dawkins on the illusion of atheist morality] by Dr. Joel McDurmon

== quick note ==

Would you be interested in email communication with me? My email is userconservative135@gmail.com

Please let me know if you are interested. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 20:54, 18 March 2017 (EDT)

:Yes, that would be great! I've been thinking for some time of setting up a CP email address account, and I'll do that within the next couple of days. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:29, 18 March 2017 (EDT)
::OK. That sounds good. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 00:02, 19 March 2017 (EDT)
:::Here it is: 1990sguysdg@gmail.com --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:46, 21 March 2017 (EDT)
I just sent you an email. Let me know if you got it. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 22:10, 21 March 2017 (EDT)
::I wrote another response to your email. Please check your email box. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 05:05, 22 March 2017 (EDT)
:::I got your latest email and responded to it. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 15:41, 22 March 2017 (EDT)

== If you are interested, another article that needs to be created ==

If you are interested, another article that needs to be created: [[Secular ethics]]

Sources about this topic:

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_ethics Secular ethics]

*[http://www.iep.utm.edu/n-atheis/#H5 Secular Morality]

*[http://www.iep.utm.edu/n-atheis/#H4 The Moral Evaluation of Religion]

Thanks. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 17:11, 20 March 2017 (EDT)

=== A couple more article suggestions related to atheism and morality ===

Also, here are a few more articles that need to be written about atheism and morality:

*[[Evolutionary ethics]], Wikipedia has an article on it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_ethics

*[[Ethical naturalism]], Wikipedia has an article on it at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethical_naturalism

*[[Ethical subjectivism]], Wikipedia has an article on this subject at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethical_subjectivism

Thanks for your assistance on the [[Atheism and ethics]] article. It was much appreciated. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 17:21, 22 March 2017 (EDT)

== The Project I invited you to participate in plus ==

Here is the project I invited you to participate in:

*[[Conservapedia:Atheism Project]]

It should be easy to find relevant online material in order to create some of the articles. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 17:19, 22 March 2017 (EDT)
:Thank you, Conservative, for your suggestions. I will begin on some of these soon. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:53, 22 March 2017 (EDT)
::I sent you an email. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 08:57, 24 March 2017 (EDT)

== Blocking user "reformed" ==

Well, I've got to say that vandalizing the user page of someone with block authority is '''really''' stupid.

But I take issue with your claim that he was an "obvious sock". As one who has been blocked a number of times on completely bogus socking charges, I take that stuff seriously. (The blocking was generally done by someone (now deceased) who had "checkuser" privileges and therefore had good tools for detecting socks, but did not understand how internet addresses work.)

It is not at all obvious to me, as one who has a lot of experience at CP, that he was a sock. He was a vandal, and you should block him for that.

Oh, dear. Now I see that there's a big storm of this stuff going on. And, yes, these guys, or at least some of them, are probably socks of each other. And at least one of them is using the name "obvioussock", just to taunt you. And one says he used to be a washing machine in his previous life.

My goodness! I think you are being trolled! :-) :-) And no, I had nothing to do with this. Just block them. It will blow over soon.

[[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 12:54, 25 March 2017 (EDT)

:Thank you for your message. :) Due to the fact that "reformed" was created right after I blocked two users and vandalized my user page, I assumed that it was a clear sock of one or both of them. However, as it was not clear to you and possibly others, I changed the block settings to just include vandalism. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:06, 25 March 2017 (EDT)

==Screw up==
Sorry, I'm working with a tablet, and it's a piece of garbage. I didn't intentionally remove your comments. Sorry. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''CIA v Trump updated score'':CIA 3, Trump 2]] 15:31, 25 March 2017 (EDT)
:Assuming you're referring to those at [[Talk:Main Page]], apology accepted. It can happen to the best of us. They were other user's edits, however. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:33, 25 March 2017 (EDT)

== Thank you ==

For your reverts yesterday on my userpage, saw the sock puppet master was not finished with his trolling. [[User:YortKeldher|YortKeldher]] ([[User talk:YortKeldher|talk]]) 07:37, 26 March 2017 (EDT)
:You're welcome. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:54, 26 March 2017 (EDT)

== Examples of Bias in Wikipedia: Vaccination ==

Thank you for your improvements to [[Examples of Bias in Wikipedia: Vaccination]]. [[User:Desmonduk|Desmonduk]] ([[User talk:Desmonduk|talk]]) 16:13, 29 March 2017 (EDT)
:You're welcome. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:30, 29 March 2017 (EDT)

== small request ==

I sent you a message at the last place we communicated. Can you please read that message? [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 08:59, 6 April 2017 (EDT)
:I sent you the information I promised. It is located at the place we last communicated. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 12:36, 6 April 2017 (EDT)
::Sent you message. Please check place we last communicated. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]])
:::I sent you a quick note to the place we last communicated. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 11:51, 18 April 2017 (EDT)
::::Could you please go to the place we last communicated? It is regarding another matter. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]])

==Photo size==
With a large photo, there is much more word wrap in the table of contents, which makes it even longer. We need a wide table of contents. Thanks, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 19:08, 10 April 2017 (EDT)
:I've checked and double-checked, and I see no way how the larger-sized photo does anything to the table of contents. And I'm using a standard Google Chrome, 100% zoom screen. Could it be your search engine/zoom? I don't see any reason why the larger image is a problem in any way. I think it looks better, regardless. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:06, 10 April 2017 (EDT)
:::On Firefox the TOC is longer due to word wrap. You can get other pictures to help fill the space, but the space will be shorter if the TOC is wider. Thanks, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 23:19, 10 April 2017 (EDT)
I am getting a lot of 500 errors. I will wait for you to finish, and then I will go back and apply my changes. Thanks, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 11:07, 11 April 2017 (EDT)
:I have done my changes. But please, when making those changes, please do ''not'' revert changes I have made, particularly changes that I have already reverted you multiple times. I'm tired of these disputes. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:09, 11 April 2017 (EDT)

== IRC ==

Hello, 
After some discussion (on [[User_talk:DavidB4#Conservapedia_IRC_channel|my talk page]] and [[User_talk:Aschlafly#IRC|Andy's]]) it has been decided that I start an [[Internet Relay Chat]] channel for Conservapedia, since our old one has been dead since 2009. It is now registered and somewhat set up. I don't know if you use IRC or are interested in doing so, but anyone with block privileges on Conservapedia can also get block privileges on the new IRC channel. Unfortunately, IRC accounts are deleted after 30 days of being unused, so unless you plan on using the IRC at least once a month, there is probably not much point in registering. In any case, feel free to try it out--if you account gets deleted, we can always make another one later. If you are interested, please let me know! 
The IRC channel is: #conservapedia @irc.accessIRC.net 
Let me know if you have any questions or need anything else, also! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:33, 11 April 2017 (EDT)

:Thank you for your response. I have never used or really even heard of IRC prior before now (or, more accurately, before you and Andy started talking about it). What is the purpose of IRC? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:47, 11 April 2017 (EDT)

::It is perhaps the oldest form of instant messaging. It is basically a chat room, where people can join and idle or actively chat. Visitors can ask members questions, and members can collaborate. There is even file sharing, if that would be useful. I'm going to be writing a how-to-use guide to explain the actual usage better. 
::Most people use software clients, which they install (or run portably, which a whole different story), but web clients are also available, such as [https://kiwiirc.com/client?settings=7c7240c62a5d4861a8ad0ba697929f39 this one]. With the web client, you can just pick a name and connect, without installing anything. Also, since IRC has been around so long, software for it is compatible with almost anything. All desktop and most mobile operating systems support it. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:55, 11 April 2017 (EDT)

:::Thanks for the info! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:24, 11 April 2017 (EDT)

== Re: Vandal ==

Already took care of that and left a note for [[User talk:Teapublican|Teapublican]] on his talk page. [[User:Northwest|Northwest]] ([[User talk:Northwest|talk]]) 00:09, 20 April 2017 (EDT)
:Thank you. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:08, 20 April 2017 (EDT)

== Recent item on maintalk -- congratulations! ==

Sorry, I just couldn't resist making fun of you there. I immediately recognized the Breitbart article, as one that I had seen shortly before. And then I saw that it was you. No hard feelings, I hope. [[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 23:22, 24 April 2017 (EDT)
:None at all. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:37, 24 April 2017 (EDT)

::Congratulations! The [[March for Science]] article is a ''really good article''. And you made it so. (Well, with a little prodding from me.) It sets out, straightforwardly, what was going on, and it doesn't descend into namecalling. I realize that you probably have very strong disagreements with what most of those people were doing, but you kept it professional.

::Really good articles, especially on potential "hot button" issues of politics, aren't all that common. Now maybe I will make another attempt to return the [[Pussy Riot]] article to the good state it was in back when I expanded it in 2014, before it got messed up with the implication that anyone who opposes murderous thug tyrant Vladimir Putin must be a "leftist", "elitist", or "social justice warrior". For which I was blocked, in blatant violation of the rules of this site. [[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 14:25, 26 April 2017 (EDT)

:::Thank you for the compliment! Unfortunately, the router I'm using blocked the "Pussy Riot" article because of the first word in the title, so I cannot comment on that at all. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:00, 26 April 2017 (EDT)

::::How sad. I have created the redirect [[Nadezhda Tolokonnikova]] in case that helps. But it probably won't. You had no trouble typing the "P" word above, so I guess it's a problem of your router not going to a page with that word in the title. Maybe I should have named the page with its Cyrillc letters: "Пусси Райот". Well, you're not missing anything of cosmic importance. [[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 16:42, 26 April 2017 (EDT)

:::::The redirect actually did work. Thanks! The article does not appear to have a high quality (at least in the aesthetic sense), so changes would probably be beneficial, but if you're going to make changes, I would like to remind you to be cautious and not to contradict CP's POV. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:17, 26 April 2017 (EDT)

:::In case you forgot, Sam <s>(and how fast it appears that happens with you)</s>, it was ''you'' who violated the rules of this site by putting a liberal POV into that article (among others, [http://www.conservapedia.com/Special:Contributions/SamHB per your history]) in the first place, then insistently readding it after your edit was reverted and you were warned about violating CP policy and about starting fights with other editors. You really should take the advice you're being given here and not continue violating CP policy. [[User:Northwest|Northwest]] ([[User talk:Northwest|talk]]) 21:59, 26 April 2017 (EDT)

A few things:
*Today is my 9th anniversary at Conservapedia!
*I can assure everyone that I am very familiar with, and well versed in, the rules, commandments, guidelines, customs, and habits of CP. I am also familiar with the many, many, many discussions of these points that have taken place over the years.
*@Northwest: this is the expected response.
*@1990's guy: this is ''not'' the response I expected. I'm chagrined that you think the article is of low quality. Especially since you know how to write high quality articles.
I'm serious. I was proud of that article as originally written/expanded by me. I thought it laid out the facts accurately, and avoided name-calling and such. Exactly like the March for Science article. Please look at the article (preferably the [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Pussy_Riot&oldid=1328015] version, before name-calling got put in) and fix it up as you see fit. The name-calling consisted, among other things, of saying that those people around the world who took an interest in the case were "elitists" and "social justice warriors on the left". The latter term is straight out of Huffington Post and their ilk. It is a term of bleeding hearts in America, and not used widely elsewhere. In any case, one doesn't need to be an SJW to oppose murderous thug tyrant Vladimir Putin. In fact, given the recent falling out between President Trump and Putin, the accepted orthodoxy here at CP might be swinging away from support for the murderous thug. I hope so.

Please improve the article.

[[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 11:28, 28 April 2017 (EDT)

:My problem is not with content; it is with organization, layout, aesthetics, etc. There are no subsections, which at least show the reader how the article is organized; it is just many paragraphs. Such articles do not appeal to the reader. IMO, it feels like reading a textbook. If it is just a few paragraphs, it is fine, but thus article has ten paragraphs. Adding a few headers and possibly an image would be beneficial (and I realized just as I wrote this that the March for Science article is approaching that length as well, so I probably either should just keep my mouth shut or add headers there as well). I did not mean to insult or degrade your work, and I apologize for giving that impression. BTW, happy 9th anniversary! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:46, 28 April 2017 (EDT)

:Sam - by your response, you're only proving what I said about your tactics and your history here right. You claim to be "very familiar with, and well versed in, the rules, commandments, guidelines, customs, and habits of CP", but you only pay lip service to them here while your actions on CP over the years (and even now) are showing that you simply choose to disregard them for the sake of pushing liberal POV on this site and to start fights with those who don't share your viewpoint. [[User:Northwest|Northwest]] ([[User talk:Northwest|talk]]) 18:08, 28 April 2017 (EDT)

== Bill Nye ==

Could you please contact me by email at sam4557@gmail.com? I think we can make a really good article out of this. I have a number of criticisms of his behavior--my opinion of him has gone down a whole lot over the last few weeks, and I think I have some insights about this that I'd like to bounce off of you. I know that you and I disagree totally about evolution and creationism, but we can put together a good article stating the facts. We can stay away from the name-calling that so many articles contain, and avoid things like "so-and-so falsely believes that ..."

This is ''not'' about Pussy Riot, ''not'' about Conservapedia politics, and ''not'' about you-know-who. I just want to bounce some ideas off of you about Bill Nye and see if we can put together a really nice article.

[[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 01:00, 4 May 2017 (EDT)

== Expanded article, footnote did not support genocide/racist abortions adequately ==

I greatly expanded this article [[Abortion and eugenics]]. The footnote in the liberal article was not supporting or at the very least inadequately supporting racist/genocidal abortion policies of [[Margaret Sanger]], etc.

Specifically, I skimmed the article as far as the footnoted article and it did not appear to strongly support such a big claim like abortion/genocide, etc. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 01:26, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

==Something isn't right here==
... Ohhh I know what it is. ''Margaret Thatcher'' is on the list of liberals. ''Margaret. Thatcher.'' The bastion of conservatism. A favourite of Reagan. How in the ''world'' did she make the liberal list? [[User:Koidevelopment|Vive]] [[User talk:Koidevelopment|Liberté!]] 09:14, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
:Wasn't me who added her. She was not as conservative as people think she is, as she did vote in favor of legalizing abortion and homosexuality. But, that said, it would probably be better without mentioning her, to avoid people focusing on her mention in the article. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:24, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

::She might not have been a perfect conservative, but I still think she probably doesn't belong on that list. Of course, if you go back 80 years and read writings and speeches from liberals of the day, they sound downright conservative now. Still, she did defend liberty and much of conservatism. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 13:18, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
:::Lady Thatcher's criticism of Simon Callow's performance in ''Amadeaus'' made her homophobic, I thought. Being homophobic wouldn't preclude one from being liberal however, [[Bill Moyers]] and Louis Black for example. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''The coup plotters won, for now'']] 15:31, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
I assume that adding the liberalism template to the [[Episcopal Church]] article was improper? I would like to know what the proper usage of this template is for future reference. TEC is one of, if not the most liberal Christian denomination in the US these days, sadly. I do apologize for this improper usage, as I am a new editor. --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 15:00, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
:Hello Anglican! I removed the template because I thought the article was outside the scope of the "liberal" template. What I mean is that the template links to liberal traits, but not necessarily to liberal organizations. I think the category is good for the article, but not template. I hope this helps! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:11, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
::That makes sense. Thank you for your patience. It's sad what has happened to the Episcopal Church in recent years. --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 15:14, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
:::You're welcome, and I agree. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:18, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

== User: Karajou sent me and others an email saying he didn't like CP's article on liberalism. So... ==

User: Karajou sent me and others an email saying he didn't like CP's article on [[liberalism]].

The article needs major improvements.

I am not going to work on it due to time restraints. I spent a lot of time improving the [[liberal]] article.

I would use the same approach used with the liberal article. Clearly delineate liberalism from socialism/fascism because they are very substantially different (for example, Sweden vs. Communist China vs. Nazi Germany). But mention how the gap between the ideologies has narrowed in the United States. I don't keep up with European politics to know the situation there as far as the gap other than knowing that China has become more capitalistic. European countries commonly have more major political parties in a country so the situation is more difficult to keep tabs on. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 16:33, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

:I posted the below information on RobS' talk page and thought I would share it with you also. You can go to RobS' talk page to see his response to me.

::I would work on the liberalism article. But also create 2-3 sub-articles: [[American liberalism]] and [[Western liberalism]] and [[European liberalism]]. The [[American liberalism]] article is just a one sentence stub article.

::I suggest a [[Western liberalism]] article due to the Canadians, Australia, NZ, and South Africa. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:09, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
:::Since the Brits and Canadians have the most influence in the Anglosphere on the USA, you might want to create a [[British liberalism]] article and a [[Canadian liberalism]] article too.

:::Its too bad all this wasn't done before given that CP is a political website. I was largely focused on [[atheism]] which is a dying ideology. This had an indirect relation to liberalism given the prominence of the [[secular left]] on liberal/leftist politics. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:17, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

== Re: American liberalism ==

I copied and pasted some of the [[liberal]] article into the [[American liberalism]] article.

Generally speaking, ideally you want the material in the section for main article linking to a sub-article to have substantially different content. In this case, you want the [[American liberalism]] article to have different content than the "American liberalism" section of the [[liberal]] article.

So if you want to reword and/or add material to the [[American liberalism]] article the would be excellent. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 19:17, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

== Opinion on renaming an article ==

I wanted your opinion on an idea of mines to rename one of our articles on Conservapedia before taking it to an admin or someone with the ability to actually change the name of a page.

The current page [[Exodus of Israel]], I think, should be renamed to [[The Exodus]], where [[Exodus of Israel]] should simply be a redirect to that page. Not many users would think of typing 'Exodus of Israel' to get to a page on 'The Exodus', and 'The Exodus' is just much simpler. As it is, [[The Exodus]] is currently a redirect to [[Exodus of Israel]]. I think it should be the other way around. Your thoughts?[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 13:34, 10 May 2017 (EDT)
:No, I think it is better the way it is. My main reason is that having titles along the lines of "The...." does not sound encyclopedic. The current name, I believe, is more high quality for that reason. Now, it is true that many users might not think of typing "Exodus of Israel," but if they type "[[Exodus]]," they'll run into the disambiguation page and find the actual article. Also, I'm not sure that many people would think of typing "The Exodus." To sum it up, I think the current title is better and give the article a more encyclopedic feel, but you're welcome to ask another editor what they think. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:59, 10 May 2017 (EDT)
Thanks for the thoughts. Wikipedia currently uses 'The Exodus', and I find that it simply looks better, as a title, then 'Exodus of Israel'. Secondly, I also consider it more likely for someone to type in 'The Exodus' then 'Exodus of Israel'.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 15:59, 10 May 2017 (EDT)
:Once again, if you want to ask another editor for their opinion, like DavidB4, feel free to do so. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:20, 10 May 2017 (EDT)
Thanks for your opinion. One thing though, do you know who can get this template locked?

At this point, all relevant pages have been created, and therefore this template no longer will ever need any more editing as it is complete. So the best thing to do is to get it locked to avoid any vandalism problems in the future. Just to note, before I came on, it was already locked, even though it still had many problems. Now that the template is fixed, the best thing to do is to get it locked. [[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 20:57, 12 May 2017 (EDT)
:I recommend asking [[User:Aschlafly]] or [[User:Karajou]]. They have protection powers. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:15, 12 May 2017 (EDT)
==Block length==
Thanks for your alert blocks. But one year is a long time for a block. IP addresses often change in a shorter period. You might consider 3 months as a better block duration in many cases.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 22:25, 17 May 2017 (EDT)
:OK. I'll see to that. Should I change the blocks I just did? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:26, 17 May 2017 (EDT)
::I just went ahead and changed them. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:41, 17 May 2017 (EDT)

== Congratulations on Donald Trump accomplishments ==

Hey, I just checked Google. While that movie award comes up first when "Donald Trump achievements," is Googled, and you are the first result after, you get nice results with certain other phrases:
*Donald Trump accomplishments - third link, no box
*Trump achievements - first link, no box
*Trump accomplishments - fourth link, no box
*Donald Trump achievements and failures - fourth link, no box
While Conservative's essays come up first when their exact titles are Googled, bear in mind that these phrases are Googled more frequently.
Congratulations on the publicity, 1990sguy!--[[User:Abcqwe|Nathan]] ([[User talk:Abcqwe|talk]]) 08:07, 25 May 2017 (EST)

:Great job, it is well deserved! - -[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]])
::Thanks, Nathan and DavidB, I appreciate it! It seems I chose the right article to create, in terms of gaining page views. For a while, when one searched the exact title of my article, that silly award was not at the top of the article, and in its place was a box with a picture of Trump linking to my article. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:24, 25 May 2017 (EDT)
== Can you chat briefly? ==

Can we chat briefly? Can you please go to place I sent you messages before? [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 11:16, 3 June 2017 (EDT)
== Here is the the article ==

*[[Liberal vs. libertarian]]

Thanks. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 11:54, 3 June 2017 (EDT)

== It's been great ==

You've been helpful since I you first welcomed me here - me, someone who had never used wikitext or HTML in his life and never believed in a young Earth. You've really made me consider that viewpoint, and you've done it with a brilliant personal appeal, far better than User:Conservative ever has.--[[User:Abcqwe|Nathan]] ([[User talk:Abcqwe|talk]]) 16:34, 4 June 2017 (EDT)

==Europe's childless leaders==
Where do you think [http://dcwhispers.com/rather-odd-troubling-fact-european-leaders/ we can squeeze this in] [[European migrant crisis]]? In the Intro or elsewhere? [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 02:13, 9 June 2017 (EDT)
:I think that would be a good idea. We could also, possibly, add it to the [[European Union]] article, and maybe [[Globalism]] or [[Liberal]], as these leaders advocate for left-wing globalist policies. Are you able to find other sources that note this fact? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:53, 9 June 2017 (EDT)
::I think this also illustrates liberal European values. They support mass immigration of peoples who do not share their culture while they themselves have no children. They are committing national/cultural suicide. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:15, 9 June 2017 (EDT)

== The reason I removed Ted Nugent from Notable Texans ==

Because Ted Nugent is actually from Michigan. Sorry that I forgot to add an explanation. ([[User:King Conservative|King Conservative]] ([[User talk:King Conservative|talk]]) 13:37, 17 June 2017 (EDT)King Conservative)
:I removed him from the list. Thanks. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:16, 17 June 2017 (EDT)

==Template tweak==

Hi, guy! Thanks for the {{tl|See also}} in [[Neil Gorsuch]]. That template works better. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] [[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]] 08:53, 28 June 2017 (EDT)
:You're welcome, always happy to help! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 08:58, 28 June 2017 (EDT)
==Nasty edit summaries==
Dear 1990sguy: Please stop writing inflammatory edit summaries. There is no need to make false personal attacks on other editors. As for Breitbart, each reference is evaluated individually on its own merits. If it is news reporting, I welcome it. However, some references are clearly opinion-editorial pieces that criticize other news stories instead of offering any independent news gathering. Some authors there are editorial-opinion writers rather than news reporters. Also, when I check a source and see photos of immodestly dressed women with "wardrobe malfunction" captions or women wearing tight T-shirts imprinted with "no silicone", I am less inclined to use those sources, given our family-friendly approach. Thanks, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 15:31, 28 June 2017 (EDT)
:Conservapedia has no requirement that only news reporter sources can be used for mews sources. For example, many excellent conservative editorial pieces link to a news story or quote a news story while providing excellent commentary.

:The mainstream press. which is very liberal, have a lot more reporters and they still have some foreign bureaus if I am not mistaken. Then you have Fox which only has a fraction of the combined viewership of ABC, CBS, and NBC.

:To be overly reliant on news sources merely from websites who have reporters is not a good policy.

:Yes, there are conservative news organizations such as CNS News. But I don't think we should limit ourselves to merely using conservative news organizations as far as news sources.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:54, 28 June 2017 (EDT)

::I agree with Conservative on this. We can use conservative news sources, even if the articles appear to be editorializing. This is a conservative encyclopedia, after all. Why should we adopt editing policies that give liberal MSM sources an unfair advantage? How then can we differentiate ourselves from Wikipedia? I am not opposed to citing MSM sources (I do it myself), but we should give precedence to conservative sources, which do not have leftist bias. Yes, Breitbart has silly ads, but I care more about the content of the article than the ads. There are many Breitbart writers who support conservative, Christian pro-family policies. Are there any at CNN or the NYT?

::JDano, yes, my edit summaries were inflammatory. I probably should have acted cooler when dealing with you, and for that, I apologize. Your behavior, constantly reverting and adding changes that I genuinely believe to contain leftist bias without going to the talk page until you've been reverted several times, is not constructive. I do believe your changes are undermining our status as a conservative alternative to Wikipedia. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 02:50, 29 June 2017 (EDT)

== re: JDano and you getting "horse throwing" mad ==

In the recent edit changes, I saw you use all caps in your description of your edit. It was for the [[Travel ban]] article.

This tells me that you are starting to get "horse throwing" mad.

If it becomes necessary, you can impose a [[Conservapedia:Topic bans|Conservapedia:Topic ban]] to JDano since you have blocking rights. You can make it applicable to certain articles or certain article categories. Probably a certain article would be best as a shot across his bow.

If JDano also has blocking rights, you can get Karajou/Aschlafly to impose such a ban. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:29, 28 June 2017 (EDT)
:P.S. I don't know if you are correct in this matter. And I don't have time to mediate. I am just offering you a suggestion since I have experienced JDano being unreasonable at times. Also, the majority of Conservapedians/Republicans/conservatives are more fans of Trump than Lindsey Graham. JDano appears to be in the Graham camp. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:37, 28 June 2017 (EDT)
::Please see my comment in the section immediately above. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 02:51, 29 June 2017 (EDT)

== JDano has a topical ban imposed on him for the "travel ban" article. ==

I just posted this message to JDano's talk page:

"You are not allowed to edit the [[travel ban]] article anymore. I am imposing a [[Conservapedia:Topic bans|Conservapedia:Topic ban]] on you for this article.

By the way, Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in terms of its Muslim population. The travel ban of the Trump administration does not include Indonesia."[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 19:13, 28 June 2017 (EDT)

== JDano has a topical ban imposed on him for the fake news article ==

I posted this on JDano's talk page:

"The [[fake news]] article was locked/protected. It seems as if the root cause of the page being locked was an edit war involving yourself.

You are no longer allowed to edit the fake news article. I am imposing a Conservapedia topic ban on you for this article. See: [[Conservapedia:Topic bans|Conservapedia:Topic ban]]

I hope additional topic bans are not imposed on you by people with block rights." [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 20:23, 28 June 2017 (EDT)

== Socks of JamesWilson ==

Socks of this clown should receive five year bans. He is a malicious provocateur, and he singlehandedly destroyed another website as well as leading dozens of people off this site. Show this schlemiel no mercy. --[[User:RonaldB|RonaldB]] ([[User talk:RonaldB|talk]]) 14:16, 3 July 2017 (EDT)
:I don't see why we should be giving long blocks to this guy. He's clearly using multiple ip addresses. These addresses will probably get passed to one or more people who have no intention of vandalizing CP. DavidB4 explained by long blocks are not a good idea on my talk page: [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User_talk:1990%27sguy&diff=1304184&oldid=1303142] However, I will not challenge your lengthening of that block or any other. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:20, 3 July 2017 (EDT)
::Maybe you do have a point because he has created a few different accounts in the past day or so. All I'm saying is that lightening up on him isn't going to work. My late friend George let this guy off easy, and he destroyed an entire community. I've had plenty of experience with this guy in the past to know his MO, and he's fanatically obsessed with Taylor Swift and "avenging" others because they "ruined" his articles. --[[User:RonaldB|RonaldB]] ([[User talk:RonaldB|talk]]) 14:28, 3 July 2017 (EDT)
:::That's fair. This guy is clearly bad news. Regardless of what block lengths we give him (and I can see some sense in making them longer), we should try not to accidently prevent innocent people from viewing CP. Thanks for your help! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:30, 3 July 2017 (EDT)
::::How do we know that this editor is a "sock" of JamesWilson? Has anyone checked the IP user logs? The Taylor Swift connection could be a false-flag operation. If George and James got into an edit-war on a different website, that would not be relevant here. Let's judge each editor separately until they can be linked by evidence. Are all of the problem users created in the past few days created from the same or very similar IP addresses? Thanks, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 15:27, 3 July 2017 (EDT)
:::::He put "Sad case!- James Wilson" in the edit summary of all of his vandalism, and it was the same stuff he's always done. If he says it's him, I'm just gonna assume it's him. Dont give this guy the benefit of the doubt. He's had plenty enough breaks here and elsewhere. --[[User:RonaldB|RonaldB]] ([[User talk:RonaldB|talk]]) 16:03, 3 July 2017 (EDT)
:::::@JDano: Yes, I think it clearly is JamesWilson. His vandalism is very repetitive -- he even vandalizes the user pages of the same users. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:52, 4 July 2017 (EDT)
*FYI, even if an account is blocked indefinitely, the autoblock on the IPs is only for twenty-four hours. If the IP block was for as long as the account's block, checkusers wouldn't have to put separate blocks on persistent vandals' IP addresses. [[User:DMorris|DMorris]] ([[User talk:DMorris|talk]]) 18:26, 3 July 2017 (EDT)
==Articles==
Since I've written a few articles on Christianity, please feel free to edit them to conform to the views of Conservapedia if necessary. Admittedly, writing about Christianity as a Jew can be a bit difficult at times. --[[User:RonaldB|Ronald]] ([[User talk:RonaldB|talk]]) 14:35, 5 July 2017 (EDT)
:I have not seen any factual problems with the articles you created. However, I do recommend that you add categories of the religion you are writing about to those articles. For example, that you add "Category:Christianity" to [[Secular Christianity]] and "Category:Judaism" to [[Secular Judaism]]. The people who practice these are not Jews (religiously speaking) or Christians, but the articles are relevant to those religions.

:Also, I recommend that you add at least one source to the articles you create. Adding sources to articles is Commandment #2 in [[Conservapedia:Commandments]], and it makes the articles better for readers. They know where you are getting your information from, and they can read further if they are interested. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:51, 6 July 2017 (EDT)

== Changing my username ==

I don't know if Andy saw my request on his talk page. Did he skip it or didn't see it? --[[User:KommissarReb|KommissarReb]] ([[User talk:KommissarReb|talk]]) 9:18, 10 July 2017 (EDT)
:I don't know. Sometimes he does that, but when I message him again he usually replies. I recommend commenting again, letting him know how much you want your username changed, and asking him to respond. I think we will do it, but only if you absolutely want it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:49, 10 July 2017 (EDT)
::I read [[User_talk:Aschlafly#Inquiry|the back and forth]] with the guy you probably were referring to on Andy's page. Andy seemed pretty reluctant to change the RonaldB's name for most of the discussion.. Is the process of changing someone's username complex or difficult to do, or did he just want to make sure that the guy wasn't being wishy-washy about the change? I was a little sheepish about asking him again because I don't want to seem annoying. --[[User:KommissarReb|KommissarReb]] ([[User talk:KommissarReb|talk]]) 5:07, 11 July 2017 (EDT)
:::I think CP admins generally prefer simply creating a new account. The user who made the other request was not the original person using the account. The original person let him take over the account. I can see why Andy wanted him to create a new account. I recommend you politely letting him know how much you want your username changed, and why, and asking him to respond, regardless of his answer. I think that would be a good move on your part. It would show how serious you are with this request. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:06, 11 July 2017 (EDT)

== Re: Trump ==

I think Donald Trump is going to get stuck with the blame for the economic bubble created by the Obama administration and the Federal Reserve.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHwtkIpgAnA]

In addition, TrumpCare probably will not work because it is keeping the "precondition clause" of ObamaCare due to its popularity. People will often not buy health insurance until they are sick. So the health care system will not be viable. Car insurance companies could not be profitable if people could buy their car insurance after their car accident in order to replace their car. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 22:00, 11 July 2017 (EDT)

:You are probably right on both of those things. The first point would be the fault of the Obama Administration, and the second by the establishment GOP Congress. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:05, 11 July 2017 (EDT)

Got it, thanks for letting me know. --[[User:OneTrueConservative|OneTrueConservative]] ([[User talk:OneTrueConservative|talk]]) 00:12, 12 July 2017 (EDT)
:You're welcome. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 00:21, 12 July 2017 (EDT)
== Expansion of right-wing material on the internet ==

*[https://www.axios.com/the-partisan-explosion-of-digital-news-2279022772.html The recent explosion of right-wing news sites]

*[https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3dy7vb/why-the-right-is-dominating-youtube Why the Right Is Dominating YouTube] - Vice News

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HndA5MoxK08 Why the Right is Dominating YouTube (A Response to Vice)]

*[https://www.nctv.nl/binaries/psychological-effects-of-right-wing-and-islamic-extremist-internet-videos_tcm31-30177.pdf Psychological effects of right-wing and Islamic extremist videos] - Netherlands and German report

I know Twitter bans and shadow bans right-wingers.

I haven't looked at the latter two items, but right-wingers gaining momentum on the internet is an interesting development. With nationalism gaining ground in Europe and 21st century [[desecularization]] occurring, the trend is bound to continue. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]])

===Scriptural Geology===
Scriptural Geologists published in the USA as well. CRSQ published my review of David Lord "Geognosy" (that has other citations as well). [my magazines are in
storage but the year was 2000-2004.] Another recent CRSQ review was Gordon's 1878 book that mentioned USA Scriptural Geologist Martyn Payne.
:Thanks, Snoopy2, for your addition! I noted this fact, briefly in the article, in "The scriptural geologists" section. I knew that most of the Scriptural Geologists were British, and I did not have the time or knowledge of them to go into much more detail. Thanks for your help! Please remember to sign your posts in the future. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:06, 31 July 2017 (EDT)

== important message for you ==

I sent you an important message to the last place we communicated.

I also have some good news for you. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 17:10, 13 July 2017 (EDT)

== BLOCK THIS GUY!!!!!!!! ==

BLOCK THIS GUY!!!!!!!!

== Block duration ==

Thanks for your great blocks but they should generally not exceed 6 months in duration. By then the IP address is typically being used by someone else.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 22:27, 27 July 2017 (EDT)
:OK. I will keep that in mind. I will change this vandal's block. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:46, 27 July 2017 (EDT)

== "Denkmal der Schande" ==

Björn Höcke nannte das Holocaust-Mahnmal ein "Denkmal der Schande". Zudem sprach er von einer "dämlichen Bewältigungspolitik" und forderte eine "erinnerungspolitische Wende um 180 Grad". Hinterher behauptete Höcke, er hätte den Holocaust als Schande bezeichnet. Wenn man sich nun seine Rede genau anschaut, kann er nur das Denkmal als Schande bezeichnet haben. Höcke hat offen NS-Gedankengut offenbart und dies auch gewollt. Er ist ein Agent des BRD-Systems, die zum Ziel haben, die AfD unwählbar zu machen. Dasselbe haben sie schon mit der NPD gemacht (in den 90er Jahren). Ich find's ja auch schade, dass die AfD unterwandert wurde und nicht mehr wählbar ist. Auch ich habe große Hoffnungen in sie gesetzt. Aber spätestens seit dem letzten Parteitag ist sie unwählbar, die Neo-Nazis gewannen die Oberhand, Gauland wurde Spitzenkandidat. Solange Petry keine neue Partei gründet, müssen Rechtschaffene bei der Bundestagswahl das geringste Übel wählen (z.B. die Freien Wähler oder die BüSo). Aber die AfD ist klar von NS-Agenten unterwandert und ich schrieb noch mehr in den Artikel, also lassen Sie mich zumindest Höckes Rede einfügen, dann kann sich jeder selber ein Bild machen. MfG --[[User:Elessar|Elessar]] ([[User talk:Elessar|talk]]) 10:16, 1 August 2017 (EDT)
:Grüetzi Elessar, CP ist ein Englisher website, so es ist besser wann wir in English schreiben. Ich denke dass die meisten leute heir sprechen kein Deutsch. Danke. Wass ich sage ist sehr kontrovers in Deutschland, aber, Ich probiere ein klares und gutes antwort zum geben:

:First off, many political parties have their crazy members. I know that UKIP explicitly disavows racism, but it has had some members who have said some silly things. I definitely do ''not'' believe the GOP in the U.S. is racist, but David Duke considers himself a Republican (and every other Republican disavows him). Even the Swiss People's Party in my country (I am also a U.S. citizen) has some members who have said racist things. Just because parties have members like this does not necessarily mean that the entire party is racist or whatever. In the case of Höcke's speech, Petry (the party leader, as you know) condemned what he said, or at least criticized him.

:Second, I know the mindset that the German have today. They are still ashamed for what they did during World War II, and they are still focused on trying to make restitution. Personally, I think it is good that they have repented, but they miss the fact that there are two extremes: one extreme is what the Nazis did, the other is being so ashamed bad things one did that they essentially hate their country. We see this with liberals in the United States. I think the German mindset is too far in the second extreme -- and no, I am anywhere close to being a racist or Nazi. Patriotism and nationalism can be very good things, as long as they are handled correctly and are not an excuse to persecute others. The German people, I think, are trying to extinguish them, and they have accused people, even those in the middle of those two extremes, as being Nazis.

:Let me also make clear that I have not read much about Björn Höcke's speech, other than what you provided and what his English Wikipedia article states, so I cannot comment on his entire speech and his entire character. He may very well be what you say he is. However, what I read about his speech and about him actually seems reasonable. Many peoples all over the world have done many evil things -- slavery in the U.S. and the other European colonies, the Islamic slave trade, religious persecution in Rome and the communist nations, the several genocides in history, etc. However, it is not constructive for cultures to focus on these events. It is good to remember them and repent of them, but not to obsess about them. There is much more to German history than World War II, just as there is more to U.S. history than slavery. Why can't we build monuments celebrating the positive things about our cultures and our people? It is cultural suicide not to do so. While we should not forget the bad events, we should focus on the good events and remain proud as a people in order to remain strong. This seems to me what Höcke is getting at. Am I wrong?

:Reading his Wikipedia article, I came accross this quote: "Die Syrer, die zu uns kommen, haben immer noch Syrien. Wenn wir – durch die Syrer – unser Deutschland verloren haben, dann haben wir keine Heimat mehr." I can see how in Germany this is very controversial, but I think in most other countries, this is quite reasonable. It may not be a bad thing if Syrians come, but it would mean that the German people would be in danger of disappearing, at least in a cultural sense. If someone values this (as most people of all ethnicies and nationalities do -- just ask the Poles or Hungarians), they will strongly oppose immigration.

:Am I wrong in what I am saying? Am I misrepresenting Höcke? I would appreciate some dialogue. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:18, 1 August 2017 (EDT)

::No, you aren't wrong and I too was never questioning that the "eternal fault" (electing Hitler/WW2) which is propagated by German liberals is bullshit. I only mean that Höcke was not only saying that, but he also clearly favorized the Holocaust by calling for an "erinnerungspolitische Wende um 180 Grad" and calling the Holocaust monument a "Denkmal der Schande". This speech was much criticized by Jewish organizations in Germany and Höcke was forbidden to visit Concentration Camp Memorials. He's not a single exemption, but there are unfortunately already lots of neo-Nazis or neo-Nazi sympathizers in the AfD who are all defending Höcke's speech, including Spitzenkandidat Alexander Gauland. Party leader Petry was forced by them not to participate. These (real) neo-Nazis are system agents who are overrunning the AfD like they did decades ago with the NPD in order to make these parties uneligible by conservative voters. But of course many liberals call all ''real'' conservatives "neo-Nazis" which there is nonsense. But Höcke is really a neo-Nazi and anti-semite and should be excluded together with his inner-party defenders. --[[User:Elessar|Elessar]] ([[User talk:Elessar|talk]]) 14:05, 1 August 2017 (EDT)

:::I don't understand how the "erinnerungspolitische Wende um 180 Grad" shows that Höcke is a neo-Nazi. It seems to be saying that German policy on these matters needs to change, which I also think is reasonable. The culture of shame in Germany must end -- when will Egypt build a monument mourning the Islamic slave trade, and when will Turkey build a monument mourning the Armenian Genocide? That's what I think he is saying. Am I wrong? Please explain.

:::While I am a strong supporter of Israel, I do think that many Jewish organizations in Europe and the United States are politically left-wing -- unlike the current Israeli government. The fact that they opposed Höcke's speech is unsurprising, even if he is not a neo-Nazi. Most European/American Jews support the ruling establishment's views on who is extreme and who is "moderate." And besides, Jewish organizations have their own interests. It's reasonable for them to defend monuments mourning a genocide of their own people, regardless of whether having such a monument, or at least the mindset behind it, is a good thing or not.

:::It seems to me that you are making a jump from noting what Höcke is saying to calling him a neo-Nazi. A lot of what he is saying seems reasonable, even if it is better that he watches what he says more closely, and I don't see how these comments make them neo-Nazis (I do see, however, how such comments are far outside the current German mainstream, and that they make such parties less attractive to moderate Germans). It seems to me that Höcke is a nationalist who is angry at the culture of shame in his country, which is probably the reason why it is being flooded with immigrants and weakened by the EU. Many conservatives said silly things (that sounded extremely racist) about Obama when he was U.S. President, even though those people would have voted for conservative blacks (Ben Carson, Allen West, Herman Cain) or Hispanics (Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz) in a heartbeat. Could it be that this is what Höcke is doing?

:::My last thing I want to say in this comment is not related to the above. I would like to remind you that CP is a family-friendly encyclopedia, and I think this policy also applies to talk pages. I request that you thus refrain from spelling out cuss words when making comments. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:35, 1 August 2017 (EDT)

::::Sorry about the term "b***" but I'm as angry as you about the "eternal fault" dogma. And you are completely right with most (including the Jews being too liberal in Europe), but in my opinion the quote "erinnerungspolitische Wende um 180 Grad" is like he wanted to say "The Holocaust was nothing bad" or "not so bad" or so. Like it would be Holocaust relativation. Maybe Höcke really didn't mean anything bad in his speech but then he's simply uncaring of what he says because he damages his party with such unclear statements. --[[User:Elessar|Elessar]] ([[User talk:Elessar|talk]]) 16:34, 1 August 2017 (EDT)

:::::As we disagree on his speech (even though I do think your last comment was very reasonable), I chose to move the info to another place in the article and re-word it. If you have any problems with how I re-worded it, we can discuss that as well. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:05, 1 August 2017 (EDT)

::::::Björn Höcke said in whole this: "Wir Deutschen – und ich rede jetzt nicht von euch Patrioten, die sich hier heute versammelt haben – wir Deutschen, also unser Volk, sind das einzige Volk der Welt, das sich ein Denkmal der Schande in das Herz seiner Hauptstadt gepflanzt hat." This means, not German patriots but the other Germans (liberals e.g.) have founded the Holocaust monument which he calls a Denkmal der Schande. Which means, according to him true German patriots wouldn't have built the Holocaust monument, which can be interpreted as he's pro-Holocaust. The same interpretation is open in his other quote "Wir brauchen eine erinnerungspolitische Wende um 180 Grad". Maybe he didn't want to relativate the Holocaust but he should watch out what he says, especially if his party wants to enter a coalition. A coalition with establishment parties wouldn't be bad as long as the AfD maintains its goals and gets many of them into a government program. --[[User:Elessar|Elessar]] ([[User talk:Elessar|talk]]) 01:37, 2 August 2017 (EDT)

:::::::I can see now how people think the speech was sympathizing with Nazis -- the Holocaust and WWII is a touchy topic, especially for Germans. However, I still see how what he is saying is reasonable. Turkey, for example, is not going to build a monument for the Armenian Genocide anytime soon, Russia is not going to build a monument for the many Baltic peoples they killed during WWII, and Japan is not going to build any monument for the millions of people they killed, including concentration camp prisoners.

:::::::I do know that there are two AfD factions: one that has a goal of becoming a coalition party, and the other that wants to remain an anti-establishment party. Höcke is clearly part of the latter, while Petry is in the former. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:31, 2 August 2017 (EDT)

::::::::The AfD can remain an anti-establishment party and anyway be part of a government coalition, like the Austrian [[FPÖ]] which also seeks being part in coalitions (and already is in two states) and remains loyal to all of its positions. --[[User:Elessar|Elessar]] ([[User talk:Elessar|talk]]) 14:09, 2 August 2017 (EDT)

:::::::::Fair enough, but you get the point: there are two factions in the party on the best way foreward for the party. One of them support coalition agreements and the other side is less pragmatic in this regard. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:23, 2 August 2017 (EDT)

==Brexit==
Hi - not sure why you changed my edits on the BREXIT page - I tried to provide an accurate account of what is happening and what is being reported by many news outlets --unsigned comment by HORSEMAN
:Hello "HORSEMAN", I removed the info about the potential referendums because this was just speculation that died down. I also thought that some of your wording (such as the "full complexity and impacts of BREXIT become apparent" and by removing the mention of the EU being obstructionist) seemed to insert a left-of-center bias into the article. CP is a conservative encyclopedia, and we align firmly with Brexit and Euroskepticism. However, I will see if I can re-add some of your wording. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:31, 10 August 2017 (EDT)
::Another problem is that for the part about the proposed payments and EU citizen rights, you did not provide sources. The existing info already had a source, and you changed the info while keeping the source. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:35, 10 August 2017 (EDT)
:::Hi Again, would this link suffice http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-17-2001_en.htm It is the definitive statement from the EU negotiating team and sets out the negotiating agenda. Thanks Horseman
::::You can definitely cite the source, but do you also have third party sources as well? I see nothing in the EU source about the monetary amount of the settlement. We prefer sources with conservative editorial stances. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:57, 10 August 2017 (EDT)
:::::Is this syitable, I don't pay for Telegraph articles so only have this link. Thanks Horseman
::::::The Telegraph is one of numerous conservative news organizations. Besides, their non-commentary articles are free for viewing. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:13, 10 August 2017 (EDT)

==[[Margaret Sanger]] revision that you undid==
Hi 1990'sguy,

Is there a way to reword what I wrote in such a way that it could be considered "encyclopedic"?

Thanks,
[[User:Bluedogdemocrat|Bluedogdemocrat]] ([[User talk:Bluedogdemocrat|talk]]) 22:59, 18 August 2017 (EDT)
:You could write "Planned Parenthood eventually expanded to support the form of murder known as abortion." Something like that. We should keep the wording encyclopedic, as this is not a blog or anything like that. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:05, 18 August 2017 (EDT)

== Re: Block of TimJim ==

Sorry about that, I wasn't aware you had already blocked TimJim when I blocked him, so I reset the block length back to that of your original block. [[User:Northwest|Northwest]] ([[User talk:Northwest|talk]]) 22:45, 19 August 2017 (EDT)

== Article move request ==

Hi I'd be happy to move those articles you are requesting, but as you know, I cannot avoid the creation of redirects. Let me know if you want this, but hopefully you can get it done the right way. It's also probably easier to ask for a move than a delete. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:43, 21 August 2017 (EDT)
:I appreciate your offer, David, but I think it would be better if I keep it simple for Andy, rather than explain that the articles were moved and that he only has to delete the redirect -- having one person do it is more simple. Thanks anyway! :) --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:46, 21 August 2017 (EDT)
::Agreed...okay. I didn't want to cut in and disrupt things, but just thought I'd offer. Cheers! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:49, 21 August 2017 (EDT)
:::I do appreciate your offer, David. Thanks! It looks like Andy just moved the articles. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:50, 21 August 2017 (EDT)

==Contact==
You can email me at wirepaladin36@gmail.com [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 11:22, 26 August 2017 (EDT)

==snoopy2==
1990s guy, I just want to verify u could read the Theistic ev. entry and 1994 film clip on my user talk. any comments?
:I could watch it, but would you please explain what it's about in a little more detail? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:55, 11 December 2017 (EST)

== Maybe I was too pessimistic. Good news ==

'''Why [[Democrats]] Should Be''' Losing Sleep Over Generation Z.[https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2017/08/11/why-democrats-should-be-losing-sleep-over-generation-z/]

Bye for now. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 23:47, 5 September 2017 (EDT)
:Thanks for the article. Bye for now. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:48, 5 September 2017 (EDT)

== File comparison tool ==

Did Cons ever get back to you with the comparison tool? I'm curious about it, and whether it does a good job of checking for copied content. The problems that it appears to solve are different from the problems of comparison tools used in software development. I'm curious about whether it uses line hashing, sentence hashing, word group hashing, and things like that. I'd like to try it out, and not just at CP. In fact, probably not at all for CP; I'm not interested in who plagiarizes what at CP, though, when I am, I use other techniques to catch people. I'm just curious as to whether those other techniques have been automated.

It's puzzling that Cons deleted the screenshot, as though he ''wants'' people to believe he's a liar, though I don't think he is.

[[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 14:57, 12 September 2017 (EDT)
:I can assure you that the tool exists. I have not tried it yet and thus cannot answer your question. I have no reason to try it as JDano's essays were deleted, so I recommend that you ask Conservative directly these things. Maybe he will share it with you. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:23, 12 September 2017 (EDT)

::Great!! I'm still very much interested in it. Is it a "cloud app"? Is it a downloadable app that I can run locally on my own computer? Can you send me a URL?
::By the way, the standard wiki comparison of your last edit to the [[Guy Verhofstadt]] article, just as a random example, shows how bad text comparers can be. [[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 17:40, 13 September 2017 (EDT)
:::You are going to have to ask Conservative for the details of the tool -- he told me not to give it away to anyone, and while I personally have no problem with sharing it with you, I shouldn't go against what he said. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:43, 13 September 2017 (EDT)
::::Well, this is really weird. Cons seems to be trying to censor the internet itself, hiding the location of this tool. And he seems to think that only you can be trusted with it. He said "I will share this tool with 1990sguy [...] so he can evaluate your [JDano's] efforts in an objective way." I of course took this as a challenge. A Google search for "similar page checker tool" gets a number of hits. Ignoring the ones that cost a lot of money, and those that attempt to check a given page against the entire internet, narrowed it down to a few. This one: [https://www.duplichecker.com/similar-page-checker.php] seems to be the right thing. It's a "cloud app" rather than an installable program, but I can put up with that. It has the same appearance—color and layout—as the screenshot that Cons posted and removed. I ran it on the versions of this page before and after your recent reply to me, and it said they were 100% the same. I'm not particularly happy about that, but the additional text was only about 0.3 percent of the total, so I suppose I can accept that. Then I ran it on versions that differ in length by 10% (the 100K version and the 110K version.) It said they were 98% similar. Not good. But I still might find it to be a useful tool. There are pages not relating to JDano that could benefit from such an analysis.

::::I will probably check in with Cons on this, once he stays away from CP for 10 days.

::::[[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 23:39, 13 September 2017 (EDT)

==Getting help==
I am trying to fix the stuff on the Corporate bullies page. Am still learning my way around on how to use things. Think I am starting to get it though. The Georgia 2016 stuff has a lot of info and I am in the process of editing it, though it's going to take a while (at least 20 or more minutes. I'm trying though. (BTW, if I wasn't supposed to edit here, sorry. I don't know how to reply to your remark otherwise.) [[User:PatriotMongoose|PatriotMongoose]] ([[User talk:PatriotMongoose|talk]]) 22:31, 15 September 2017 (EDT)
:It's OK to edit here. I recommend that you read CP's guidelines, and probably more importantly, that you read [[Help:How to edit a website like Conservapedia]]. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:34, 15 September 2017 (EDT)

==Fabulous block and reverts==

Fabulous block and reverts this afternoon!!!! Well done!!!--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 18:51, 21 September 2017 (EDT)
:Thanks, Andy! :) --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:52, 21 September 2017 (EDT)

== re: JohnZ ==

User: JohnZ fails to recognize that my interest to be a referee to protect a marginal online sparring partner (whose greatest achievement was his dogged stubbornness to ignore facts/evidence) was largely protected by his edits to main space articles and my desire for an online sparring partner.

His rudeness to other editors and his desire to barely skate by with his main space edits certainly did not help matters. In addition, given the [[decline of the atheist movement]] and it now being a hopeless cause destined to ever increasing irrelevance, my desire for an atheist online sparring partner is non-existent at this point given my current/future priorities.

If he wants to create two quality, well-sourced original articles of at least 2,00 words on these topics [[Anti-religious Soviet Union propaganda]] and [[Christian persecution in communist China]] to restore his other editing privileges, that is what is required.

He would also have to pledge to refrain from hurling insults to other editors (idiot, etc.). [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 22:01, 3 November 2017 (EDT)

:Hopefully he'll do it. We've given him these opportunities before and he rejected them. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:18, 3 November 2017 (EDT)
::I made a minor adjustment to his requirements for fully restoring his editing privileges in case someone creates articles on those subjects.

::Secondly, ardent secular leftists generally always double down regardless of any contrary facts/evidence presented to them. Of course, you never know what is going to happen. The Apostle Paul went from being one of Christianity's chief opponents to being its greatest champion. He will just need to be open minded.

::It is very widely recognized that there is and has been religious persecution in communist China and that there was anti-religious propaganda in the former Soviet Union. So I am giving him ample opportunity to show that he is not a close-minded individual given to hurling insults. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 22:31, 3 November 2017 (EDT)

I would say no to this for a couple reasons. The first is his blatant disrespect of everyone here, and he has shown that multiple times. The gist of it is a pretense of superiority over us, as if it is mandatory that we listen to him; he stated a short time ago that some of us are idiots for not engaging him in conversation. Which I might add is his kind of conversation.

The second reason is that he's a leftist brand of liberal from Great Britain, which means we cannot change his way of thinking whatsoever. Unfortunately for someone who is that close-minded he is going to go into lock-step with every other like-minded individual in his country, which would mean the loss of the United Kingdom as a political entity within a few years time. In his case, he is more concerned with picking a fight with the users of a small American conservative website then he is with what he and his kind are allowing to happen in Britain, namely the Islamic takeover. As a leftist, he probably feels he can get along with them in the name of diversity and multiculturalism, but when all is said and done he will either be forced on his hands and knees with his butt high in the air, or he'll have his head chopped off.

Unfortunately, some people think they're so better than others that they've blinded themselves to what they're actually doing. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] ([[User talk:Karajou|talk]]) 04:35, 4 November 2017 (EDT)
:Karajou, if you look at my comment to his talk page, you will see that I am giving him an opportunity to show that he can be open-minded and reasonable by writing on two topics related to atheistic communism persecution of Christians/religious (namely [[Christian persecution in communist China]] and [[Anti-religious propaganda in the Soviet Union]]) via two quality articles of at least 2,000 words.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 05:38, 4 November 2017 (EDT)

== Anti-Christian bias in Wikipedia ==

Hello 1990'sguy. Am I being hypersensitive or is Wikipedia's anti-Christian bias increasing? For example, the recent dispute about content at Answers in Genesis.[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3AAnswers_in_Genesis&type=revision&diff=810473662&oldid=810471171] I see also that User:Synthetic Woolly Mammoth[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Synthetic_Woolly_Mammoth] has just been blocked, allegedly for being a sockpuppet of Biscuittin, but more likely because he has been speaking up in support of some Christian editors. [[User:Desmonduk|Desmonduk]] ([[User talk:Desmonduk|talk]]) 05:27, 20 November 2017 (EST)
:I know another editor who has extensively edited topics related to Christianity and atheism on WP, and he told me that the ati-Christian bias on the site was much worse back around 2012. The militant atheists don't have as much power as they did back then. However, the anti-Christian bias obviously is still very bad, especially on YEC topics, which I have been dealing with for years already. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:20, 20 November 2017 (EST)

== Block length ==

Thanks for your alert block of new user "CPishilarious", but I'm going to change the block duration from 2 years to 1 month. Long blocks are disfavored on wikis because they block the IP address as well as the user. The IP address could be a library or other general access IP address, or the user could move or be a college student, or the user could have a change of heart. But thanks again for your quick action.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 22:11, 20 November 2017 (EST)
:OK, and you're welcome. I have seen blocked vandals come back with their same accounts after their blocks expire, so I wanted to protect against that. But I will shorten blocks like these in the future. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 08:54, 21 November 2017 (EST)
::Thanks so much for your alert block this morning, but again the block duration is too long. Another user could be trying to use that same IP address within a few months, or the user himself could have a change of heart. I'll shorten it to 4 months. Thanks!--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 11:25, 4 December 2017 (EST)
:::Andy, it feels like I'm the only editor you're messaging about block length, ''even though my blocks are much shorter than most other editors.'' For example, just yesterday, I blocked two accounts for six months for having a silly username and for (relatively) non-serious vandalism, but shortly later, DMorris reset the blocks for 5 years. See here: [http://www.conservapedia.com/Special:Contributions/Bernieman][http://www.conservapedia.com/Special:Contributions/Hillary_clinton] If you're going (for good reason) to message me for my blocks, please do the same for the other editors who prefer even longer blocks. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:33, 4 December 2017 (EST)
:::But yes, I will still shorten my blocks. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:36, 4 December 2017 (EST)

== Suggested article ==

Here is an article suggestion:

*[[Donald Trump and evangelicals]]

I think there would be public interest in such an article. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 16:20, 9 December 2017 (EST)
:Thanks. If I get time, I will start this article. I will add it to my list of articles to create. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:16, 9 December 2017 (EST)

== Two things ==

For one, why do you not have email enabled? Secondly, consider longer blocks for these obviously malicious accounts. You can block an account for infinity and the autoblock on the IP still only lasts 24 hours. There is no reason for these sleeper accounts to come back to life three months later. [[User:DMorris|DMorris]] ([[User talk:DMorris|talk]]) 16:19, 13 December 2017 (EST)

:In his defense, he was doing longer blocks until [[User_talk:1990'sguy#Block_length|Andy started asking him not too]], then [[User_talk:1990'sguy#Block_length_2|reminded him again]]. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:25, 13 December 2017 (EST)

::Yes, for crying out loud, why am I the only one being criticized for my block lengths? If I make my block lengths long, Andy posts on my talk page, and if I make my block lengths shorter, DMorris posts on my talk page.

::DMorris, please talk to Andy about this. I will continue making my blocks on the shorter side until your differing opinions are sorted out.

::About my email, I have my email address posted on my user page. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:46, 13 December 2017 (EST)

== Articles of the year: 2017 - your article is being featured on the main page (left side) ==

*[[Donald Trump achievements]]

*[[European migrant crisis]]

*[[Atheists and genetic mutations]]

Keep up the good work.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]])
:Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:12, 24 December 2017 (EST)

== Nationalism v Globalism ==

I went ahead and added a link to the Gardner article on the Nationalism v Globalism article for you. I figured since we were referencing it, it would be good to see the original article too.--[[User:Whizkid|Whizkid]] ([[User talk:Whizkid|talk]]) 23:52, 7 January 2018 (EST)
:Thanks! I already saw and added it to other articles where I mentioned Gardner. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:53, 7 January 2018 (EST)

==Homeschooling==
I deleted the paragraph on Texas requirements (which I originally added) since it was duplicative of the information I added from HSLDA (which covers all 50 states) regarding state requirements. I left the New Hampshire one since it involved a court imposing its will on a family in violation of state law.

I'm glad you liked my original work, but after finding something better and covering more than just one state, I amended my original work. Though after your comments, I revised it to explain that another state court (Texas) made homeschooling far easier than before. [[User:Quidam65|Quidam65]] ([[User talk:Quidam65|talk]]) 17:22, 29 January 2018 (EST)

:Thanks. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:27, 29 January 2018 (EST)

==Deep State==
I will agree with your removal of the word "theory", but I did add the phrase "(or are believed to control)" because there are many conservative Christians who are not totally convinced that the deep state really exists. I believe my edits will be a happy medium between those who hold to the deep state view and those who do not. [[User:Quidam65|Quidam65]] ([[User talk:Quidam65|talk]]) 15:11, 30 January 2018 (EST)
:I kept most of your "is believed/considered" wording (except for the first sentence, which is unnecessary as the first sentence already makes clear that "deep state" is a term and not necessarily reality. I found most of your other changes to be too wordy and unnecessary, so I reverted some of it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:04, 30 January 2018 (EST)
::I looked at your revisions and all you did was revert to your original article, with a few minor edits to try to convince me that you really took my suggestions into consideration. Basically what you did to the article is like putting wood filler and new paint on a house with termite rot. I've dealt with folks like you over on "the other site", who think that once they write an article, it's perfect and can't accept any changes to it. I'm not going to waste time with this one any more; clearly you're trying to espouse tinfoil hat conspiracy theory under the guise of "Christian conservatism". [[User:Quidam65|Quidam65]] ([[User talk:Quidam65|talk]]) 09:22, 31 January 2018 (EST)
:::Much of your changes involved inserting parenthetical notes, which I think made the article more bloated than it had to be. The "or are believed to control" phrase in the first sentence was simply unnecessary and overemphasized your disbelief in the deep state. The part about Wall Street was cited to a good research article, so I don't think we need the "is believed" language for that. But I will still see if I can incorporate more of your edits.
:::About the existence of the deep state, it and the drive for one-world government are things that should be common and uncontroversial knowledge -- but people (both supporters and detractors) "conspiracize" these things and that's how accusations of me wearing a tinfoil hat come about. Look at the evidence -- most of our society (except theologically conservative Christians, most of them probably being premillennialist) accept the Idea of Progress, adopted during the Enlightenment Era. They believe that humanity is progressing for the better, and that this will lead to a one-world utopia with world peace and freedom for humanity (read Kant, for example). Thus, they believe that national identity, subsidiarity, and national sovereignty are growing useless and antiquated and actually are impediments to this utopia. This flows into their policies -- advancing international organizations, taking away national sovereignty, etc. As for the deep state, just look at the whole DOJ/FBI stuff going on right now, or the fact that Republicans and Democrats hire administration personnel from the same group of organizations -- CFR, Trilateral, etc.
:::The garbage that there is some secret conspiracy by liberals to take over the world, that their motives are malevolent, that they want to do evil, that this is a short-term project, and that the Illuminati is involved with all this -- this is all garbage perfectly fit for "the other site". In reality, the drive for a one-world utopia is one of the fundamental philosophical views in our culture, and liberals openly see it as natural/normal/benign (and they're in it for the long haul). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:04, 31 January 2018 (EST)

== Suggested Name Change for [[Christmas and Easter Catholic]] ==
I propose changing this to "Christmas and Easter Christian", since the phenomenon of persons attending church on those days is by no means limited to Catholics. [[User:Quidam65|Quidam65]] ([[User talk:Quidam65|talk]]) 16:17, 30 January 2018 (EST)
:I disagree. I recommend that a separate article entitled "Christmas and Easter Christian" be created -- C&E Catholicism is a notable concept on its own right, enough to have its own article. I think an article on C&E Christianity in general would be a good addition. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:07, 30 January 2018 (EST)
::What's the difference? Both are the same phenomenon -- "so-called" Christian believers who attend only during those two holidays (or weddings and funerals). The current article is fine, it just needs to be revised to not pick on one branch of Christianity. [[User:Quidam65|Quidam65]] ([[User talk:Quidam65|talk]]) 09:17, 31 January 2018 (EST)
:::I've heard Roman Catholics specifically mentioned much more than other Christians when hearing about this "phenomenon." But I will ask another editor of his opinion on this. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:32, 31 January 2018 (EST)

==Campaign promises==
Hello,

The thought occurred to me that Wikipedia does not normally catalog campaign promises.(It never has, that I have seen) Elections there follow a formula of "what did they actually do after getting elected" and election results - which is both boring and completely useless, because we have a big problem with people running for office one way and then governing another way. This leaves a glaring hole of accountability with all of our politicians and it also offers us an opportunity to distinguish ourselves from Wikipedia. What do you think about this? I made a few changes [[Bruce Rauner|here]] as an example start. [[User:Progressingamerica|Progressingamerica]] ([[User talk:Progressingamerica|talk]]) 15:00, 4 February 2018 (EST)
:I think your suggestion is a great idea -- we have too many politicians who make really great promises during election campaigns, but they later act like they never even made those promises. When Rauner and his GOP primary opponent (Jeanne Ives) sat down with the ''Chicago Tribune'' editorial board a few days ago, Rauner said that he never promised he would veto a major pro-abortion bill that he ultimately signed (he actually explicitly promised he would multiple times).[http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/01/30/jeanne-ives-crushes-gop-gov-bruce-rauner-illinois-candidates-meet-first-time/][http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/01/31/conservative-jeanne-ives-rips-il-gov-bruce-rauner-abortion-flip-flop/]
:I can also think of Sen. Thom Tillis of NC who campaigned against amnesty in 2014 and is now advocating for a "conservative" amnesty bill (though it's inferior to the Goodlatte bill).
:I support your suggestion. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:11, 4 February 2018 (EST)

== FPÖ ==

Hi, I just wanted to ask you why you have removed [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Freedom_Party_of_Austria&diff=1403167&oldid=1403166 my entry] on the article of the Freedom Party of Austria. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreisky%E2%80%93Peter%E2%80%93Wiesenthal_affair Kreisky–Peter–Wiesenthal affair] is an important event in the history of this party that should not be discreeted.--[[User:JoeyJ|JoeyJ]] ([[User talk:JoeyJ|talk]]) 09:41, 7 February 2018 (EST)
:First off, the info was inserted right in the middle of a paragraph discussing the FPO's ideological development and alliance with the SPO. Your info was out of place.
:Second, the info was unduly wordy. I am sick of seeing the media and leftists do everything in their power to tie right-wing conservative parties like the FPO to Nazi Germany, such as by unduly emphasizing those aspects of the parties and calling them "far-right", "extreme right", "ultra-right", etc. By American conservative standards, these parties are actually quite moderate, and for those of us who realize that Nazism is a vastly overrated threat (placed alongside climate change by the Left), such parties have clearly moved away from their pasts.
:I don't want our articles to accept the left-wing narratives of these right-wing populist parties. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:50, 7 February 2018 (EST)
::Well, all the informations I have put in the article were confirmed with trustworthy sources. [[Simon Wiesenthal]] who accused the FPÖ leader Friedrich Peter of being part in a unit which committed massacres against jews, was himself a Conservative. Wiesenthal supported the (at that time very conservative) Austrian People's Party. So it is not easy to label his accusations as "left-wing narratives". I am also pretty sure that the Conservative government of Israel does not spread "left-wing propaganda" if they criticize the party for its charged history. Instead of simply removing facts from the article, you might emphasize how the FPÖ moved away from its past.--[[User:JoeyJ|JoeyJ]] ([[User talk:JoeyJ|talk]]) 10:01, 7 February 2018 (EST)
:::Israel is a Jewish state, so issues related to the Holocaust are sensitive to them. But as much as I support Israel and its right-wing government, Israel's position toward the FPO is irrational, and they are unduly obsessed with Nazism like Western Europe is. Israel's opinion on the FPO means very little because of the context -- it's easy to offend Israel on matters like this.
:::About Wiesenthal, I don't know anything about him, but him supporting the OVP does not mean much to me. If the party were "very conservative", why did it support the EU, Maastricht Treaty, Schengen Agreement, etc.
:::And yes, these are the narratives promoted by the Left, the establishment, and the media. These are the same people who were comparing Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler during the election campaign and who tried to smear Breitbart News as anti-Semite (despite loads of evidence to the contrary), among many other cases. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:17, 7 February 2018 (EST)
::::Just because these "narratives" are promoted by the Left it does not mean that they are wrong. I can ensure you that Simon Wiesenthal was never a supporter of left-wing policies. As I already told you it would be better to emphasize the current measures by Strache to reappraise the controversial history of this party instead of denying it.--[[User:JoeyJ|JoeyJ]] ([[User talk:JoeyJ|talk]]) 11:20, 8 February 2018 (EST)
:::::They're wrong -- they overemphasize every small and petty incident related to parties like the FPO that allude to Nazi Germany. Their point in doing so is to make it seem like that if we elect these people/parties into power (including Donald Trump), we'll be repeating 1933 all over again and will usher in the end of freedom in Europe -- never mind that Germany is still enforcing the Nazi ban on homeschooling, or that many Western European countries have free speech restrictions even on topics like Islam and homosexuality, or etc. Conservapedia will not go along with the media -- we acknowledge that parties like the FPO are conservative and/or right-wing (not "far-right" or "neo-Nazi") and the best choice in order to protect/expand freedom and protect European culture/patriotism. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:58, 8 February 2018 (EST)

== request ==

Can you create this article: [[Donald Trump's major achievements]]? [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 12:39, 9 February 2018 (EST)
:This seems like a good idea, and I will do it. I won't do it immediately, since I have a lot of other things to do, but I will create it soon. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:54, 9 February 2018 (EST)
::OK. Thanks. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 13:18, 9 February 2018 (EST)

I'm very sorry about the article. If it make you feel like a advertisement. However, everything that is state is true. Thank you for your understanding. Pleased assist by make any corrections. That you think is necessary. When your time is most convenient.

Your brother in Christ,
Luke
:Thanks for your message, but the article I deleted is not acceptable for Conservapedia. There is nothing I can do to change that, unless you receive coverage from good sources (Breitbart, Fox, etc.). I'm keeping the other article for now, since it's one I can imagine keeping, but I'm discussing it with other editors to see what to ultimately do about it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:00, 21 February 2018 (EST)

Could you add some categories to my page please? [[User:Willow Smith|Willow Smith]] ([[User talk:Willow Smith|talk]]) 11:26, 22 February 2018 (EST)

==Response to your complaints==
From what appears EVERY time someone creates a new page or edits an existing one:

"Please note that all contributions to Conservapedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here."

If the real rule is "any contributions by Conservapedia administrators -- no matter how good, bad, or ugly they may be -- are fixed for all time and never to be altered", then make that the rule. But don't invite someone to improve things, then complain because they do. [[User:Quidam65|Quidam65]] ([[User talk:Quidam65|talk]]) 10:26, 6 March 2018 (EST)
:Your bolding does not improve things. Also, nobody reverted your turning pages into redirects -- it's just a good idea to let people know before making major unilateral changes. If your complaint is that I'm messaging you about these things, then you have no real complaint at all. If you make edits here, you (like I was, and still am to an extent) are bound to be messaged about these things, which other editors do with the intention of improving others' editing. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:37, 6 March 2018 (EST)

::Additionally, administrators and editors alike must watch the activity of others, especially newer editors. A few people have the hobby of trying to vandalize CP in any way possible, so excuse us if we sound cynical or obstinate, but some "new users" are actually just the same vandals as always. Since we don't really know you yet, we do our best to assume good intent, but can't afford to ignore what seems to be odd behavior.
::I'm sure you'll do fine, if you just listen to the recommendations of others and keep improving content. Thank you for your efforts, and for understanding! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:16, 6 March 2018 (EST)

==Thank you for the intro==
Just wanted to say thank you for the welcome! PS--Do you know what an eagle does when a storm approaches? [[User:Bcarlin|Bcarlin]] ([[User talk:Bcarlin|talk]]) 20:34, 21 March 2018 (EDT)

== Double standard article is now unprotected ==
1990sguy, I unprotected the [[Double standard]] article.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 04:16, 3 April 2018 (EDT)
:Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:43, 3 April 2018 (EDT)

== Regarding the Whale article ==

Hello,
I would like to know what caused you to revert my edits to the Whale article, and what I could do in the future to avoid this.--[[User:Cetacean|Cetacean]] ([[User talk:Cetacean|talk]]) 23:23, 23 April 2018 (EDT)
:First off, I did not revert everything -- not even close. I reverted what appeared to be unnecessary wordiness on your part, along with your insertion of evolutionist-favored terms ("evolutionary biologists" instead of "evolutionists"--believe it or not, but people who believe in a young Earth can be evolutionary biologists too). If you keep your wording as concise as possible and if you choose your wording while keeping in mind that this is a conservative-Christian encyclopedia (thus, using terms favored by conservatives and Christians), then you won't be reverted. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:10, 23 April 2018 (EDT)
::OK, thanks for letting me know. I'll keep that in mind. I think I was correct about Darwin's views, though - could I reinstate that part?--[[User:Cetacean|Cetacean]] ([[User talk:Cetacean|talk]]) 23:23, 23 April 2018 (EDT)
:::Fine, but only if you change that part. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:27, 23 April 2018 (EDT)
::::Done. Thank you!--[[User:Cetacean|Cetacean]] ([[User talk:Cetacean|talk]]) 23:40, 23 April 2018 (EDT)
== Thanks for your edits ==

Thanks for cleaning up the edits to [[Biblical scientific foreknowledge]]. I was planning to do likewise.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 23:13, 24 April 2018 (EDT)
:You're welcome, happy to help! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:15, 24 April 2018 (EDT)

== Ummm... how? ==

Ok... if not supernatural then how is evolution a folklore genre? I don't understand... Do you go to your doctor... Do you believe in evidence based medicine? If so, are you aware that many medicines and treatment methods are derived from experiment on animals... In your viewpoint why? If animals are COMPLETELY unrelated to us IN ANY WAY... then what is the point of experimenting and more importantly, why do those experiments help us develop pills and treatment of diseases? Why do the animals most close to us suffer from related diseases? Why do chimps suffer from HIV and not cockroaches? Just coincidence that our nearest relative is the one who suffers from problems more close to us? --[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 00:01, 25 April 2018 (EDT)

== Things for you to note ==

Ok... thanks... I feel like there are a couple of things you have to know about potholer54... First, he DOES NOT discuss the political regulations on climate change (https://youtu.be/MTJQPyTVtNA?t=10) in other words, he maintains that political part of the debate (whether conservative or not) is NOT his business. Also, he has criticized leftists for blowing up the effects of climate change (he has frequently said that science does not support earth being destroyed by climate change since in history there have been higher CO2 levels)... these are the reasons why I felt that my wording was correct, but I will not start arguing. Do as you wish. I only ask that if you modify my article please try expanding it (there are enough stubs and short articles here), and cite sources. Even if the sources would not be considered legitimate (by other's standards), citing the sources makes the article look good. I see too many articles, where the writer goes on and on without citing a single source.

About evolution. I do NOT agree with everything here. But I understand your mission. And I understand that people here feel differently and it is NOT my mission to undermine your work. I simply add and create pages which I think Conservapedia lacks, and I try to write from neutral point of view (more experienced people can edit it to sound more conservative, I do not want to seem like a troll).

I did as you commanded. I know the wiki that shall not be named is not welcome here, but I wanted people to have another way to contact me. Anyways, it is removed
--[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 19:09, 26 April 2018 (EDT)
:Responded on your talk page. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:26, 26 April 2018 (EDT)

1)Yes... there are several instances of him trying to take the politics out of it... I'll send them later

2)When you say he "criticizes skepticism" as opposed to "denialism" the reader may have the impression that potholer is against being skeptical when in fact he is against what he considers to be denialsim... He is pro free speech, he welcomes questions, I have even spoken with him at length months ago. That is why I wrote what I wrote.

3)That's ok. While my interests change very unpredictably and rapidly, recently I am more interested in history, pseudohistory and archaeology, pseudoarchaeology articles.

4)I understand... I will obey. But just for curiosity, can I know where does that rule originate from? I have read the Guidelines and the Commandments and I did not see any mention of the site which calls itself that which it thinks Conservapedia is not? I do obey, and I respect, but just for interest, where is that rule documented and what is the purpose (since you seem to tolerate other anti-Conservapedia wikis like Lieberapedia) --[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 20:48, 26 April 2018 (EDT)

:Responded again on your talk page. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:31, 26 April 2018 (EDT)

::OK... Is there a way for me to add images (illustrations) to my articles? How do I do that and what is CP policy on that? Are google images, wiki images ok? --[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 21:43, 26 April 2018 (EDT)
:::You can post requests at [[Conservapedia:Image upload requests]]. User:DavidB4 usually uploads the requests. If the image has a license that allows us to use it, we can upload it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:53, 26 April 2018 (EDT)

== Blocked me ==

Hey...
1)I thought that the ban meant that I was actually banned, meaning the site would prevent me from editing, so when I saw that I could edit, I thought it was ok... I did not know that you meant I should stay away from those topics. I simply thought the article used to many words, so I made it simple and more encyclopedic.

2)Your addition to my article is also written, don't get me wrong, a little too simply. I understand that editors here do not accept the scientific consensus on evolution, but at least you can write it more encyclopedically, like you state that scientists say that humans turned from dumb to intelligent and turned to farmers... That sounds like something a 12 year old would write... Can't you make it sound more scientific. I mean, disagree with it, but at least a)represent it correctly b)write it in a grown-up manner...

3)Why did you delete my "Gay Nazis" article... From what I understand, that is pseudo historical and Hitler hated gays and persecuted them?

By the way, thanks for a reasonable block time... I thought I might be blocked for another two years without a chance to explain myself --[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 18:26, 27 April 2018 (EDT)
:1) Topic bans mean you're not allowed to edit a topic, not that you don't have the ability to do so. Besides, regardless of your apparent misunderstanding, you removed content that you disagreed with, something I told you repeatedly not to do.
:2) Disapproving of my wording isn't a good reason to remove the entire thing, especially considering that it is one of the few examples in the article that secularists hate. Besides, we're supposed to give reasonably simple explanations when writing (see [[Conservapedia:Guidelines#Style]]). My explanation is what the "scientific/historical consensus" essentially holds, and if that's the case, there's no reason to make it read like it was copied out of a prestigious journal. But regardless, I will see if there's any wording that I could change.
:3) It cited two explicitly left-wing sources that use this example to advocate for social-leftist policies and to criticize modern American conservatives. Surely there must be more apolitical sources out there about this? Also, regardless, it's good not to confuse Adolf Hitler's opposition to homosexuality (and the policies that came out of that) with homosexuality's presence in the Nazi Party. What I mean is that some high-ranking people in the Nazi Party, who helped found and build up the party (most notably Ernst Röhm), were homosexuals, and it's more complicated than "Nazis hated homosexuals."
:4) You're welcome. But also a warning: if you don't improve (and I hope you do improve), I will progressively increase the block lengths. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:55, 27 April 2018 (EDT)

::Ok, fine... But out of curiosity, does everyone on this site share your views on evolution, black holes, relativity, atheists etc? Is this site representative of Conservative (and/or Christian) values in general or a very specific type of sense? Do mainstream conservatives reference this site as an authority? And also, is there a rule (formal) where this has to be YEC or strictly Christian? Or is it an unspoken rule? Or does it depend on editors? I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes, I am genuinely interested. One more thing, you told me that I could NOT become an admin/sysop because there were very few, yet you clearly have more authority than me. You block and unblock me at will... How can I get that authority? Thanks! --[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 23:39, 27 April 2018 (EDT)
:::No, not everyone shares CP's views on these issues -- in fact, we've had some liberals and atheists edit CP on relatively good terms. However, most editors here (including myself, though I'm agnostic on the relativity info and opposed to the CBP) share the vast majority of CP's stated views. As the owner of CP, Andy obviously has the right to choose what it says.
:::CP is representative of, for lack of a better term, what I would call "full conservatism", rather than cafeteria conservatism, where people pick and choose what parts of conservatism they support and what they don't. There are many people (especially in Europe, but also here) who say they are conservative but share many views and even many underlying presuppositions of the globalist Left. CP is pretty consistent with our support for limited/small government and staying true to the values of the founding fathers.
:::It really depends on who you mean when you say "mainstream conservative" -- that's a slippery term that can mean different things.
:::I'm not an admin -- I'm technically an assistant admin, since I have many but not all sysop rights. Even getting those took a while, and it's all at Andy's discretion. If you become a good editor who respects CP's perspective and does not challenge them in any way, you'll probably get some rights eventually. But you were just blocked twice, and you're still having problems learning how to edit CP without undermining its perspective -- I don't think you should count on being promoted anytime soon -- focus on other things here for now. CP has a significantly stricter sysop policy than "the other website", and for good reason -- we're the target of parodists and other people who regularly seek to vandalize and undermine us, and we want to ensure that we don't have to deal with a parodist sysop or anything like that. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 00:09, 28 April 2018 (EDT)

== Sorry ==

Sorry, you'll have to explain that more... What do I not do? --[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 15:58, 28 April 2018 (EDT)

== Left Wing Sources ==

Hi... I do not usually look at the political leanings... I cite sources which I am SURE state something that is verifiable... Though, SPLC might be left leaning, I am SURE they can get Richard Spencer's birth date right... So I cited as a source for his birth date... The RWW, was a YOUTUBE video, that is the one I found first, I don't cite them to support left leaning politics, just facts that are verifiable by ANY honest person... I repeat SPLC might be left, but I am sure they can get a BIRTH DATE correctly! So that is what I cited, but do as you please! --[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 16:22, 28 April 2018 (EDT)
:Surely, there are better sources that give Spencer's birthdate than SPLC. Also, those sources are not merely "left-leaning" (that designation more properly belongs to something like "The Atlantic") -- they are far-left partisan interest groups. They have no business being here. As a conservative encyclopedia, it makes sense to predominantly rely on conservative sources (or, at least, apolitical sources). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:27, 28 April 2018 (EDT)

== Arguing With You ==

Lol.. You are trying to get me to argue about evolution... but the problem is that if I do that I (and ONLY I, ie NOT both of us) will get blocked... It's kinda dirty that you on one hand basically provoke me to argument and if I do respond to your arguments you have the authority to block me... Assuming, this time you really were interested and WILL NOT block me for simply RESPONDING TO WHAT YOU TOLD ME... It is my humble opinion, based on what you have said here, you do not understand what The Theory of Evolution actually is... You seem to think that evolution says that monkeys turned human and that macro evolution means that a new organism appears over time, although macro evolution is THE SAME as micro evolution only on a larger time scale (yes as simple as that)... You have made it clear NOT to correct these errors (ERRORS) so I respect conservapedia rules... I respect what you told me and I keep away from stuff that we disagree on and keep contributing what I can in good faith...

Last time we got into this argument, I pointed out a really good and simple thing... I told you how we can see the familial pattern and the animals closer to us suffer more ailments like us... I also pointed out that experiments on animals closer to us help us find treatment, this was a good point to think about... Instead you chose to ignore it... So I did NOT want to get blocked, so I simply let it go (again, respecting your opinions)... Yet you show NONE of this respect calling 200 years of research "junk science" simply because you have been unable to process this information... @Karajou is YEC too and he thinks that evolution is fake, but he does not push it, and he is not calling me out on "believing" (or understanding, as I prefer) evolution... He simply keeps what he believes to himself... I can respect that!

I am ready to respond if you have questions... But only if I am guaranteed not to get blocked like last time (after I RESPONDED to QUESTIONS addressed to me FOR 2 years)! --[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 20:40, 30 April 2018 (EDT)

:On a side note, I happen to know of a CP user who openly created a RW account. They were immediately interrogated on evolution as well.
:To the main issue, though, microevolution is not the same as macroevolution. You should really do some research on the subject. There is a significant difference between a change in fur length, and a change in species. That and other issues I disagree with you aside, I don't think you will or should get blocked simply for stating your opinion. As long as you continue to respect our polices regarding mainspace articles, you should be safe. (I don't know the details of the block, but I suspect there was more going on than just an angry response to your opposing opinion.)
:Anyway, I'm cutting in on this conversation, and I should really just let 1990'sguy speak for himself. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:00, 30 April 2018 (EDT)

::@Kingdamian1: I am '''not''' trying to argue with you about evolution. First off, I explicitly tried to end the discussion on Andy's talk page because I didn't want to use it arguing about political positions. Also, I was more focused on your political positions. We all know what you believe on evolution. I was tempted to ask clarifying questions about your ''political'' views, but I thought it wasn't worth it.
::Also, I actually don't care whether you believe in evolution. What I care about is the fact that you are apparently unable to put away your bias when editing CP. Your edits on the [[Potholer54]], [[Pseudohistory]], and [[Macroevolution]] inserted pro-evolution bias into CP (and keep in mind that your first edit after joining was creating a debate page on evolution where the first sentence insulted CP). As I noted elsewhere, you inserted bias on other topics in your edits. I don't care about your personal views on any of this (there are several CP users who believe in evolution) -- the fact that you are struggling to make your editing compatible with CP's point of view is a problem. Hopefully, you're learning.
::Claiming that I'm "''unable to process this information''" on evolution shows how little you actually know about me, and it's not a good strategy for staying on this site. I've thought a lot about this issue, and its strengthened my belief that the Bible is authoritative in all it says and that science affirms it as true (rather than Ephesians 6:14).
::DavidB4's comment above is correct, and to clarify to him, Kingdamian1 was blocked (by Karajou and me) for more than simply giving an opposing opinion. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:18, 30 April 2018 (EDT)
I CLEARLY have it on my page that I am a LIBERTARIAN... according to Conservapedia, that is what you would consider conservative, you keep telling me I admitted I was NOT conservative, where Conservapedia COUNTS Libertarianism as conservative... About evolution, I do NOT think you do not think about the subject, I think you look at it FROM A SINGLE point of view. I suspect that your view about evolution comes from strictly YEC... The first of your many mistakes, is saying that evolution=atheism, when in fact, OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of religious people agree with evolution. If you really are honest and interest in BOTH sides and NOT JUST ONE... there are MANY videos you can watch...

I have these 2 videos I usually recommend as they are NOT boring and fun and also explain things in easy to understand terms...
If you are truly interested in BOTH sides, try to seat through these two videos. Watch them in order (1st and then 2nd) as one is kind of answering the rebuttal that followed (the rebuttal you may have in mind when watching the first one)... If you can sit through both of them calmly without getting agitated (They are NOT boring and easy to understand, filled with humor), please, get back to me and tell me (after watching BOTH completely) how has your view changed about what evolution actually is!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnygS7opCA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-ilMYc5xdQ

--[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 23:59, 30 April 2018 (EDT)
:KingDamian, you are bringing back an argument that has been refuted again and again and again. I've seen the videos you posted, and all it does is once more post an assumption that we must accept evolution as true based upon the word of a scientist who said so. So I'm going to ask you once, and I expect a straight up or down YES or NO answer, and it's based on the horse line at the end of video 2: DID YOU PHYSICALLY SEE THE ''EOHIPPUS'' CHANGE INTO THE ''EQUUS''? Keep in mind that I will not accept as an answer anyone pointing to the fossils themselves and saying we must assume a change took place. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] ([[User talk:Karajou|talk]]) 00:21, 1 May 2018 (EDT)

::Hi... No I have not seen it... But do you realize that if I had that would be THE SINGLE MOST POTENT evidence against evolution? Do you realize that? If I had actually observed the change that would be the single best evidence against evolution NOT for it... AGAINST IT! Do I make myself clear? --[[User:Kingdamian1|Kingdamian1]] ([[User talk:Kingdamian1|talk]]) 00:26, 1 May 2018 (EDT)
:::And there you go. You haven't seen it happen. And neither has every single scientist who ever lived; they didn't see it happen either. And we have to sit here and take their word - and your's, I might add - that evolution did take place because they eyeballed a bunch of fossils and ''said'' a change took place? We have to ''assume'' the change happened because these guys put these fossils in a nice little line-up? This website will not accept evolution based on hearsay evidence; we will call evolution what it actually is - JUNK SCIENCE; and we will post direct evidence that contradicts what these supporters say about it. Do I make myself clear? [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] ([[User talk:Karajou|talk]]) 00:49, 1 May 2018 (EDT)

I am not here to argue... I like CP... I think you are worthy of a response, so please don't block me, Brian. Evolution has not been observed? Did you watch it from beginning to end? Evolution Has been observed... What you asked me was if we had observed a SPECIFIC species change over millions of years with my eyes... no I have not. But I have not observed ancient English evolve into modern english either, i have not observed Latin change into Italian either... and you have not observed George Washington s life... so according to your logic, all of this must be junk science too Kingdamian1 (talk) 02:30, 1 May 2018 (EDT)
:No, evolution has not been observed; you are arguing, and you have been arguing since day one, when you know full well where we stand on the subject. It's stopping now. And I'm not going to stand for someone who demands we look at pretty pictures just to get us to believe in an assumption; we might as well assume a monkey evolved from a living room wall because Little Billy drew one on it with his crayons. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] ([[User talk:Karajou|talk]]) 07:18, 1 May 2018 (EDT)
::I agree with Karajou and DavidB4 (on his own talk page). Kingdamian1, your comments show you think I'm some "low-information" person who lives in a bubble who will immediately change my mind once I'm "enlightened" (emphasis on the scare quotes) -- your assumption is complete BS (it shows you have no clue who I am). I tried to end a discussion on Andy's talk page and you brought it up again on my talk page (and I didn't even have to be present for it to heat up). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:32, 1 May 2018 (EDT)
:::Also, I just saw [http://www.psypost.org/2018/04/scientific-reasoning-ability-not-predict-acceptance-evolution-among-religious-individuals-study-finds-51082 this study published in a scientific journal] (by evolutionists, with an evolutionist perspective) that admits that there's no correlation between one's level of education or intelligence and their acceptance of evolution. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:21, 1 May 2018 (EDT)
::::Here's a link to an article responding to the "You don't understand real evolution" argument: [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2015/09/24/do-we-have-misconceptions-about-evolution/] AiG Also has many articles on the many "proofs" of Evolution that have been used ad Nauseum to attack creationism, such as this one about bacteria: [https://answersingenesis.org/natural-selection/antibiotic-resistance/is-antibiotic-resistance-proof-of-evolution/] Here's and article explaining why the changes that are actually observed are not even really "evolution": [https://answersingenesis.org/natural-selection/is-natural-selection-the-same-thing-as-evolution/] And here's a comprehensive list of some of the most common attacks against Creationist assertions: [http://creationwiki.org/Index_to_Creationist_Claims_(Talk.Origins)]

::::The thing is, Creationists are very well aware of the weapons used against them by Evolutionists and one of the biggest mistakes evolutionists make is assuming that Evolutionists know some critical piece of information that is a "knockout punch" to Creationism, when in reality, Creationists are very well aware of these assertions and have written many articles responding to them. [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 23:55, 20 May 2018 (EDT)

One more thing. As Frank Turek, one of the foremost Christian apologists, says "Science doesn't say anything, scientists do." Whenever anyone says "Science says that..." what it should really be is "based on their interpretations of certain observations, scientists conclude..." When people say "Science says..." they are committing the fallacy of reification. A detailed explanation can be found here: [https://answersingenesis.org/logic/the-fallacy-of-reification/] Despite KingDamian1's claims that he is "not trolling" he has carried a rather rude and condescending tone typical of those who attack Creationism. [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 13:16, 21 May 2018 (EDT)

:As User:Kingdamian1 is a new user, I feel like he/she should given another chance, rather than indeffed. After all, he/she seems really interested in improving Conservapedia and creating articles here, as evidenced from his/her multiple comments even on Wikipedia, requesting his unblock and his/her desire to change. Would there be any objections to me unblocking him/her, with him/her understanding that he/she is topic-banned from any science-related articles (since this seems to be the reason other editors are upset with him/her)? I hope this helps. With regards, [[User:Anupam|Anupam]][[User talk:Anupam|Talk]] 04:07, 23 May 2018 (EDT)
::We gave him a chance, and he had more than NPOV problems (which were in and of themselves annoying, since it was my role to check his articles). I was really annoyed at his expectation that he could be instantly promoted to adminship status (and his apparent desperation at it, since he messaged several editors several times about it), when it is very hard and takes a long time even to become an assistant admin. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:35, 23 May 2018 (EDT)

== Question ==

How do you ping someone? (i responded to you on my talk page) [[User:Qw23|Qw23]] ([[User talk:Qw23|talk]]) 17:21, 8 May 2018 (EDT)
:I don't think CP has a ping option. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:23, 8 May 2018 (EDT)

== Hi ==

I'm new to this project and I do need help with this sentence:
{{Quote|[[Mike Pompeo]] and the Trump administration helped secure the release of Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak Song and Tony Kim from North Korea.{{cite news|author=Andrew O'Reilly|coauthors=Elizabeth Llorente|title=Trump administration finds success in bringing home detained Americans|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/09/trump-administration-finds-success-in-bringing-home-detained-americans.html|work=[[Associated Press (AP)|Associated Press]]|publisher=[[Fox News Channel|Fox News]]|date=9 May 2018}} The three men described their “deep appreciation” for the Trump administration for help freeing them.{{Cite news|last=Dorell|first=Oren|title='God Bless America': Freed American prisoners thankful after being released from North Korea|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/05/09/north-korea-kim-jong-un-free-3-american-citizens/582094002/|publisher=[[USA Today]]|date=9 May 2018|accessdate=10 May 2018|quote=We thank God, and all our families and friends who prayed for us and for our return}}</ref>}}

I believe it should go under [[Donald Trump achievements: Foreign policy]] but for 2018, which section do you believe it fits best under? Also, how do sources work here? --[[User:MaddieJ|MaddieJ]] ([[User talk:MaddieJ|talk]]) 15:14, 11 May 2018 (EDT)
:I already added this to the article, but I will look through your sources to see if more can be added. References could be surrounded by ref tags, like this : <code><nowiki><ref>[citation]</ref></nowiki></code> --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:29, 11 May 2018 (EDT)
::Hi [[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] I just want to let you know I'm glad I'm learning how to edit here. I just recently added the ISIS statements on [[Justin Trudeau]] and also mentioned [[Maxime Waters]] on this edit [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=2017_left-wing_violence&diff=prev&oldid=1422057]. I will allow you to monitor me if any edit I do is good or bad, and I will message you if I need anything. Regards.
--[[User:MaddieJ|MaddieJ]] ([[User talk:MaddieJ|talk]]) 10:03, 15 May 2018 (EDT)
:OK, thanks. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:01, 15 May 2018 (EDT)

== A Message for that British Troll ==

Just in case (s)he makes another sock account, (s)he should know that campaign finance laws are unfair and D'Souza was directly targeted because of his unpopular opinions. Also, in the case of Roy Moore, there is only accusations and hearsay. That troll must also ignore the things that Leftist politicians did:

Bill Clinton: raped, molested and abused several women.

Hillary Clinton: Deflected responsibility for Bengazi, kept emails on her own private servers illegally, and covered up her husband's illicit affairs.

And I'm sure you could name more. [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 09:21, 24 June 2018 (EDT)

== Conservapedia's Opinion on Joseph McCarthy ==

Hello,
I noticed that you reverted my edit to the Joseph McCarthy page. I made the edit to align with the views expressed in a news story I saw in the main page that described McCarthy as "two of a kind" with Robert Mueller. I feel that Conservapedia should be consistent, so I would appreciate it if the news story was removed/replaced, or the McCarthy article was changed.--[[User:Cetacean|Cetacean]] ([[User talk:Cetacean|talk]]) 18:35, 16 May 2018 (EDT)
:I added sources from a reliable conservative source backing up the article. Besides, the sentence as it is now is more neutrally-worded than your wording (I think even the person who posted the news blurb could agree with it). Bottom line: the article is fine, but it's not worth fighting what is a good analogy (considering that we have many leftist readers who hate McCarthy) on the news feed. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:48, 16 May 2018 (EDT)

== About draft ==

I just replied to your email. Its for here, not for Wikipedia. --MaddieJ 14:45, 18 May 2018 (EDT)

== [[Brian and Ed Krassenstein]] ==

I created the article [[Brian and Ed Krassenstein]]. If you would like to do improvements and better grammar to it, feel free to do so. --[[User:MaddieJ|MaddieJ]] ([[User talk:MaddieJ|talk]]) 14:38, 20 May 2018 (EDT)

== Barack Obama's achievements ==

See: [[Essay: President Barack Obama's achievements]]

It required a lot less work than your article [[Donald Trump achievements]]. :)[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 22:59, 29 May 2018 (EDT)

:Ha! And the little that Obama actually did is being wiped away by President Trump right as we speak! :) --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:22, 29 May 2018 (EDT)

==Finland==
I didnt find a way to send a message here so i assume, once its a wiki, that im supposed to edit this page when i want to contact you. Im not sure if i comment on the articles talk page, would it inform you?
I wanted to ask you about your edits of Finland's article, noticed few grammar mistakes that you corrected but didnt get why the day of independence cant be on the page? Then wanted to mention hat the the Lapps is a same name as Sami, so its like mention the same ethnic group twice.
Then i wondered why the population of the capital city shouldnt be mentioned?
The name of party Perussuomalaiset is in english "the Finns Party" not "True Finns".
There is also few smaller issues i will come back to them later. So would be nice to have a talk about these. Thanks. -Karjalainen

:First off, thank you for editing, and for messaging me here! The problem with the date of independence is that the infobox does not have a parameter (at least that I'm aware of) for the date of independence. This means that if you add the date of independence like what you did, the infobox will not actually show it to whoever is reading.

:I was not aware that the Lapps and Sami are the same. I will fix this. I will also fix the part about the Finns Party, since you're also right on this.

:I just didn't think it was necessary to list the population of Helsinki, especially since the population keeps changing and few editors are available to change it. But, if you want to add the population on the [[Helsinki]] article, you are free to do so.

:I noticed that you updated the economic information using Euros, rather than dollars. The reason why I changed it back is that most Conservapedia readers live in the United States, and the dollar is obviously what they use (and they probably don't know the exchange rate). We can mention the numbers in Euros, but we should also use dollars. Since I don't know the exchange rate, I did not add both.

:I hope all this helps! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:05, 22 July 2018 (EDT)

Thanks for answering.
I dont know if this info can be found but is CP based on the MediaWiki platfom? If yes, is it being updated when never versions come out?
Scrolling around some tutorial pages i found a template of countries where i took that "established" tag from, why does it exist if it doesnt show?
How do you edit the sources? I wanted to add but i dont see the other sources listed there?
Is there any plans to add to CP also other languages?
Is there a way to add both mi2/km2 or $/€ ? Would be nice to attrack also non-american readers and make this website even bigger and popular, maybe one day to replace wikipedia as the biggest.
I will write the issues concerning Finland on the talk page of Finland, please refer to there. -Karjalainen
:Sorry for the belated response. CP is based on the MediaWiki platform, but we use a different infobox than Wikipedia -- we didn't just copy and paste their infobox. We do update it, but I don't know how often.
:You can add sources by putting them in in between a tag like this <code><nowiki><ref>[source]</ref></nowiki></code>
:There are no plans to make CP in a different language that I am aware of, but I recommend asking Andy Schlafly, the site's owner here: [[User talk:Aschlafly]].
:Unfortunately, I do not know how to add both mi2/km2 or $/€ to the infobox.
:I will take a look at your message on the Finland talk page. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:23, 26 July 2018 (EDT)

== Five solas ==

Hearty thanks, 1990'sguy, for your assist with [[Five Solas]]! --[[User:Dataclarifier|Dataclarifier]] ([[User talk:Dataclarifier|talk]]) 14:44, 29 July 2018 (EDT)
:You're welcome! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:24, 29 July 2018 (EDT)
== requested article: Trumponomics ==

Article request: [[Trumponomics]]. It would be a nice complementary article to our [[Obamunism]] article. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:40, 5 August 2018 (EDT)
:I'll see what I can do. The [[Donald Trump achievements: Economic policy and labor]] (along with the trade sub-article) give a pretty good overview of his economic policies and the effects of those policies. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:48, 5 August 2018 (EDT)

==Contact==
I don't have yours, either. Use this: nobs315@gmail.com [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 23:07, 15 August 2018 (EDT)
:Mine is on my user page. You can verify there. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:18, 15 August 2018 (EDT)
==Capital Punishment==
By quoting Genesis 9:5 you are confusing what God is permitted to do versus what man may do and how man is to conduct himself in relation to his fellow man. It is also inaccurate to write that Jesus had nothing to say on the subject of capital punishment when he directly called into question the teaching of "eye for an eye."[[User:Tulip Festival|Tulip Festival]] ([[User talk:Tulip Festival|talk]]) 19:02, 17 August 2018 (EDT)
:No, Genesis 9:5-6 clearly says that the just punishment for taking a human life is that one's own life be taken. The proportionate and just punishment for murder is not jail time, nor community service. You're confusing what the Bible says regarding personal conduct and governmental policy, which is not personal. I recommend you read these two links: [https://www.gotquestions.org/death-penalty.html][https://answersingenesis.org/culture/the-death-penalty-wdjb-not-wwjd/] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:15, 17 August 2018 (EDT)

== HTTP -->HTTPS update ==

As you probably saw, I have moved this list to: [[User:DavidB4-bot/HTTPS URL update project]]. Thank you for your additions to the list...my apologies for adding your entries to the new page under may name. I hope you don't mind. Please feel free to continue adding to that list. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:45, 10 September 2018 (EDT)
:Thanks, and thanks for creating this list! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:49, 10 September 2018 (EDT)

== i try ==

More than a single sentence? Okay I can try. [[User:Knockforpeace|Knockforpeace]] ([[User talk:Knockforpeace|talk]]) 19:29, 15 September 2018 (EDT)
::Sorry i have a disorder. I will try to add more. [[User:Knockforpeace|Knockforpeace]] ([[User talk:Knockforpeace|talk]]) 19:39, 15 September 2018 (EDT)
:::See [[Conservapedia:How to create and maintain high-quality articles]] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:41, 15 September 2018 (EDT)
::::Tutoring avalible? By you? [[User:Knockforpeace|Knockforpeace]] ([[User talk:Knockforpeace|talk]]) 19:45, 15 September 2018 (EDT)
:::::Read and follow all of the links provided at the very top of this talk page. That will help you. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:09, 15 September 2018 (EDT)

== Logician account ==

It wasn’t a troll. Could you unblock it? Also, I removed Russell and Whitehead’s Principia Mathematica because it’s supposedly recommended reading. Thing is though that it’s such dense and complicated symbolic logic that no one would actually be able to understand it. It shouldn’t be recommended reading. Anyway, thanks. [[User:Anaxagoras|Anaxagoras]] ([[User talk:Anaxagoras|talk]]) 12:36, 20 September 2018 (EDT)
:I will unblock the account (though I will procedurally block the "Anaxagoras" one), but do not remove the Principia Mathematica book. It may be dense and complicated, and it may be to the extent that laypeople can't understand it, but it should remain for those who can understand it and who will find it useful. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:50, 20 September 2018 (EDT)

== Re: [[Kavanaugh smear]] article name change ==

A high proportion of CP's readers lean left. I changed the title because I thought the new title would engender less cognitive resistance to these readers and therefore be more likely to change their mind. In addition, I thought the new title sounded more encyclopedic.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:01, 23 September 2018 (EDT)
:That's understandable, but the article is not about opposition to Kavanaugh in general, it's specifically about the accusations made against him by left-wing people (as opposed to people criticizing him with his judicial philosophy being the stated reason). I'm not opposed to the page being moved, but it would be a title that makes it clear that the article is specifically about the attempted rape allegations against him. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:37, 23 September 2018 (EDT)
::The allegations against him are a joke. It is a reflection that the Democrats are a sad joke. All the corroborating witnesses say the events never happened.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 10:14, 24 September 2018 (EDT)
::::Exactly -- they're politically-motivated character assassination, nothing more. Thus, "Kavanaugh smear" is an appropriate title for the article. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:24, 24 September 2018 (EDT)

:::I have chimed in [https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Talk:Kavanaugh_smear&curid=150814&diff=1450439&oldid=1450438 here]. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] [[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]] 10:28, 24 September 2018 (EDT)

== Re: Switzerland vs. Britain ==

I believe you have visited Switzerland.

Below is a post I made to some left leaning atheists/evolutionists.

Gentlemen,

Don't think I haven't noticed your silence on Swiss trains being more timelier than British trains. What's your excuse for British trains being less timelier than Swiss trains?

Just admit it. The [http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/06/switzerland-beacon-of-european.html industrious and wealthy Swiss], who have one of the highest rates of creationism in Europe, have a better, wealthier and more efficient society than post Darwinism Britain.

By the way, deny that Britain is the fountainhead of Darwinism and lose all credibility!

=== Main page right post in question ===

'''The British recently had a hard''' time getting their trains to run on time.[https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45572736]

According to [[Wikipedia]], "The Swiss rail network is noteworthy for its density, its coordination between services, its integration with other modes of transport, timeliness and a thriving domestic and trans-alp freight system."

Why can't [[Britain]], the fountainhead of [[Darwinism]], compete with [[Switzerland]] which is known for having one of the highest rates of [[creationism]] [[per capita]] in Europe?[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/06/switzerland-beacon-of-european.html][[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:01, 23 September 2018 (EDT)

:I have dual Swiss citizenship, so yes, I have visited the country multiple times. For the record, some (not many, though) of my relatives there are biblical creationists. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:37, 23 September 2018 (EDT)

==Formatting of quotes==

Thanks for the {{tl|cquote}} thing - I had forgotten that template. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] [[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]] 09:15, 26 September 2018 (EDT)
:You're welcome -- happy to help! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:21, 26 September 2018 (EDT)

== Trumpiantexan is a vandal ==

There's a Vandal called "Trumpiantexan" [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 18:53, 16 October 2018 (EDT)

== Why you said this so.. ==

...'' I don't know if his pro-Marx comments actually make him a communist. He's your typical globalist/liberal European uniparty elite.'' It is not mine definition but more a true fact. Regards, [[User:YortKeldher|YortKeldher]] ([[User talk:YortKeldher|talk]]) 11:15, 20 October 2018 (EDT)
:Most liberal/globalist European elites think the same way Juncker does. It would not be a good idea to label them all as communists. They have many of the same goals as communists, but there is some nuance between them (for example, different different tactics/methods, and Juncker and many of his friends are part of "liberal" or "center-right" parties, and seem to like big corporations). Either the "liberal" and "globalist" categories are enough (since liberals and globalists have many similarities with Marxists, like Juncker), or a new category is needed. I prefer the former, as it doesn't imply that liberalism and globalism are too different from Marxism and communism (different strands of the same thing, and the existing categories take the nuances into account). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:00, 20 October 2018 (EDT)

== Cesar Sayoc Article==
Wouldn’t a person with prudent ethics be willing to discuss whether or not a new article should be deleted prior to deleting said article? Cesar Sayoc is dominating the headlines of America yet you say he is a ‘nobody’? Based on your reasoning the [[Lee Harvey Oswald]] article should be deleted immediately.--[[User:JLind|JLind]] ([[User talk:JLind|talk]]) 17:01, 26 October 2018 (EDT)
:Lee Harvey Oswald has historical significance -- and fortunately, we get the facts right, that he was a left-wing Marxist (a fact many on the Left like to ignore). The Cesar Sayoc guy may be dominating headlines (of the left-wing mainstream media and the Left, which want to capitalize on this single incident of a mentally ill man and put a rug over the [[Left-wing violence in the Trump era|many examples of leftist violence in the past couple years]]) at the moment, but his 15 minutes of fame will soon end and his 58-year jail sentence will soon begin. I let the other administrators know of the dispute over this page, and they will decide soon. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:08, 26 October 2018 (EDT)
::I got the facts right in the Sayoc article, I hope you are not implying otherwise. I’d like to think the Best of the Public could create an article free from liberal bias. Alas, it looks like the readers of Conservapedia will have to suffice with the liberal slant since you are keen to prevent this educational resource from telling the truth. Sad.--[[User:JLind|JLind]] ([[User talk:JLind|talk]]) 17:35, 26 October 2018 (EDT)
:::All the facts except that he wasn't a bomber. ''Per the Associated Press'': {{quotebox|7:50 p.m. A law enforcement official says tests have determined that a powder found inside an envelope delivered to CNN along with a pipe bomb was harmless. The official wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. New York City’s police commissioner said earlier Wednesday that the package sent to CNN’s offices in Manhattan contained a live explosive and an envelope containing white powder. The FBI said the package was similar to explosives sent to former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder and billionaire George Soros. The package sent to CNN was addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan, a frequent guest on the channel. The official says that parcel contained no note or claim of responsibility. — Tom Hays Associated Press, October 24, 2018}} [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 17:41, 26 October 2018 (EDT)
::A man sends bombs through the mail, and in your opinion, he is not a bomber? The director of the FBI is quoted as saying the devices were ‘…not hoax devices’. What, exactly, is your definition of a bomber?--[[User:JLind|JLind]] ([[User talk:JLind|talk]]) 18:17, 26 October 2018 (EDT)
:::They were too hoax devices. You have terrible reading comprehension. [[User:VargasMilan|VargasMilan]] ([[User talk:VargasMilan|talk]]) 01:44, 28 October 2018 (EDT)

Why did you block me? All I did was state the obvious fact that Joe Manchin is a DINO. he voted to confirm Kavanaugh, confirm Gorsuch, and supports the coal industry. He's even more right-wing than Lisa Murkowski! [[User:Libertarianmoderate2|Libertarianmoderate2]] ([[User talk:Libertarianmoderate2|talk]]) 17:50, 28 October 2018 (EDT)
:Manchin lives in a state that voted for Trump by 40 points, and he knows it. He's appealing to the people of his state so he doesn't alienate them. Take a broader view, rather than look at the narrow set of issues where he made a big deal of supporting right-of-center people on -- for example, notice how he's voted against many of Trump's conservative circuit court nominees and several cabinet nominees. Also, when there were narrow votes for any nominee or bill, Manchin voted with Democrats -- he only voted with Republicans when his vote wasn't anywhere close to affecting the vote's outcome. And his support for Planned Parenthood is pretty extreme for a red-state Democrat who has claimed to be pro-life. I stand entirely by my reverts, and CP has never considered Murkowski a conservative, AFAIK. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:44, 28 October 2018 (EDT)
::And look at his record with the 2A -- he has a "D" rating from the NRA, a moderate (as opposed to GOA) pro-gun organization -- several Democrats even have better ratings than him.
::In short, Manchin only votes with conservatives in high profile votes when his vote is not a deciding factor in whether the bill/nominee will pass. He's not a conservative, and he's in line with the Democrat Party. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:54, 28 October 2018 (EDT)

Sorry about that. In the meantime, I'm a very skilled wiki writer who wrote for Wikivoyage for a while, and my skills are exactly what this site needs. I hope you can overlook this disagreement. [[User:Libertarianmoderate2|Libertarianmoderate2]] ([[User talk:Libertarianmoderate2|talk]]) 19:58, 29 October 2018 (EDT)

==Pinging==
I tried to ping you, but it didn't work. I typed {d{Ping|1990'sguy}d} (remove the d's, I added them here so it comes out as text). [[User:Libertarianmoderate2|Libertarianmoderate2]] ([[User talk:Libertarianmoderate2|talk]]) 20:26, 29 October 2018 (EDT)

== Troll ==

Eleonóra Dubiczki is defacing the page on Rightpedia. [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 14:47, 3 November 2018 (EDT)
:There's another one named Fiala, probably a sock of the same person. [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 14:50, 3 November 2018 (EDT)

==UN migrant treaty==
We're gonna need a [[UN Migrant Treaty]] page. To begin, we need a thumbnail sketch what it is, then a list whose all opposed. Do you have any info to help start? [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 15:46, 22 November 2018 (EST)
:Yes -- or [[UN Global Compact on Migration]] or something like that. Several countries have already said they will leave, so it will take some effort to track them all down. I can help. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:46, 22 November 2018 (EST)
::Coincidentally, I found this article giving a good list: [https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2018/11/22/world-follows-trumps-lead-nations-abandon-legal-framework-building-un-migration-pact/] I can create and/or expand the article, if you want. I think the biggest issue will be what the title should be. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:50, 22 November 2018 (EST)
:::I'd suggest UN Migrant Treaty, then bolden the formal title; its already being discussed as "the [[migrant treaty]]". Moves & redirects can be done as needed. But both the [[European migrant crisis]] and [[2018 Migrant caravan]] already need minor subsections or references to it. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 19:53, 22 November 2018 (EST)
::::I started it. I will do more work tomorrow, if I have time. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:56, 22 November 2018 (EST)

==Wanna chat?==
Hey, I'm curious if I could get to know you. I like your edits. [[User:AnnBelleAldaco96|AnnBelleAldaco96]] ([[User talk:AnnBelleAldaco96|talk]]) 22:00, 28 November 2018 (EST)

:You can either contact me through my CP email address or through this talk page. I won't reveal/discuss personal/private info about myself (obviously), but I'd be happy to talk. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:32, 28 November 2018 (EST)

== Does CP hate video games? ==

I think the tone of the video games article is a little too critical. If you truly are a 1990's guy, then you probably grew up with video games too. You probably also remember the controversy of video game violence back in the 90s too (perhaps there should be a section in the article on that). Ironically, the members of Congress who pushed for potential legislation were two Democrat senators, Joe Lieberman and Herb Kohl. I was, along with my fellow kids of the 90s, booing and jeering at the old people who knew nothing about video games criticizing our hobby. There is a reason why the article "Essay:Greatest Conservative Video Games" exists. Most of the people who criticize video games are older people who didn't grow up with them. [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 11:15, 29 November 2018 (EST)

:To be clear, the 1990s was the decade I was born in, so unfortunately, I don't have firsthand knowledge of the controversies of that decade. I played some video games, though not as much as other people, and only on my Gameboy and Nintendo DS, and I lost all interest by the time I turned, roughly, 13.

:I have nothing against video games in and of themselves, and I still think positively of some of the games I played. However, I think many of the criticisms of video games -- such as encouraging obesity and staying indoors rather than going outside -- are valid. Also, video game addition appears to be a real problem: [https://www.foxnews.com/tech/girl-9-sent-to-rehab-after-refusing-to-stop-playing-fortnite-wetting-herself][https://www.foxnews.com/health/compulsive-video-game-playing-now-qualifies-as-mental-health-condition] Those problems probably aren't inherent to video games, though -- they can and are used in good, harmless ways too, as I have experienced. That said, it's not a topic that I have strong feelings on.

:About the article itself, it is Andy's choice to have the article the way it is. There is nothing I can do about it -- it would have to be something you would have to discuss with him if it should be changed. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:20, 29 November 2018 (EST)

== Explaination of edits to the page regarding Thomas Aquinas and theft ==

Did Aquinas endorse theft?

Without the full quote from the Summa Theologica it would appear so, However:
Whether it is lawful to steal through stress of need?
Objection 1: It would seem unlawful to steal through stress of need. For penance is not imposed except on one who has sinned. Now it is stated (Extra, De furtis, Cap. Si quis): "If anyone, through stress of hunger or nakedness, steal food, clothing or beast, he shall do penance for three weeks." Therefore it is not lawful to steal through stress of need.

Objection 2: Further, the Philosopher says (Ethic. ii, 6) that "there are some actions whose very name implies wickedness," and among these he reckons theft. Now that which is wicked in itself may not be done for a good end. Therefore a man cannot lawfully steal in order to remedy a need.

Objection 3: Further, a man should love his neighbor as himself. Now, according to Augustine (Contra Mendac. vii), it is unlawful to steal in order to succor one's neighbor by giving him an alms. Therefore neither is it lawful to steal in order to remedy one's own needs.

On the contrary, In cases of need all things are common property, so that there would seem to be no sin in taking another's property, for need has made it common.

I answer that, Things which are of human right cannot derogate from natural right or Divine right. Now according to the natural order established by Divine Providence, inferior things are ordained for the purpose of succoring man's needs by their means. Wherefore the division and appropriation of things which are based on human law, do not preclude the fact that man's needs have to be remedied by means of these very things. Hence whatever certain people have in superabundance is due, by natural law, to the purpose of succoring the poor. For this reason Ambrose [*Loc. cit., A[2], OBJ[3]] says, and his words are embodied in the Decretals (Dist. xlvii, can. Sicut ii): "It is the hungry man's bread that you withhold, the naked man's cloak that you store away, the money that you bury in the earth is the price of the poor man's ransom and freedom."

Since, however, there are many who are in need, while it is impossible for all to be succored by means of the same thing, each one is entrusted with the stewardship of his own things, so that out of them he may come to the aid of those who are in need. Nevertheless, if the need be so manifest and urgent, that it is evident that the present need must be remedied by whatever means be at hand (for instance when a person is in some imminent danger, and there is no other possible remedy), then it is lawful for a man to succor his own need by means of another's property, by taking it either openly or secretly: nor is this properly speaking theft or robbery.

Reply to Objection 1: This decretal considers cases where there is no urgent need.

Reply to Objection 2: It is not theft, properly speaking, to take secretly and use another's property in a case of extreme need: because that which he takes for the support of his life becomes his own property by reason of that need.

Reply to Objection 3: In a case of a like need a man may also take secretly another's property in order to succor his neighbor in need.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/aquinas/summa/sum322.htm

"In cases of need all things are common property, so that there would seem to be no sin in taking another's property, for need has made it common" is not in the Summa Theogica and is therefore inaccurate and misleading. The quote should be:

"It is not theft, properly speaking, to take secretly and use another's property in a case of extreme need: because that which he takes for the support of his life becomes his own property by reason of that need."

I will therefore change the quote to the correct quotation. {{unsigned|JPConservative}}

:Look again -- both quotes are there, and they're quoted accurately. The article is correct in saying that Aquinas does not take a strong position on property rights as other conservatives (including John Locke, the intellectual father of the founding fathers) held. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:39, 11 December 2018 (EST)

The quotes used misses out that Thomas Aquinas was referring to those who might die of starvation, not merely out of need. The original quotes in the article imply that he supported "Socialism" which is not so. Aquinas did take a strong stand on property rights, he made one exception, those who face death can take some food (and by implication, water & clothing.) This is the interpretation that the Catholic Church uses and is supported by the majority of Thomists. {{unsigned|JPConservative}}

:Once again, the quote mentioning hunger was already quoted in the paragraph. Also, the paragraph doesn't say that he supported socialism, but that it represented a slippery slope. Either way, his position is weaker than that of some other intellectuals who wrote on property rights. I might (possibly) be OK with a single short sentence/phrase saying that overall he supported property rights, if you can back it up, but the specific info you're citing does not back it up. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:03, 11 December 2018 (EST)

Yes hunger is mentioned, but the meaning has been distorted, I can assure you that having studied the Summa Theologica in a monastery guided by a Thomist professor that the section on Politic Philosophy is wrong. It is not a correct interpretation of Aquinas's political views. Thomas Aquinas clearly upholds property rights in the Summa Theologica:

I answer that, Two things are competent to man in respect of exterior things. One is the power to procure and dispense them, and in this regard it is lawful for man to possess property. Moreover this is necessary to human life for three reasons. First because every man is more careful to procure what is for himself alone than that which is common to many or to all: since each one would shirk the labor and leave to another that which concerns the community, as happens where there is a great number of servants. Secondly, because human affairs are conducted in more orderly fashion if each man is charged with taking care of some particular thing himself, whereas there would be confusion if everyone had to look after any one thing indeterminately. Thirdly, because a more peaceful state is ensured to man if each one is contented with his own. Hence it is to be observed that quarrels arise more frequently where there is no division of the things possessed.

The second thing that is competent to man with regard to external things is their use. In this respect man ought to possess external things, not as his own, but as common, so that, to wit, he is ready to communicate them to others in their need. Hence the Apostle says (1 Tim. 6:17, 18): "Charge the rich of this world . . . to give easily, to communicate to others," etc.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/aquinas/summa/sum322.htm

Yes, I can back up my claims. The quoted I cited are from authorized sites. I have used the quotes as written and provided links, so please explain how I am wrong?

Here is additional proof that Thomas Aquinas upheld property rights https://tifwe.org/five-insights-about-private-property-from-aquinas/
{{unsigned|JPConservative}}

I have added further material to refute the idea that the writings of Thomas Aquinas can be used to support Socialism. If you edit or remove it, please first demonstrate that I am wrong. Thank you & God Blessings be with you.

==just an idea...==
What do you think of coining the term [[anti-constitutionalist]] to describe people who oppose constitutionalists? People who oppose free speech, gun rights, due process, etc. There certainly are a lot of them in the upcoming session of Congress.

First, we'd need a working definition, then a list of members with their stated positions. The idea may catch on. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 23:52, 12 December 2018 (EST)

:I like it. What do you think of a definition along the lines of "someone who opposes the rights contained in the Constitution, and by extension, the United States as envisioned by the founding fathers"? This is just a draft proposal, the wording wouldn't be final. Maybe we should note that the Constitution reflects a classical liberal philosophy, showing that these "liberals" reject liberalism? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 00:06, 13 December 2018 (EST)
::Yes. In various articles [[Justice Kavanaugh]] is refered to as a constitutionalist, so I suspect we'll be hearing more of term in the future.

::Now, advocates for Amending the Constitution wouldn't automatically fall into this category. People who want to abolish the Electoral College or hold a constitutional convention, for example - if that is their single issue. I'm thinking of people who want outright repeal of the 2nd Amendment, advocate free speech suppression and censorship, disrespect due process and the presumption of innocence as in the Kavanaugh and Judge Moore cases, or ignore the 4th Amendment violations of the FBI & DOJ. Anyone who holds two or more of these positions could be considered an anti-constitutionalist.

::One more thing, I've discovered that whoever is among the first to create a page with a new term entering the public lexicon, Google algorithms favor and can hold a high ranking for years. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 00:26, 13 December 2018 (EST)

:::About the Electoral College and Con Con distinction, it think that's fair, and it would be good to at least make a distinction between the two. We would need to make this clear to readers, though. That said, one could argue that wanting to change the Constitution on something as important as the Electoral College also a rejection of the U.S. as envisioned by the founding fathers. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:46, 13 December 2018 (EST)
::::That's right. That's why I'm thinking two or more. Somebody who wants to abolidh the electoral college and repeal gun rights, then refuses due process and presumption of innocence, and is okay with illegal domestic spying, is an anti-constitutionalist. Throw in support for [[Medicare for All]] and they call themselves a progressive or Democratic Socialist, it's pretty clear they want to tear down the two party system. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 21:34, 13 December 2018 (EST)
::::We shouldn't spell out our criteria on the page before naming names, and if we put everybody on the list who belongs, it would be too long and nobody would read it. We simply need a paragraph or two or three to define in philosophical terms what makes someone opposed to our system of government, and then in the next section spell out a few leaders what positions they've taken to supoort the label, Pelosi, Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, and other high profile figures we can cite. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 21:40, 13 December 2018 (EST)
:::::The draft below looks great -- and it accurately describes the modern Left. Is "collective responsibility" (#6) the left's counter to states' rights? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 06:26, 14 December 2018 (EST)
::::::On number 6 that's right. I don't recall the exact language on Form 1040 related to the Obamacare individual mandate. I should dig it out and tweak it.
::::::Anyway we got enough to get started. It'll change over time. We should be on the look out for buzzwords and phrases that help define an Anti-Constitutionalist.
::::::As the 2020 election approaches, rather than a long list on the page, we can just create a Category. And the beauty of this idea is, in keeping with liberalism, they don't have to adhere to a strict set of principles, all they have to do is exhibit a few characteristics. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 16:16, 14 December 2018 (EST)

===Pattern===
I googled around and found most definitions of constitutionalist are cut n pastes of each other. Some have lists of principles, but remember, anti-constitutionalists have no principles, they have characteristics. To be an anti-constitutionalist, you don't have to conform or adhere to a list of principles, you just have to resemble a few characteristics.

This came ftom the Urban Dictionary. So all we need to do is tweak the language away from it's original documents or meaning into something other, or it's opposite:

Constitutionalist
1. An individual that shares the views of the political theories of John Locke and the founders of the American republic, that government can and should be legally limited in its powers, and that its authority or legitimacy depends on its observing these limitations.

2. An individual who believes in the basic standards and ideals are to be consistent with an overriding rule of law or ethics.

The 7 principles of a Constitutionalist:

1. Life: For all human beings, from conception to natural death;

2. Liberty: Freedom of conscience and actions for the self-governed individual;

3. Family: One husband and one wife with their children as divinely instituted;

4. Property: Each individual's right to own and steward personal property without government burden;

5. Constitution: and Bill of Rights interpreted according to the actual intent of the Founding Fathers;

6. States' Rights: Everything not specifically delegated by the Constitution to the federal government, nor prohibited by the Constitution to the states, is reserved to the states or to the people;

7. American Sovereignty: American government committed to the protection of the borders, trade, and common defense of Americans, and not entangled in foreign alliances.

===Draft 1===
Here's a start. Now remember. we sort of want to use their own langusge, logic, meaning, and reasoning, so when they read it, they're looking in a mirror. Characteristic #2 needs some work. Feel free to change or suggest anything.

Anti-Constitutionalists

Persons who reject the views of the political theories of [[John Locke]] and the founding fathers of the American republic, that government can and should be limited in its powers. Anti-Constitutionalists believe in the supremacy of federal power over individual rights.

2. Persons who believe in the basic standards and ideals are to be consistent with [[progressive]] values and the rule of law.

The 7 characteristics of many anti-constitutionalists:

1. Life: For all human beings, and a [[pro-abortion|right to choice]].

2. Liberty: Freedom of conscience and actions to suppress [[fascist]] ideals;

3. Family: Equal rights to marry anyone among 58 known genders;

4. Diversity: Out of one, many.

5. Constitution: Outdated and written by white male slaveghlolders;

6. Collective Responsibilty: A duty not a choice;

7. Sovereignty: The universal power, authority, and kinship of the human species.

==Can you unblock me please?, I want to improve Dirty War pg==

Got your message loud and clear and want to keep creating pages for Conservapedia but only under 1 account name. Thanks again.--[[User:Raymondo|Raymondo]] ([[User talk:Raymondo|talk]]) 08:56, 13 December 2018 (EST)
:The account you used to write on my talk page is unblocked. You can use that one. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:34, 13 December 2018 (EST)

Thanks for unblocking me, greatly appreciated.--[[User:Raymondo|Raymondo]] ([[User talk:Raymondo|talk]]) 07:53, 25 December 2018 (EST)

Hello again, can we change the following page title [[Battles of Mount Kent and Top Malo House]] to [[Battle of Mount Kent and Top Malo House]], remove the "s" from battles, once again thanking you very much and all the best in the new year.--[[User:Raymondo|Raymondo]] ([[User talk:Raymondo|talk]]) 20:17, 25 December 2018 (EST)
:Hello, please request this change at [[User talk:DavidB4]], as I currently do not have move powers. He will move the page for you. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:25, 25 December 2018 (EST)

::Done as requested: [[Battle of Mount Kent and Top Malo House]] --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:14, 26 December 2018 (EST)

== Appeal ==

Hi. I noticed I can't edit anything to appeal my block [[Special:Contribs/Edenfaithful|here]]. I'm sorry if you thought my edits were trolling; they weren't. AOC does actually want a government-enforced redistribution of wealth via her universal basic income ideas and other concepts. I won't use this account to do anything other than appeal; it's not meant to be harmful. I want to contribute. [[User:Tempacctformessage|Tempacctformessage]] ([[User talk:Tempacctformessage|talk]]) 13:38, 25 December 2018 (EST)
:I have unblocked your account. In the future, please do not make any edits that could be seen as trolling or parody -- your edits on AOC may have been true, but this is an encyclopedia -- all wording should be encyclopedic. If you're going to add particularly strong language like that, it should at least be cited by a good conservative news source. Otherwise, it's personal commentary, which should stay on your user page or an "essay" page. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:37, 25 December 2018 (EST)

== Internet control ==

Hello, 
I have a random question which I was wondering if you might know the answer to. When Obama was in office, he released control of the Internet to the W3C (an international organization). In the opinion of many conservatives including myself, this was a big mistake. I since heard in vague terms that Trump had somehow put a stop to the transfer and retained at least partial control. However, my research attempts have turned up little of value. Do you know if this is something Trump has done, and if so, to what extent? Thank you! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 19:00, 8 January 2019 (EST)
:I remember noting that there was a bit of a controversy between Ted Cruz and the Commerce Department nominee most in charge of this topic area, but the nominee agreed to "look into it" (whatever that means): [http://thehill.com/policy/technology/359325-trump-pick-confirmed-to-telecommunications-federal-agency 1],[https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/23/trump-commerce-pick-internet-oversight-reversal-305178 2],[http://thehill.com/policy/technology/370426-trump-commerce-pick-told-lawmakers-he-would-look-at-reversing-obama-move-on 3] I looked into it further, and found these opinion articles ([http://netpolicynews.com/index.php/89-r/997-trump-wants-u-s-to-take-over-internet-governance-like-putin 1],[https://lawreview.unl.edu/Should-the-U.S.-Reclaim-Control-of-the-Internet 2]), which indicate that nothing was done, though I also found [https://regmedia.co.uk/2018/06/05/ntia-internet-policy-noi-jun18.pdf this notice in the Federal Register] where the Commerce Department asked what should be done with the transfer. The government is looking into it, but so far, I have not found anything saying that an official policy change has been enacted.
:I am very interested in this, and I think whatever decision the government makes, it will be relevant to the [[Donald Trump achievements]] series -- so if you find anything else, or if the government makes a decision in the future, please let me know. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:27, 8 January 2019 (EST)

::"Looking into it...." I feel so much better now. I thought I probably would have heard something if action had been taken, but figured I'd check with you. I will keep my ears, and if I hear anything, will let you know. I expect it would be relevant to the achievements pages, hopefully in a positive way. Thank you for the information! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 19:33, 8 January 2019 (EST)
:::I suppose I must admit that one of the main arguments from the left is true...we were not evenly allocating IP addresses. However, if we invented the internet, do we really need to evenly distribute them? Using Network Address Translation, IPv4 has worked quite well. As we began running out of addresses even then, IPv6 was set up in some parts of the world, which gives us MANY more addresses to work with. Should everyone be switched over to IPv6? Yes, probably. However, just giving away all control of the internet to an organization which may as well be a U.N. of sorts can't be a good solution. I also hope the W3C doesn't start setting up new root servers in more...questionable locations. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 19:39, 8 January 2019 (EST)
::::The Left and globalists don't want the U.S. to be dominant, independent/sovereign, or self-sufficient, so that explains why they chose to give away our control of the internet to a "fair" international organization that socialist, Islamic, anti-American, and autocratic governments can control just as much, if not more, than our country. Globalists and the Left would prefer that the U.S. just follows along with the "rules-based international order" rather than take leadership and go its own way. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:36, 8 January 2019 (EST)

== Seraphim 2 ==

What led you to believe this is a sock account? [[User:DMorris|DMorris]] ([[User talk:DMorris|talk]]) 15:48, 23 January 2019 (EST)
:It was created during a vandalism spree, and once or twice, the vandal(s) created two accounts simultaneously and started vandalizing through both of them. This account was created at the same time as another account (can't remember which one) which began continuing the vandalism, appearing to follow the trend. Thus, I blocked the other account and then blocked this one before (I assumed) it started vandalizing. If it doesn't seem suspicious to you, then please unblock it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:04, 23 January 2019 (EST)
::I would try to avoid doing that in absence of evidence because there have been cases on other wikis when innocent parties have been blocked like this, but I'm not going to undo the block at this time. [[User:DMorris|DMorris]] ([[User talk:DMorris|talk]]) 17:23, 23 January 2019 (EST)

== Your wiki work on Trump was alluded to in a web article ==

Your wiki work on Trump was alluded to in a web article. See: http://quadrant.org.au/opinion/qed/2018/11/losing-dignity-still-losing/

It is a pretty well read website as can be seen here: https://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/quadrant.org.au

I found out about the citation using this free tool: https://muckrack.com [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 13:53, 29 January 2019 (EST)

:Great -- it's an indirect allusion, but it works. Have you seen these mentions of my [[Donald Trump achievements]] article? [https://stonecoldtruth.com/despite-continuous-attacks-trump-getting-the-job-done/ One from Roger Stone] and [https://twitter.com/mitchellvii/status/881978883771445248 another by Bill Mitchell], who Trump has retweeted in the past. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:52, 29 January 2019 (EST)
::Thanks for sharing with me those mentions of your article.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 16:47, 29 January 2019 (EST)

== Lou Dobbs ==

Hey, 1990's guy, check out [[Lou Dobbs]]' Conservapedia article: He himself claims he is an "independent populist". Lots of people who do news reporting and support Trump call themselves independent like [[Jedidiah Bila]], [[Alex Jones]] or were Democrat, like [[Harlan Hill]]. We really ought to respect their wishes, don't you think? [[User:VargasMilan|VargasMilan]] ([[User talk:VargasMilan|talk]]) 00:11, 8 February 2019 (EST)
:First off, self-descriptions are meaningless. Dobbs can call himself whatever he wants, but it's his actual positions that matter -- and those positions are, without a doubt, conservative. There are many [[token conservative]]s who align 80-100% with globalist Democrats but still call themselves "conservative" -- but we shouldn't add them to your essay because of what they call themselves.
:Also, you may be confusing political party affiliation with political philosophy -- Dobbs isn't a Republican (maybe he rejoined, IDK), but he left because of the Bush Administration's liberal policies on issues such as immigration. It's his political views that matter, not his political party, and Dobbs's positions are conservative, meaning we can safely call him a conservative. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 00:27, 8 February 2019 (EST)
::I'm a bit embarrassed that I took Lou Dobbs' self-description "independent" to mean non-conservative instead of non-Republican, so not only is what you say correct, but it turns out I've never even heard him deny he's a conservative, here or elsewhere. I don't know if you know this, but coincidentally, I added Lou Dobbs' name to the TCOT list myself in April 2017. But I removed it the same day because of the "independent" label I saw mentioned in his Conservapedia entry soon after I had added his name to the list.

::I'm still concerned, though—Lou Dobbs lives in the liberal stronghold, New York City, and there are cowards that live there who can be vicious if they think they have an easy target.

::Here's something else that's funny; [[Jedidiah Bila]] also called herself an independent (in November 2016) and also lives in New York City. And I delisted her for the very same reasons I used for removing Lou Dobbs' name. I just now checked to see if I could find whether she ever called herself a conservative or just an independent, and, long story short, she labelled herself as conservative in September 2017!

::So, in a way, your diligence has rescued Jedidiah Bila from obscurity in the "conservative world"! But I'm still interested in what you think about Lou Dobbs. [[User:VargasMilan|VargasMilan]] ([[User talk:VargasMilan|talk]]) 02:20, 9 February 2019 (EST)
:::Basically, there are two types of Republicans, National Republicans involved in federal issues, and Independent Republicans - people involved in local and state issues, like school board elections and legislative races. The IRs are moreless divorced from the federal issues, usually because they just aren't interested in what the RNC is doing, occassionally over a policy dispute. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 04:07, 9 February 2019 (EST)
::::Dobbs is a TV host -- he has to live in New York City (or nearby) as a result. He has company though, with Trump, Hannity, and others. I think it's obvious Tucker Carlson is a conservative, but he lives in Washington, D.C., where only 4% of the population voted for Trump. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 08:29, 9 February 2019 (EST)

==ESchlafly==

I get the name "Schlafly" being suspect, but Andy doesn't have a monopoly on it. I say assume good faith for now, unless a senior admin says otherwise. [[User:DMorris|DMorris]] ([[User talk:DMorris|talk]]) 20:41, 12 February 2019 (EST)
:Fair enough. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:54, 12 February 2019 (EST)

::Technically, the username is "ESchafly," which is slightly different anyway. In any case, for an apparently good faith editor, perhaps autoblock should be disabled if they are blocked on grounds of their username alone. Anyway, I was also suspicious...no harm done. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 13:51, 13 February 2019 (EST)

==Thank you==
Thank you for tidying my attempt at an external link in the article on the [[British Psychological Society]]. It is appreciated. [[User:Carltonio|Carltonio]] ([[User talk:Carltonio|talk]]) 12:33, 18 March 2019 (EDT)
:You're welcome. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:57, 18 March 2019 (EDT)

== Christchurch: terrorism? ==

Hi there! Thanks for your frequent positive contributions to Conservapedia. I'm new here so still trying to learn the ropes.

I feel like the use of "Direct Action" in the leading paragraph of the [[New Zealand mosque shooting]] article, rather than "terrorism", is euphemstic and betrays the principles put forth on [[Conservapedia:How_Conservapedia_Differs_from_Wikipedia]]. Would a similar change be appropriate on the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]] page? {{unsigned|Liberalnutjob}}
:I'm not opposed to labeling it a terrorist attack -- the article uses the term several times, including through some edits I made to the article. I'm not sure the CP article you linked is particularly relevant here since the Wikipedia article does call it a terrorist attack in the intro (just as we do in the body).

:I recommend you message [[User talk:RobSmith]], who is the main author of the article and who inserted the "direct action" link in the intro. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:17, 6 April 2019 (EDT)

==Hello!==
:Hey dude! I know you from Wikipedia! I'm here for anti-vandalism work. I am an administrator from [http://deletionpedia.org/en/Special:UserRights/DW Deletionpedia.org]. [[User:DW|DW]] ([[User talk:DW|talk]]) 13:29, 9 April 2019 (EDT)
::Hello -- what is your Wikipedia account name, if you don't mind me asking? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:57, 9 April 2019 (EDT)
== Please create these articles ==

1990'sguy, please create these article and I will tell you why later:

*[[Top 10 achievements of Donald Trump]]

*[[Donald Trump achievements before presidency]]

*[[List of Trump's accomplishments in 2019]]

*[[List of Trump's accomplishments in 2018]]

*[[Donald Trump achievements in his life]]

Also, if this article can be improved, please do it: [[Trump administration]]

I hope this helps.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 04:52, 10 April 2019 (EDT)

:I will try to create at least some of these when I get time. The two "life achievements" articles seem like good ideas, though the 2018 and 2019 articles would be problematic, particularly with fitting them into my article series which is not based on year. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 08:36, 10 April 2019 (EDT)

== Unnecessary? ==

My prefix to [[liberal]], describing that kind of person as a United States resident, was included because it's an exclusively U.S. term. In other countries, liberals are known by other names, such as the Labor party in the UK. My edit was not unnecessary, and I would appreciate it if you could please let it stand.

I took a similar issue with the statement that "most individuals are overweight" in every article dealing with obesity. Nationally, this is true, but, globally, it is false. There are more Asians than there are Americans in the world, and 2 billion of them are starving, outnumbering America's obese population 10 to 1. {{unsigned|MacTavish}}

:I oppose changing it back, and there's a big difference between the exact definition of certain terminology and health statistics.

:Labour Party is a political party, and CP's "liberal" page refers to the ideology. I travel to (continental) Europe frequently, and the word "liberal" is increasingly meaning the same thing as in the U.S. while "conservative" increasingly means something similar to the U.S.

:More importantly, the CP article clearly defines what a liberal is, and that's what matters. Every political term like this has multiple meanings, depending on who's doing the explaining. The best solution to the problem of the same words having many different meanings is to clearly define the word and create articles such as the [[classical liberalism]] or [[liberal conservatism]] articles. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:59, 15 April 2019 (EDT)

== Bible ==

I note that you believe that "As unpopular it is to believe this in our present culture, I know that the Bible contains absolutely no errors or mistakes". Last night I was listening to an interesting talk on the radio about [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A3-11&version=ESV John 8:3-11], and this has led me to pondering this morning [https://www.openbible.info/topics/stoning_to_death what the Bible has to say about stoning people to death]. My question is how can anyone, in light of this, believe that the Bible is always to be taken literally? I accept that the Bible contains invaluable spiritual truths but I also consider that it is the creation of fallible human beings. I believe that such barbarous practices as stoning someone to death, for blasphemy, sexual misconduct, and breaking the Sabbath, is a reflection of the values of an early pastoral society and not God's word. To be honest with you I find ''any'' type of dogmatic belief deeply disturbing. I note that the Conservapedia article takes a moderate line on the [[Bible]]: "The Bible is the most logical, insightful and influential collection of books and letters ever written", and doesn't claim that it's the word of God.

Because of our recent "conversations" you seemed to be the most obvious person to ask this question. [[User:Timber|Timber]] ([[User talk:Timber|talk]]) 13:15, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

:First off, the Bible contains a unified narrative free of contradictions and errors. The human writers were men of their times (Solomon's wives, Noah's drunkenness), but God is the true author of the Bible and none of his commands are wrong or "barbarous." The Mosaic Law was directly commanded by God and is not some reflection of early pastoral society values (I will also say that stoning is ''not'' merely an "early pastoral society" value--the urban Greeks did it, Acts 14:19, and modern urban Brunei and other Islamic countries are doing it).

:You need to understand the Mosaic Law and its place in God's plan to redeem humanity. God revealed Himself first to the Israelites, and in preparing them for the Promised Land, he gave them the Mosaic Law. The Mosaic Law was good and holy (Romans 7:12) -- so good that the Israelites found they, sinful humans, couldn't even follow it correctly. Yes, some of the punishments for various sins include stoning, but remember, "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). The better question than "why did God command this" is "why didn't God command this for everybody and for every sin". Instead, by giving the law to the Israelites, God showed them they couldn't save themselves. They needed a savior--Jesus Christ. Also, see Deuteronomy 17:6 -- two or three witnesses were required to be stoned.

:Jesus didn't abolish the law, he fulfilled it. I recommend reading the Book of Hebrews -- because of Christ's sacrificing Himself on the cross (great timing in asking your question), we no longer need to make animal sacrifices or follow the civic parts of the law (which include stoning)--that doesn't make the law "barbaric" though. Also, in John 8, Jesus did not condemn stoning outright. The Jews did not have witnesses nor did they have the guilty man with them either to stone, contrary to the law's requirements.[https://www.gotquestions.org/without-sin-cast-first-stone.html]

:I hope this helps. Ask me other questions if you'd like. I also highly recommend [https://www.gotquestions.org/ GotQuestion.org] for other Christianity-related questions. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:47, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

::Many thanks for taking the time to answer me. Sorry to be argumentative, but I'm still confused, because on one hand you seem to be suggesting that Christ would have supported stoning the adulteress to death if the man had also been arrested, and there had been two witnesses? But on the other hand you also seem to suggest that, because Christ rose from the dead, Mosaic law no longer needed be applied. and that following the Resurrection stoning someone to death was no longer lawful?

::Surely Christans are right in believing that stoning a rebellious child, or someone who collects firewood on a Sunday, or because they are sexually involved with someone of the same sex is no longer the word of God? That ''now'' such practices are dated –"barbaric"? That Christ brought a new message from God, one that is entirely different from what Moses received? A message in which charity and forgiveness is far more important than punishment. That we should focus first on our own failures rather than those of others: "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her”. [[User:Timber|Timber]] ([[User talk:Timber|talk]]) 15:41, 19 April 2019 (EDT)
:::The gospel was preached to Israel in the wilderness (Hebrews 4:2). Israel was given the choice between Law and Grace. Law can only condemn, Grace saves. Israel chose Law ("Moses told us to stone such a one").
:::There are other such examples in the Bible where people (or man, to use the politically incorrect parlance), made choices with long-term consequences that God did not ordain, such as when Jethro (Moses' father-in-law) gave advice to [[community organizer|organize]] the people into captains of tens and captains of hundreds, etc., or when God advised against Israel having a King who would "multiply horses," (i.e. build a military industrial complex) and Solomon proceeded to do exactly that. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 15:56, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

:::: Thanks [[User:RobSmith|RobS]]. So how should 21st century man operate? You generalize, whereas I asked specific questions. Do fundamentalist Christians believe that Christ's Resurrection changed Mosaic law, or should we , if possible, return to it. [[User:Timber|Timber]] ([[User talk:Timber|talk]]) 16:52, 19 April 2019 (EDT)
:::::If you're going to continue editing here, it's important you realise the management considers the adultress story to be a [[Essay:Adulteress Story|liberal insertion]]. Buckle in! [[User:JohnZ|JohnZ]] ([[User talk:JohnZ|talk]]) 16:56, 19 April 2019 (EDT)
::::::Mosaic Law never intended to save. It is still operable for those who reject Grace. And faith in the Resurrection always provided grace - knowing that whatsoever he promised, he was able to deliver (Romans 4:21) - even before Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection. Law always only applies to the lost, and not blood washed believers in Christ.
::::::Now, Christians are admonished to act in such a way as to be an example to non-believers (to do otherwise is not acting in love); however it is not determinative of a person's standing in Christ or eternal salvation, and to preach otherwise, that is to say salvation is determined by works, is the spirit of anti-Christ. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 17:02, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

:::::::I would not so much say that Israel chose the law, as it was a matter of that being all there was. The law taught a great deal about the nature of God, the depravity of men, and the seriousness of sin, among other lessons. The law was given to state how, from at least an outward sense, mankind should behave in order to keep God's perfect law. Under the law, certain sins were deserving of death--this was to show the seriousness of transgression. It is easy for us to look at some sin and say, "Well, it was only one small sin. Everyone makes mistakes, so just give him/her a break! It's not THAT serious!" However, we are judging with sentimentality from the perspective of a sinner. Only God can judge righteously from the perspective of perfection.
:::::::This rule did not really go away, either. Certainly we don't execute people for "minor" sins, but James said that "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10). One singe sin is enough to make us less than perfect, which makes us utterly filthy and unacceptable to God, much as a single act of defiance made an old testament Jew unacceptable to the congregation. God has given us a way out through His Son, but without that, we will face a judgement worse than stoning for a single act of sin (which is itself defiance against the one truly holy God). Only because of Jesus' shed blood can we be forgiven these sins, and made as though we are perfect, by Jesus' merit. The Hebrews didn't seem to know that Jesus was coming as a sacrifice, rather than a king, but yet they sacrificed animals to gain forgiveness for their sins, looking forward to Jesus' sacrifice.
:::::::In regard to the adulteress specifically, There has been a great deal of debate by people more intelligent than I. Under mosaic law, she was guilty, but it seems that either she was forgiven under the new law and no longer deserving of death, or she should have justly been stoned, but the congregation failed to do so(or the witnesses failed to testify against her properly), due to Jesus' words. In either case, Jesus sends her away alive. --[[User:DavidB4|DavidB4]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:11, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

::::::::In response to Timber's followup question, the Mosaic Law is just, but it's impossible to follow. That's why Jesus died on the cross -- so we can actually have a path to salvation, one by God's grace through faith and not by works.

::::::::However, this doesn't mean that the message of the law is "entirely different" from Christ -- in fact, the total opposite. The law pointed people to Christ, that it's impossible to follow it and that they need Jesus. Also, through sacrifices, God provided a way for the Jews' sins to be forgiven. By dying on the cross, our past, present, and future sins are forgiven if we trust in Christ, without need for sacrifices. God will judge everyone in the end, but right now, we live in the age of grace, and the Mosaic Law has been fulfilled through Christ. '''Also,''' the Mosaic Law was never intended to be required of all people everywhere -- only the Israelites before Christ.

::::::::If I'm understanding [https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User_talk:1990%27sguy&curid=139936&diff=1517413&oldid=1517408 Rob] correctly, I agree that many actions by people in the Bible are not condoned by God, but the Mosaic Law isn't one of them. It came from God to set the Israelites apart from other nations (Exodus 19:5) and reveal their sinfulness to them (Galatians 3:19; Romans 3:20), among other reasons.

::::::::For the record, I believe the adultress story is a valid part of the Bible. Others here disagree. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:15, 19 April 2019 (EDT)
:::::::::Moses spoke to Lord face to face as a man speaketh to his friend (Exodus 33:11) and "found grace in thy sight" (Exodus 33:13); the New Testament says "No man hath seen God at anytime" (John 1:27). Now, unless you think there are contradictions in the Bible, one has to explain Hebrews 12:14 (without holiness no one will see the Lord) and more specifically, 1 Cor. 2:13, "comparing spiritual things with spiritual".
:::::::::In conclusion, (a) Moses was saved; (b) the Law of Moses could not save then, and it can not save now; (c) Christ has existed from everlasting to everlasting, before the foundations of the earth were laid; (d) ye are not under law, but under grace. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 17:36, 19 April 2019 (EDT)
:::::::::Roman Catholic theology explains the difference between the Perfect Will of God and the Permissive Will of God (for example, God allowing David to marry Bethsheba after David committed adultery and murdered her husband). And while the Mosaic Law may be an expression of the Perfect Will of God, it nevertheless still cannot save. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 17:44, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

Many thanks that makes things much clearer. [[User:Timber|Timber]] ([[User talk:Timber|talk]]) 19:29, 19 April 2019 (EDT) I greatly appreciate that you both have offered such a thorough explanation. [[User:Timber|Timber]] ([[User talk:Timber|talk]]) 19:31, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

== Cyrus ==
Hi 1990'sguy,

I don't think we need flashy photos of anti-Christian celebrities, which promote their lifestyles to our kids. [[User:DouglasA|DouglasA]] ([[User talk:DouglasA|talk]]) 13:54, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

:I'll ask Andy about this. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:58, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

::We could get a less "flashy" photo I suppose, but we are here to educate people of all ages. While I may not approve of her lifestyle, I don't really see an problem with including it, since this helps to educate our readers. It is not at all uncommon for use to include photos of people on pages talking about them. And actually, this "flashy" photo may be well suited, since it demonstrates that she is all about the show. --[[User:DavidB4|DavidB4]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:27, 19 April 2019 (EDT)
:::This is becoming a real problem for CP, since deviant sex seems to be the Democratic party's key plank in the 2020 elections. Ignoring their issues is fraught with problems. They must be tastefully addressed; and we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to straighten out readers. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 16:09, 19 April 2019 (EDT)

== Edit war ==

Hi 1990'sguy, you have twice blocked me for edit warring. I don't like being quarrelsome but with due respect to your seniority I don't think you really understand what edit warring is. My reverts had an explanation and yours did not. You tended to ignore
the Conservapedia Guidelines. Also you didn't issue any warning, or suggest starting a discussion. I have edited on Wikipedia for several years and have a clean record there, I'd also note, the highly undemocratic exercise of administrative power here. [[User:Timber|Timber]] ([[User talk:Timber|talk]]) 16:24, 21 April 2019 (EDT)

:The fact is the Barack Obama article has been the way it is for years, and several editors (RobS and Pokeria, for example) support it, at least overall, and oppose your changes. Also, you admit you're not a conservative. And you think you can just come in and unilaterally make edits that others oppose? That's not how it works here. Continuing to revert will only get you indefinitely banned -- I hope you realize I'm being extremely gracious by only giving short blocks.

:Also, CP makes no apology for not being "democratic." We're a conservative encyclopedia with a conservative point of view, which includes support for natural law and republicanism over mob-rule democracy that Aristotle, the Ancient Roman Republicans, and the U.S. founding fathers opposed. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:57, 21 April 2019 (EDT)

::::Thanks -[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]]. I have no quarrel with this site's extreme right wing ideology but I do quarrel with its failure at times to implement its own policy of truth and verifiablity and the way some editors use of gossip and dubious sources. Also most of the editors I have dealt with recently are very slippery politicians–that is they avoid answering any comment or question. By the way the Barack Obama article is contradictory. [[User:Timber|Timber]] ([[User talk:Timber|talk]]) 18:18, 21 April 2019 (EDT) Additionally most edits made by you and others do not have an explanation. [[User:Timber|Timber]] ([[User talk:Timber|talk]]) 18:25, 21 April 2019 (EDT)
:::::ach ach <choke> WaPo, NYT & CNN aren't dubious sources? they don't use gossip? Liberal commie scholars and Marxist PhD's aren't dubious sources? As to edit summaries, you gotta earn your stripes. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 18:46, 21 April 2019 (EDT)
:::::C'mon. Be reasonable and realistic. The ''NYT'' White House correspondent thinks ''Edelweiss'' is a Nazi anthem. Never in my life has there been such an open opportunity for citizen journalists as right now. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 18:49, 21 April 2019 (EDT)
::::::@Timber: I'm not particularly interested in the Barack Obama dispute -- what I care about is avoiding edit warring and making sure we give due treatment to material which has been in the articles for a long time. Thus, the content should be discussed on the talk page. On Wikipedia, not having a consensus for changes similar to yours is good enough explanation for reverting, so CP isn't actually too much different. Regarding the behavior of other editors, you might just be experiencing their differing personalities, that's all. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:51, 21 April 2019 (EDT)
:::::::@1990'sguy, he's not learning his lesson, I've given him a long block, not just for the edit warring, but also for his pretentious attitude, especially on this edit summary: [https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Michelle_Obama&diff=1518377&oldid=1518376] [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 19:18, 21 April 2019 (EDT)

::Personally, I have no objection to moving the sections on natural born citizenship to [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama]] where it can be debated or sources challenged. The lesson here is, work somebody else put much time into should not be overwritten just cause some liberal communist doesn't like it or it isn't sanctioned by [[fake news]] [[mainstream media]] sources. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 17:08, 21 April 2019 (EDT)

:::@RobS: It might be worth considering moving some of that content into the [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama]] article. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:14, 21 April 2019 (EDT)
::::Let Timber do it, and we can seriously vet sources and wording on the Talk page there. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 17:16, 21 April 2019 (EDT)

== Look at this edit ==

Please look at this edit: [https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Conservapedia&diff=1519161&oldid=1516763 1990'sguy and Conservapedia]. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 13:39, 24 April 2019 (EDT)
:Thanks, Conservative, I really appreciate it! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:57, 24 April 2019 (EDT)
::That's great, I only wish the essays I made about Christian virtues could get this kind of notability. [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 14:26, 24 April 2019 (EDT)
:::I recommend linking them in the "See also" sections of relevant articles and continuing to work on them. That might make Andy or Cons more likely to promote them on the main page. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:38, 24 April 2019 (EDT)

== What happened to you user page? ==

Your page was vaped by [[User:Conservative]], on or about April 22. It was then recreated as a blank page, also by Cons, on April 23. Do you know anything about this? I recall that you had a lot of interesting things to say on your user page. Do you have a backup copy? Alas, I don't normally checkpoint other people's user pages, so I don't have a copy. (Though I do have a checkpoint copy of your talk page.) [[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 12:51, 26 April 2019 (EDT)
:I asked Cons to do it -- don't worry, I have all the information saved, and I could recreate it if I want. I thought I should be more "low-key" on wikis, and I did the same to my Wikipedia user page (which I also have a copy of). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:34, 26 April 2019 (EDT)

== Question. ==

Hello. Is it possible to write about artists? {{unsigned|RinatMilow}}

:You may write about what you want on the following conditions:
:#Everything is sourced with reliable sources -- no exceptions
:#This is a conservative encyclopedia, so nothing from a non-conservative perspective, wherever applicable
:#Absolutely no plagiarism, including from Wikipedia
:#Know all of CP's rules and guidelines (you can find them at the top of my talk page)
:I hope this helps. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:28, 4 May 2019 (EDT)

I wrote an article,tried to do it right.

[[User:RinatMilow|RinatMilow]]
:This website does not do self-promotion. You can write about artists like Picasso, Dali, Michaelangelo, etc, but I noticed that you're doing promoting yourself on this (deleted) and other websites. Not here. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] ([[User talk:Karajou|talk]]) 11:00, 4 May 2019 (EDT)

I don't promote anything anywhere where to me what to write, it is especially my personal right. I'm not upset. I'm not upset that the article didn't fit.
[[User:RinatMilow|RinatMilow]]

== Donald Trump's achievements keep rolling in ==

'''The ''[[New York Times]]'' FINALLY Admits:''' The World is Turning [[Nationalism|Nationalist]] [[Populism|Populist]].[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQOgUVsUQJQ]

The ''New York Times'' article admitted that this statement of [[Donald Trump]] was prophetic: "We gonna win so much you may even get tired of winning and you'll say please, please Mr. President, It's too much winning! We can't take it anymore!"[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 13:34, 27 May 2019 (EDT)

:Trump has been very successful as a president so far, especially considering that Republicans opposed much of his agenda in 2017/2018 and the divided Congress now. The EU elections went well -- the League outperformed exit polls by a lot, becoming the largest party in Italy and tied as the largest in the EU Parliament, and the Brexit Party also won more seats than predictions I saw beforehand. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:43, 27 May 2019 (EDT)

::The Greens continue to gain, at the expense of Social Democrats. This is reflective of a younger, climate orientated group of socialists, just as radical, more single issue oriented and naive, trying to throw off the history established Socialist parties. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 16:06, 27 May 2019 (EDT)

== Article suggestion ==

Consider creating this article: [[Donald Trump achievements: Religious freedom]][[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 11:08, 1 July 2019 (EDT)
:It might be a good split-up article. All religious freedom achievements are currently at [[Donald Trump achievements: Religious liberty, gender issues, and other social policies]]. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:19, 1 July 2019 (EDT)
::I might split the article into [[Donald Trump achievements: Religious freedom and LGBTQ]] and [[Donald Trump achievements: Healthcare, welfare, housing, and affirmative action]] -- I might have to rework the article titles, among other changes, before I actually implement this. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:27, 1 July 2019 (EDT)

§== Could you delete this file? ==

I uploaded this file from the mobile version of the website and the title messed up, could you remove the pic? I already uploaded the correct one. [[:File:' 'Copied from' '- https---commons-wikimedia-org-wiki-File-Luis Pardo Villalón - Armada de Chile-png--br--' 'Original source' '- http---www-armada-cl-custom-pilotopardo-pilotopardo-html--br--' 'License' '- Th 2019-07-01 04-37.png|file]] --[[User:Capitalist.Chile|Capitalist.Chile]] ([[User talk:Capitalist.Chile|talk]]) 16:38, 4 July 2019 (EDT)
:Done! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:10, 4 July 2019 (EDT)

== Salute to America ==

'Salute to America' articele - this was not a copy of Wikipedia, but independent research. Your deletion is merely censorship. too bad for conservapedia. I was on a roll... [[User:Let us eat lettuce|Let us eat lettuce]] ([[User talk:Let us eat lettuce|talk]]) 18:30, 6 July 2019 (EDT)

:That's a ridiculous response that will get you no respect from conservatives. I cross-checked [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salute_to_America&oldid=905110556 the Wikipedia article], and you indeed copied the article (not the whole thing but only a condensed version. Your wording changes were far too minor to not consider it plagiarism. You also cited the same sources (from the MSM, by the way) for the same sentences.
:If you create an original article, citing conservative media sources (you know, the kind of information that will actually get censored on Wikipedia and other leftist websites), it won't get deleted. Another admin already deleted a previous article of yours for plagiarism, and I already (and kindly) warned you. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:36, 6 July 2019 (EDT)
::Okay, you're "right". but my research was original. maybe the same sources, is all. [[User:Let us eat lettuce|Let us eat lettuce]] ([[User talk:Let us eat lettuce|talk]]) 18:47, 6 July 2019 (EDT)
:::The second version is even worse than the first (for a different reason). It's a stub; the wording is sloppy, poor, and vague; and you didn't cite any sources. If you cannot create a quality article citing multiple conservative media sources (Breitbart, TNA, Daily Caller, Daily Wire, Free Beacon, etc.) without having to consult Wikipedia or plagiarizing, you probably shouldn't create articles.
:::You saw my message on your talk page, as well as the welcome template with the various links. We're giving you multiple chances to improve. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:15, 6 July 2019 (EDT)
::::Don't make up rules. There is nothing that requires the use of "conservative media sources" in either the [[Conservapedia:Commandments|commandments]], the [[Conservapedia:Guidelines|guidelines]], the [[Conservapedia:Editing article and talk pages|manual of style]], or the [[Conservapedia:How to create and maintain high-quality articles|general guidance on "high-quality" articles]].

::::Your preferences are not policy. [[User:JohnZ|JohnZ]] ([[User talk:JohnZ|talk]]) 08:25, 7 July 2019 (EDT)
:::::The 1990'sguy just deleted the article without contributing a thing. On the article talk page, I had encouraged others to collaborate. Not much collaboration here. [[User:Let us eat lettuce|Let us eat lettuce]] ([[User talk:Let us eat lettuce|talk]]) 08:37, 7 July 2019 (EDT)
::::::JohnZ, you don't get to decide what Conservapedia policy is (especially not if you're trying to force liberal POV again as you usually do). That's for the admins to decide, not you. [[User:Northwest|Northwest]] ([[User talk:Northwest|talk]]) 08:38, 7 July 2019 (EDT)
:::::::@Let us eat lettuce: "encouraging others to collaborate" does not equal making others write 99% of an article (because it was a tiny, vague stub), or making a great effort to completely revamp the article because it was plagiarized.
:::::::@JohnZ: I never said citing from the conservative media is a website requirement, but it's necessary if you want to create a quality article from a conservative point of view. And keep in mind that I told this to an editor who copied from Wikipedia, including, but not only, the citations (many new users do this, and I gave advice on how to write a good article). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:39, 7 July 2019 (EDT)
::::::::I don't get it anyway. What's the purpose of creating a Salute to America article? Is he going to create separate articles for every Forth of July celebration since 1776? Is there not enough news happening this Summer to write about? Is there not enough Trump news to write on?
::::::::If someone wants to trash Trump, be it on Wikipedia or here, don't be so lame and obvious about it. Get creative. Use some subtlety, ambiguity, and imagination. Goosestepping to liberal fascist talking points won't get you there. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 13:13, 7 July 2019 (EDT)
==Nitpicking I know but==
Boris Johnson is not as yet The Prime Minister of the UK.--[[User:Chewy Suarez|Chewy Suarez]] ([[User talk:Chewy Suarez|talk]]) 13:48, 23 July 2019 (EDT)
:I know -- his term starts tomorrow (really, in only a few hours now), but CP is a small wiki with few editors, so it's good to make all the necessary edits at once, and he'll become PM is so short a time from now that it really doesn't matter. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:51, 23 July 2019 (EDT)

==Too fast on the trigger==
A couple of new editors have contributed some useful, albeit problematic, content. By reverting them instantly you may be scaring them off from participating further. My suggestion: try letting things develop and/or engage with them to develop proper editing skills. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 13:53, 28 July 2019 (EDT)

Most wikis have adopted a Don't Bite the Newbies policy. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 13:59, 28 July 2019 (EDT)

:That's fair. That said, I don't want being friendly to newcomers to compromise CP's quality. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:10, 28 July 2019 (EDT)

::Well, we need the newcomers to help improve quality. CP has nearly 50,000 articles now, and all could use some level of maintenance or improvement. We need to be more welcoming to newcomers and recognize there are different levels of editing skills. People volunteering their time should be treated with respect, engaged, and recruited into specific tasks to help improve the project. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']]

:::I agree, but if they create an account and immediately start changing the POV of articles, plagiarize from Wikipedia, or make other unencyclopedic edits, we need to let them know. It's a two-way street -- we need to be welcoming, but the new user needs to be willing to learn and grow (I've seen new users unwilling to do that). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:21, 28 July 2019 (EDT)
::::This is where the rule of thumb, ''Discuss first, then revert'' comes in. Granted, there are users who insert commie agitprop that needs to be reverted instantly without discussion. Citations formatted from Wikipedia can be useful, the content needs to be reviewed. It's not a blanket rule. It's the speed at which a newbie is engaged that is intimidating (I'd recommend [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221367707_Don't_bite_the_newbies_How_reverts_affect_the_quantity_and_quality_of_Wikipedia_work perusing]).
::::Here's were the subject matter a user is working on applies. If the user shows interest in conservative subjects, for instance, they may be only 14 years old and their understanding of conservativism is not fully developed. But they have enthusiasm for the subject. Being reverted can have a devastating effect. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|''Deep Six the Deep State!'']] 14:37, 28 July 2019 (EDT)
:::::I won't argue over this any further -- it's not worth arguing over. I will try not to "bite" new users and to be more engaging with them -- that said, I hope you and Conservative don't go too far in the other direction. We can't go so far in that direction that edits that clearly violate CP guidelines and reduce its quality are tolerated purely to avoid offending someone. The user should be treated respectfully and kindly, but they should also be expected to learn from their mistakes and change their editing, if there is a problem. It's a two-way street. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:00, 28 July 2019 (EDT)

== Added post ==

Hi 1990'sguy, just wanted to say thank you for your suggestions about my articles: I'll keep them in mind in the future.

I know many of my contributions are rather boring ones, but my hope is to not just write about what I know, but create articles superior to their WP counterparts. Whatever helps steer more viewers this direction. -Teakin88
:You're welcome! I agree that your articles are better than Wikipedia's, and I think you've been a big help to CP. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:58, 29 July 2019 (EDT)
==Cornell University==
What portions of the article do you believe were copied? They seem completely different to me. Thanks, [[User:GChang|GChang]] ([[User talk:GChang|talk]]) 15:12, 2 August 2019 (EDT)
:See [https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Cornell_University&diff=prev&oldid=1546023#Organization this] vs. [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cornell_University&oldid=906741697#Organization_and_administration this] -- you clearly copied (as in, you knowingly took -- plagiarized -- content on WP and added it to CP). Rearranging certain paragraphs doesn't undo that fact that it's blatant plagarism. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:17, 2 August 2019 (EDT)
::I have made a side by side comparison at [https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User%3AGChang%2FCU&diff=1546189&oldid=1546188]. I will hold off on editing until you identify what material constitutes impermissible copying from Wikipedia. Some of what I did was based on past editing of Conservapedia, and not from Wikipedia. By the way, footnotes and facts are not copyrighted. Most sentences as well as the overall structure of the article is completely different. Outline what you find to be copying and I will avoid those areas. Thank you. [[User:GChang|GChang]] ([[User talk:GChang|talk]]) 18:26, 2 August 2019 (EDT)
:::Stop making sandbox pages when they're unnecessary. I have the permalinks above. The first four paragraphs on your CP version plus the sixth paragraph are identical to the paragraphs in that section of the Wikipedia article. You didn't even change the wikilinks from the WP page (hence the large number of red links on the CP page), though not including those red links wouldn't change the fact it's plagiarism. Changing the paragraphs' order or combining them -- as you did -- also doesn't change the fact that it's plagiarism. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:44, 2 August 2019 (EDT)
::::I made the sandbox changes so that you can see all of the differences. I don't see how they would be viewed as the same. [https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User%3AGChang%2FCU&diff=1546189&oldid=1546188] Please look it over and give some feedback. Thanks, [[User:GChang|GChang]] ([[User talk:GChang|talk]]) 12:15, 17 August 2019 (EDT)

== Minuteman has blocked me over Fredogate (Chris Cuomo) page, can someone help? ==

Can someone please help so I can improve the page I started? I've been blocked by Minuteman for creating the Fredogate page. No explanation was given and I find his censoring very frustrating since this incident some media personalities call Fredogate, is widely covered in youtube.--[[User:Bearbrau|Bearbrau]] ([[User talk:Bearbrau|talk]]) 19:19, 14 August 2019 (EDT)

:You are unblocked. Minuteman is a bot (not a human editor), and its block was accidental. You apparently made some edit that fit within the bot's computerized criteria for making blocks. The bot's human owner unblocked you, and the fact you're writing on my talk page shows that you've already been unblocked. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:27, 14 August 2019 (EDT)

== Slovakia ==
Hello, I saw your edits on [[Slovakia]]. Thank you for taking time to correct my edits but I need to say I don't think writing "Slovakia (...) formed in 1993" is accurate.
*First, Slovakia is a name ascribed to the territory historically occupied by (mainly) Slovaks (slightly smaller than the territory of present-day Slovakia), so I think we should make that distinction somewhere in the beginning of the article. Thus, Slovakia (as a historical region) formed much earlier then 1990s.
*Secondly, Slovak Republic was legally created on January 1, 1969 as the Slovak Socialist Republic, then part of communist "federation" (it was not true federation, of course, but it was considered a separate legal entity), then turned from being a communist to democratic state in 1990 with its name constitutionally changed to Slovak Republic on March 1, 1990. On January 1, 1993, Slovak Republic as well as Czech Republic become independent states with Czechoslovak Republic no longer in existence.--[[User:RobSteff|RobSteff]] ([[User talk:RobSteff|talk]]) 18:08, 18 August 2019 (EDT)

:I changed it. Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:27, 18 August 2019 (EDT)

::Thank you!--[[User:RobSteff|RobSteff]] ([[User talk:RobSteff|talk]]) 13:57, 19 August 2019 (EDT)

== 700,000+ page views for Donald Trump achievements ==

700,000+ page views for Donald Trump achievements. Congratulations! [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 23:20, 19 August 2019 (EDT)

:Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 06:52, 20 August 2019 (EDT)

== Great work in fixing those links! ==

Great work in fixing the Declaration of Independence links!--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 22:46, 24 August 2019 (EDT)
:Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:48, 24 August 2019 (EDT)

== Template on Nationalism ==

Do you think a template on nationalism, as a counterweight to the template on globalism, would work well?--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 22:06, 1 September 2019 (EDT)
:I think it would be helpful -- it could include links to articles like [[Border wall]], [[Economic nationalism]], [[Self-governance]], [[sovereignty]], [[National conservatism]], [[Euroskepticism]], [[Patriotism]], [[Subsidiarity]], [[Founding Fathers]], and [[U.S. Constitution]], among others. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:25, 1 September 2019 (EDT)

== The Dixiecrat, Conservative Democrat, and Reagan Democrat Pages ==

'''"Dixiecrat was the informal term for Southern Democrats who in 1948 refused to support President Harry S. Truman for reelection because he was too liberal on racial issues."'''

Shouldn't it say because he was too conservative on racial issues since it was the '''liberal''' Democrats who were against civil rights?
:Truman desegrated the Armed Forces in 1947, so this one appears correct.

Oh. Because I thought that it was conservatives who were for desegregation and liberals who were for segregation. That's why I had a hard time understanding why it said Truman was too liberal on racial issues since the liberals were segregationists.
:Believe it or not, there are liberal segregationists. It is not a demarcation line between liberal and conservative.
::The phrase "because he was '''too liberal''' on racial issues" kind of got me and I thought it was insisting that liberals were for desegregation and conservatives weren't.
:::The 1947 desegregation order marks a turning point in the liberal movement, but many liberals and alleged "liberals" (white folks riding the Democrat, anti-Republican welfare state and gravy train) remained segregationists, or at least racists.
::::This point deserves expanding on cause of recent developments: Many whites who wear the "liberal" label do so for government goodies, not social equality of blacks. We see it right now in support of various democrat candidates. Biden is buoyed by the black vote right now, and Biden ''is not'' promising a basketful of government goodies. Sanders, Warren, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Buttigieg are all promising wholesale government goodies, and getting the support of white "alleged liberals" - not blacks. Being "liberal" with other people's money, and being for civil rights and social equality, '''are not''' synonymous. Blacks know this more than anyone.

::::This was true during the [[New Deal Coalition]], the [[Great Society]], and today. Handing out food stamps to whites as well as blacks is not slave reparations, although since Great Society times whites who didn't qualify for food stamps viewed it as such. Or the creation of the [[Department of Housing and Urban Development]] in 1964, was viewed than as a poverty program for dispossessed blacks, yet today most of the funding goes to whites. Black's view white liberals as dishonest leeches, who plunder resources supposedly earmarked for them. The only thing they have in common is opposing Republicans who want to cut and balance the budget.

::::Blacks today are indeed the conservative, moderate, or centrist wing of the Democrat party, while white liberals are the [[far left]], handing the election to Trump. It will be one more grievance Blacks have against white Democrat liberals when it is all over. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|De Plorabus Unum]] 13:59, 22 September 2019 (EDT)

Doesn't this:

'''"The Dixiecrats went back to the Democrats, where they came into increasingly more conflict with the liberal sections of the party, and eventually abandoned the Democratic Party for the Republican Party after the presidency of Lyndon Johnson."'''

play into the liberal narrative that the racist conservatives switched parties and Dixiecrats were conservatives when in fact they were racist southern liberals?
:That's a misreading, but one this one needs some touching up. As is, it's a basic restatement of the [[fake news]] media, academia, and DNC false narrative of a Southern Strategy; Dixiecrat was basically a one-hit-wonder in 1948, when Democrats were divided 3 ways, Progressives, Dixiecrats, and Regular Democrats. What page is this on?

That's on the [[Dixiecrat]] page.

I also have a hard time understanding the Time Magazine picture from 1968 on [[Curtis LeMay]] when it says "Revolt of the '''Right'''."
:Curtis LeMay was George Wallace's VP pick in 1968; he was also [[Robert MacNamara]]'s (JFK & LBJ's defense secretary) boss during the Korean War. His nickname was the "Mad Bomber". Both Nixon & Humphrey were running as "Peace candidates". I don't recall Le May's politics off the top of my head, though I'm fairly certain he was not a Republican. Again, that's Prof. Jensen's work, and IMO, [[fake news]] from the 1960s intended to smear conservatives as warmongers, as usual (in fact, most conservatives are peaceniks and isolationists). We're in agreement, the page needs an overhaul.

On the [[Reagan Democrats]] page, this feeds into the narrative that the racists jumped ships:

'''"Most were working men and women who had come to feel that the Democratic party was no longer championing them, but favored blacks instead."'''
:i see nothing wrong with this statement; and it's corroborated by the Stan Greenberg poll cited here just prior to the 1992 election: [https://www.salon.com/2016/01/31/the_clintons_sordid_race_game_no_one_will_say_it_but_the_clintons_rise_was_premised_on_repudiating_black_voters/ The Clintons’ sordid race game: No one will say it, but the Clintons’ rise was premised on repudiating black voters], Corey Robin, ''Salon'', Jan 31, 2016.

On the [[Conservative Democrat]] page, it says:

'''"A few former Dixiecrats, including Strom Thurmond and Jesse Helms, were early converts to the Republican Party, foreshadowing a long trend of conservatives leaving the Democrats and joining the Republicans that continued through the 1980s and 1990s."'''
:Good point; looks like Prof. Jensen's work; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiprVX4os2Y Prof. Carol Swain of PragerU] refutes the notion three switched and says only one. And Helms association as a Dixiecrat I'd have to look into. There's much of Prof. Jensen's work I've been meaning to revise, beginning with [[New Deal Coalition]] and [[Conservative Coalition]] which carries a lot of the historical revisionist basis for the alleged GOP Southern Strategy.

I thought only 3 Dixiecrats ever switched. The rest remained Democrats until they died. There was no switch and the Dixiecrats were not conservatives. They were liberals. Can you please explain why these pages insist they were conservatives who were opposed to the liberals when it's us, the conservatives who were for civil rights and the liberals who were against it or clarify the edits on the pages made by DavidB4-bot? And on Joe Biden's page, it says '''a coalition of liberals and George Wallace supporters''' and I thought they were one and the same. --[[User:Classical Liberal|Classical Liberal]] ([[User talk:Classical Liberal|talk]]) 10:10, 21 September 2019 (CDT)
:Dixiecrats were racist Southern New Dealers; there were both conservatives and liberals among them. Most importantly, they were anti-Republican, a legacy of Reconstruction. And as Prof. Swain says, only one Senator ever switched. Strom Thurmond himself was a liberal.

I don't understand how conservatives could be among the Dixiecrats. Conservatives were against the New Deal.

:To understand the meaning of Dixiecrat, one should read the articles on 1948 and 1964 Democratic conventions, and the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Party. Johnson didn't want a replay of 1948 in 1964. Hubert Humphrey cut his teeth as a civil rights leader in his 1948 speech (as [[David Horowitz]] also was inspired). By 1964, the Dixiecrat movement was dead, and only Strom Thurmond - a Southern New Deal liberal - left the party to join the GOP). [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|De Plorabus Unum]] 15:22, 21 September 2019 (EDT)

:Thanks for letting me know about this. I'll see what we can do to improve CP's coverage on this topic. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 14:51, 21 September 2019 (EDT)

::Dixiecrat is basically one of the those journalistic terms that takes on its own life and lives on in infamy; in 1948 Truman, [[Henry Wallace]], and Strom Thurmond all claimed the mantle of Democrat; the press assigned labels to distinguish them.
::Strom Thurmond would be the first to deny he was a "Dixiecrat', given the definition journalists assigned to it. He'd argue he was Democrat, loyal to the Democrat party ideals and traditions.
::[[Cokie Roberts]], who just died and her obituary lauds her as a feminist pioneer in political journalism, reared as the daughter of a longtime Democrat Majority Leader, doesn't mention she was reared by her father [[Hale Boggs]] (signer of the [[Southern Manifesto]]) in the Dixiecrat tradition. Cokie Roberts, raised in a Dixiecrat household by parents who'' both'' served in the House (her mother succeeded her father), owed her entire success and career to the political education she received from her parents, and never rebelled against it.

::Which of coarse brings us to a discussion of Louisiana Democrat politics and its godfather, Huey "Every Man a King (except blacks)" Long, his place in the history of American Socialism, and his successors in Louisiana-style politics and demagoguery, notable among several, [[James Carville]]... [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|De Plorabus Unum]] 15:39, 21 September 2019 (EDT)
[[Image:Gop-plank.JPG|thumb|275px|1936 cartoon shows GOP building its platform from the conservative planks abandoned by the Democrats]]
:And I have one more question. On the [[Conservative]] page, is this picture accurate?
::I'm not exactly sure of Prof. Jensen's reasoning there; I'd say it is related to the Democrat Congress in 1931 turning down Herbert Hoover's relief efforts at the start of the Great Depression, paving the way to blaming Hoover for the Depression in the 1932 election. But some it can go back as far as the creation of the Federal Reserve Board after the 1912 elections, or even the Cross of Gold speech of William Jennings Bryan in 1896. "Sound Money" in that context refers to an anti-inflationist gold standard; I don't know when Democrats ever were "Sound Money" anti-inflationists, other than when they nixed Hoover's relief efforts or passed the Federal Reserve Act (but even there, that's debatable whether the Federal Reserve Act was inflationary or for maintaining a rigid gold standard).

::On the whole, I've debated with myself for years about removing some of Prof. Jensen's work, cause I regard him as a qualified historian. Only when I'm armed with the facts do I challenge some of his biases or excesses. And he does have a habit of using what I regard as biased fake news sources going back as far as 1936. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|De Plorabus Unum]] 21:55, 21 September 2019 (EDT)

Thank you for the info. I'm learning a lot from on here and I'm still learning. I'm just trying to get a better understanding is all. I love your and 1990'sguy's edits. Keep up the good work guys!
[[User:Classical Liberal|Classical Liberal]] ([[User talk: Classical Liberal|talk]]) 22:20, 21 September 2019 (CDT)
:Thank you, I appreciate it! And thanks for coming to my talk page to discuss it and get a better understanding! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 07:38, 22 September 2019 (EDT)

==Thank you==
Thank you for tidying up the link to [[Alister Hardy]] on the page on the [[Templeton Prize]]. [[User:Carltonio|Carltonio]] ([[User talk:Carltonio|talk]]) 11:41, 26 September 2019 (EDT)
:You're welcome! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:44, 26 September 2019 (EDT)

== Let's start off on a clean slate as far as User: BernieandTrumpfan==

I put the below post on the talk page of User: BernieandTrumpfan:

Tell you what. Let's just start off with a clean slate. I deleted my previous remarks. I don't forsee deleting any more of your content. I just thought the errors of fact in these articles were not by accident: [[Agnosticism, deism, and confusion]] and [[List of Social Darwinists]]. I will assume your edits are good faith henceforth plus 1990sguy said he would review your future edits.

I think I probably was too quick on the draw in determining some of your errant edits were made in bad faith (agnosticism has caused many people to become insane with the footnotes not supporting that, Yasser Arafat is a social Darwinist, etc.). My apologies if I made a mistake.

I will not restore those articles two articles above because they had some quality issues, but I did restore the mainspace articles/essays I could find. I turned [[Atheism and chaos]] into an essay.[[User:Wikignome72|Wikignome72]] ([[User talk:Wikignome72|talk]]) 21:50, 1 October 2019 (EDT)
:I restored all but 2 of BernieandTrump fan articles/essays.[[User:Wikignome72|Wikignome72]] ([[User talk:Wikignome72|talk]]) 09:26, 2 October 2019 (EDT)

== Ted Cruz edit ==
Calm down, please. At that time, I used the 'Stop Left Wing Newspeak' extension. It automatically changes some words. I reverted it immediately, and changed the preferences of the extension. Please do not lose your temper over a minor mistake. I am only trying to improve Conservapedia, and your unpleasant reaction has put me off a little. -- [[User:Toby Chester|Toby Chester]] ([[User talk:Toby Chester|talk]]) 01:40, 4 October 2019 (UTC)

==Something you might be able to use==
[[File:Trump-wage-growth-1.jpg |right|300px|thumb|Wage growth among low income workers has been double that of high income workers under President Trump. ''Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics'']]
You might be able o use this somewhere. [[User:RobSmith|RobS]][[User talk:RobSmith|De Plorabus Unum]] 22:51, 5 October 2019 (EDT)
:Will do! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:53, 5 October 2019 (EDT)
== Why right-wing populism will triumph ==

*[https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/whats-behind-the-rise-of-radicalism-here-are-some-theories/2019/10/09/d88f4c62-eac2-11e9-9c6d-436a0df4f31d_story.html What’s behind the rise of radicalism? Here are some theories] By Megan McArdle, ''Washington Post'', Oct. 9, 2019

*[https://quillette.com/2019/05/27/how-progressivism-enabled-the-rise-of-the-populist-right/ How Progressivism Enabled the Rise of the Populist Right], [[Eric Kaufmann]], ''Quillette'', 2019

*[https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/09/08/shawn-rosenberg-democracy-228045 The Shocking Paper Predicting the End of Democracy], By RICK SHENKMAN, ''Politico'', September 08, 2019

*[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/08/10/the-rise-of-populism-shouldnt-have-surprised-anyone/ The rise of populism shouldn’t have surprised anyone], ''Washington Post'', 2017

*[https://www.businessinsider.com/global-recession-could-boost-far-right-populism-in-us-worldwide-2019-8 Trump rode an 'us versus them' populism all the way to the White House. A global recession could take it to dangerous levels], ''Business Insider'', 2019

*[https://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/interview/civic-tech-expert-the-alliance-between-new-media-and-anti-establishment-forces-is-powerful/ Civic tech guru: Trump, Breitbart and populism are ‘the new normal’], 2017

I thought you might find these articles interesting.[[User:Wikignome72|Wikignome72]] ([[User talk:Wikignome72|talk]]) 12:28, 28 October 2019 (EDT)

:Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 12:30, 28 October 2019 (EDT)
::It seems like the media elites are starting to come out of their denialism and are beginning to recognize that right-wing populism is not a temporary blip on the radar.[[User:Wikignome72|Wikignome72]] ([[User talk:Wikignome72|talk]]) 12:34, 28 October 2019 (EDT)

== Fred Schiele ==

Thank you for correcting my mistakes in [[Fred Schiele]] article. Didn't notice the Louisiana people category. --[[User:Orb|Orb]] ([[User talk:Orb|talk]]) 13:41, 30 October 2019 (EDT)
:You're welcome. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:52, 3 November 2019 (EST)

==Thank you for the categorisations==
Thank you for adding the categorisations to the article I started on [[Erich von Daniken]]. I wonder whether this article could also be added to the category "Pseudoscience"? After all, in the article [[Pseudoscience]], the ancient astronaut theory is listed as a pseudo-science! [[User:Carltonio|Carltonio]] ([[User talk:Carltonio|talk]]) 16:35, 3 November 2019 (EST)
:Sure, that might be appropriate. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:52, 3 November 2019 (EST)
== Congratulations! ==
Congratulations, your account has been promoted to Sysop! Please feel free to post to the Main page from time to time.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 16:27, 11 November 2019 (EST)
:Thank you very much, Andy! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:34, 11 November 2019 (EST)
::Congratualations! And with political polarization occuring, perhaps you will develop a loyal opposition that will obsess over you!

::BY the way, maybe a [[Donald Trump 2020]] article would be a good article to create.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 21:59, 25 November 2019 (EST)
:::This is my favorite Sysop user page: https://www.conservapedia.com/User:BethanyS I just incorporated her GIF on my user page. I am a big fan of GIFs - especially [https://www.conservapedia.com/Essay:_The_transitional_animal_the_flying_kitty%3F THIS ONE]![[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 22:08, 25 November 2019 (EST)

==Question==
Hi, I'm new and I'd like to ask a question or two. I want to help document knowledge without liberal or atheist interference.

First question: How can I add a page? I'd like to add a page to document liberal uncivil behavior.
:There are already pages on [[Liberal bigotry]], [[Liberal intolerance]], and [[Liberalism and racism]]. [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 21:15, 19 November 2019 (EST)

Second, and last: How long does it take to become a Sysop, to stop far-left trolls from harming Conservapedia? I'm willing to put in a lot of effort.
:Make enough substantive edits long enough and prove yourself to be a true conservative, and you will get blocking rights. [[User:Shobson20|Shobson20]] ([[User talk:Shobson20|talk]]) 21:15, 19 November 2019 (EST)

Thanks.--[[User:Ay|Ay]] ([[User talk:Ay|talk]]) 20:13, 19 November 2019 (EST)

:It took me over three years, 45,000 edits, and ~100-150 article creations to be promoted to admin. It also requires integrity (no sock accounts) and always using sources when adding info. Also, remember that this is an encyclopedia, so don't use hyperbolic or over-the-top language. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:28, 19 November 2019 (EST)

== I hope you agree with this edit I made to one of your articles ==

I hope you agree with [https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Donald_Trump_achievements:_Foreign_policy_(2019)&curid=151805&diff=1599943&oldid=1599936 THIS EDIT] I made to one of your articles.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 19:43, 27 November 2019 (EST)

:I disagree. No matter what, this is a significant action, so no matter what we do, it should either be listed as an achievement or failure. I've seen both supportive and critical articles on this from strongly conservative sources (Breitbart, The New American, etc.). Both sides (conservatives, specifically) have made convincing arguments. Thus, I prefer to give the "pro" side the benefit of the doubt to avoid inflating the "failure" section of the sub-article.

:Also, I don't think the fact that the other countries won't like the policy should matter to us. Trump's foreign policy doctrine is America First, so by definition, other countries won't like some U.S. policies (NATO, Paris agreement, immigration, foreign aid, etc.). Thus, that fact alone isn't very important. Also, some sources I read noted the policy is rather modest in scope.

:A good argument against the policy is that the U.S. is engaging in liberal-leaning neocon "human rights" promotion. That's a very valid argument, and some of the sources I cited noted this argument. Also, I believe homosexuality is a sinful practice that is contrary to Scripture (Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:10).

:With good arguments for and against -- and with the policy being significant either way -- I'd prefer to keep it in the "achievements" section rather than put it in the "failure" section. I think it has to be in one or the other. Because this is a notable policy change, I strongly think we must keep it in the article no matter what.

:I hope this clarifies my position on this. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:42, 27 November 2019 (EST)

::Also, if you look further down, I listed the achievements of how Pompeo refused to fly the homosexual flag over U.S. embassies, and how he created a natural law commission (homosexuality is counter to natural law). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:23, 27 November 2019 (EST)
:::For 200+ years the USA was anti-homosexuality in its laws. I am assuming the founding fathers didn't have a right to engage in homosexuality in the Constitution. So it is essentially is a states rights issue constitutionally.

:::Here is what The Nation claims is true: "Take the scholarship on the colonial era, with which Eskridge begins his account. During the 1600s, the American colonies adopted sodomy (or “buggery”) laws that prohibited bestiality as well as anal sex between either a man and a woman or between two men. (New Haven Colony was rare in including sexual acts between women as part of its sodomy prohibition.) Punishment–which included death–was draconian, but the laws were very rarely enforced. Historians know of less than ten executions for sodomy throughout the seventeenth century. Of those few, almost all involved assault or sex with animals. These laws were not directed in any particular way toward homosexuality. Indeed, they couldn’t be–the idea that there was a type of person who was a homosexual didn’t even emerge until the late nineteenth century."[https://www.thenation.com/article/we-colonials-sodomy-laws-america/]

:::I was told by someone fairly knowledgeable about this topic of homosexuality that the research shows the more society is against homosexuality, the less there is of it. This makes sense because even Kinsey admitted that homosexuality among Orthodox Jews is rare. And there was a culture in New Guinea where they didn't even know homosexuality existed until the Western missionaries told them about homosexuality. From Conservapedia's [[Religious Upbringing and Culture Affects Rates of Homosexuality]] article: "However, in another group of Dani who were genetically related, homosexuality was totally unknown. Missionaries report that when they were translating the Bible into Dani for this group, their tribal assistants, who knew their own culture intimately, were nonplused by references to homosexuality in Romans 1; they did not understand the concept."

:::And the fruit of a society being more tolerant of homosexuality is not good (Diseases, gender imbalances in terms of marriageable people, etc. ). And in the Western World and in Asian developed countries, the fertility rates is below replacement levels and homosexuality is certainly not helping this problem. Graying populations is going to create big problems in terms of caring for the aged, pension plans, societies being less productive, Muslim terrorism if countries open the floodgates of Muslim immigration due to labor shortages, etc.

:::So it is very hard to call decriminalization an achievement. About the only thing you can say is that it frees up police resources.

:::Personally, since the Bible says in Romans 1 that he gives men/women over to a depraved mind who fail to acknowledge Him and some engage in homosexuality, you can regard homosexuality as a quasi type of punishment. To explain what I mean, here is what a pastor said, "From the foregoing man has fallen into a debased state, and God's yearning is to teach, guide and bestow his abundant mercy so that he is reconciled back to Him, by seeing and coming into His covenant. Therefore to "give man up" is to withdraw His teaching, guidance, and mercy and allow man continue in his wickedness"[https://ebible.com/questions/197-what-does-it-mean-that-god-will-give-them-over-to-a-debased-mind][[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 22:48, 27 November 2019 (EST)

::::I agree with everything you said above. The problem is that every now and then, there's a Trump Administration policy announcement that's in a gray area, where it's very hard to decide whether it should be listed as an achievement or a failure because generally strong conservatives whose opinions I respect disagree with each other. Because they're significant actions, there's no way that I will just ignore the action, so I need to decide whether to list it as a success or failure. When I decide this question, I try to note that not all consistent conservatives agreed with each other.

::::I also liked how the information debunked leftist homosexual activists' hysterical claims about the Trump Administration's policies.

::::Do you think I should move the information into a "failure" section? It will stay in the article no matter what because it's a significant action, but I'm open to listing it as a failure. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:04, 27 November 2019 (EST)
As far as American conservatives coming down on both sides of the fence, I would say that American conservatism has largely been a failure on social conservatism side (abortion, education, etc.). So a conservatism that doesn't conserve isn't conservative at all. It is argued that many conservatives weren't willing to fight and sully their uniforms and flew the flag of surrender quickly in term of social conservatism. Many people are so-called conservatives because they want respectability and social approval, so they quickly cave when opposition comes. Now [[Phyllis Schlafly]] was willing to get into the political trenches and fight for what she believed, but this wasn't true of American conservatism as a whole from 1960s up until Trump. But now you can see that Trump has given many conservatives a fighting spirit. Eventually, given their higher fertility rates, conservatives will likely win the culture war in the USA. But there has been a long period of defeatism. The problem essentially is that the label of "conservative" is ill-defined so people who are not conservative can easily call themselves conservative.

I just found out that sodomy laws didn't appear to exist in European countries such as England, Germany, France until after 1500. There were obviously Christians before 1500 so to call sodomy laws conservative in terms of Western Civilization would be a stretch. My guess is that the Reformation was a big influence in terms of countries eventually passing sodomy laws. And the spread of theologically conservative Protestantism does tend to cause countries/societies to be less tolerant of homosexuality. I know the Russian Orthodox church influenced Russia to be anti-homosexuality in its laws, but I don't know what the other Eastern Orthodox countries are like.

On the whole, since the most truly conservative portion of mankind's history was the garden of Eden before the fall, I would list the decriminalization of homosexuality as a failure! There was no homosexuality before the fall! [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 23:21, 27 November 2019 (EST)
:I do think that social conservatives did a respectable job in fighting abortion pre-Trump after Roe vs. Wade was passed, but Trump appointing another conservative to SCOTUS could put them over the finish line on the abortion issue.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 23:24, 27 November 2019 (EST)
::I think the biggest reason why social conservatives lost so many battles was the advent of the baby boomers. You had a lot of prosperous young people by historical standards and many of them abandoned God. And so the sexual revolution, cultural Marxism, etc. came into American society. But again, conservatives are having more babies post the advent of the pill and so eventually conservatives could win the culture war. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 23:28, 27 November 2019 (EST)
:::I moved the information into a failure section. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:52, 27 November 2019 (EST)
:::Also, if you have other good sources I can cite in those entries, please let me know. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 00:03, 28 November 2019 (EST)
Thanks! By the way, ranking #3 for Donald Trump achievement is certainly an accomplishment. The White House website ranks #1 and #2 for that search result. And as Hillary found out, it is tough to compete with Trump so coming in 3rd place is pretty good!

Here is a suggestion. Why don't you take the failures out of the Donald Trump achievement articles. The failures are non-relevant to those articles. And given the current political polarization, I doubt someone going to a Donald Trump achievement article wants failures listed in the article. I think at most you should put in the fact that some victories were partial victories. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 00:09, 28 November 2019 (EST)

:I won't take the failures out, and they are relevant. One can't fully analyze and assess the Trump Administration's successes and achievements without also knowing it's failures. It gives a broader picture from a conservative perspective. People didn't think much about Reagan's illegal alien amnesty bill signing in 1986, but that failure has come back to hurt the U.S. and (partially) his legacy. We cannot whitewash that failure from his presidency, and we should not ignore any Trump Administration failure (but the vast majority of the administration's actions have been achievements, as the articles show).

:I already note in most of the failure sections that many of them were not the fault of Trump himself but rather of Congress and lower-ranking administration officials who didn't fully share his agenda. I'll consider also noting that some of them were partial victories. I want my article series to be comprehensive. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 00:18, 28 November 2019 (EST)
My guess is that Trump's failures are often the result of Paul Ryan being an impendiment for awhile such as the late building of the expansion border wall.

In addition, the Mueller probe and the impeachment farce were kind of like [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1dKsmV3fIU the hedgerows] that slowed down the Allies advancement for awhile after D-Day. Imagine what Trump would have gotten accomplished if he picked Bill Barr as his first attorney general instead of Jeffrey Sessions.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 00:41, 28 November 2019 (EST)
:I will see what I can do to make the "failure" section less of a distraction, but it needs to stay no matter what because it's relevant and provides context. Also, I think personnel has been Trump's biggest mistake as president -- many people in his administration opposed his conservative agenda and tried to turn him into another Bush. However, Trump has had many more successes/achievements than failures and setbacks. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:14, 28 November 2019 (EST)
::Anne Coulter said Trump hiring the wrong people was one of his shortcomings. I don't know why this is happening.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 10:40, 28 November 2019 (EST)
I just read this:

"There are many reasons behind the sluggish hiring.

On Capitol Hill, Republicans blame Democrats for slow-walking nominees.

"They've continuously forced procedural hurdles on nominees for no reason other than to stall confirmations, launching more filibusters against this president's cabinet than any other in history," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said last month.

To be sure, one cause of the slowdown stems from systemic problems in the Washington nomination process.

The White House is subjecting candidates to rigorous vetting -- one person familiar with the process described it as "brutal." They say the process has discouraged a number of candidates, especially those coming from the banking industry with deep financial ties.

"It was bad enough during the Obama administration, but it has gotten worse, and worse, and worse," said one banking lawyer, who noted he knew at least two people who dropped out of the process because of the tougher scrutiny."[https://money.cnn.com/2017/06/07/news/economy/trump-staffing-vacancies/index.html]

I am guessing given the heat put on Trump personnel by the media, some job candidates decline to be hired.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 10:50, 28 November 2019 (EST)
:Here is an satirical article which describes what I mentioned above: [https://babylonbee.com/news/conservative-slams-liberals-for-supporting-policies-hell-support-five-years-from-now Conservative Slams Liberal Policies He'll Support Five Years From Now].

:Many conservatives are too easily cowed by spurioous charges of being a racist, etc. etc. and cave into liberal demands. In short, many conservatives crave social approval and respect rather than being moored by biblical principles. I saw an interview of British conservatives and they said they now support views that they totally rejected several years ago and the reason was obvious. They craved the approval of men and had no firm principles.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 11:03, 28 November 2019 (EST)

::It seems that conservatives (overall) are less bold than leftists when it comes to pressing forward with their agenda. A leftist will come to power, make many significant changes, and then when a conservative replaces them, they only partially revert those changes. The cycle then repeats itself. I'm glad that Trump has been more aggressive in pressing with his agenda than other Republican presidents like the Bushes.

::Many of the setbacks Trump has seen during his presidency are more accurately described as "setbacks" rather than "failures." They are still relevant to someone wanting to evaluate how effective his presidency was at advancing conservative principles, so I revised the articles accordingly. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:38, 29 November 2019 (EST)
:::Your Trump articles are very informative. If Trump wins by a very razor thin margin, I will credit you with putting him over the top![[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 17:31, 29 November 2019 (EST)

== Check the online place where we chat ==

Please check the online place where we chat. I will be online there now. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 22:02, 29 November 2019 (EST)
:I saw. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:19, 29 November 2019 (EST)

== Nice headline! ==

Very nice headline! Please feel free to post more headlines in the future.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 23:02, 8 December 2019 (EST)
:Thank you, Andy! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 08:11, 9 December 2019 (EST)

== Finding accurate sources to help explain cases of children who claim to remember past lives ==

Just wondering, since you seem to know how everything works in Conservapedia and can find accurate sources to back information, do you know any reliable sources that can provide a rational explanation for the multiple cases of children who claimed to remember past lives? This seems like an interesting topic for the [[Reincarnation]] page that I'm possibly adding more information to, and I'm hoping to find a scientific reason to make sense of all the obscure cases. Or are all these just individual cases of parental abuse in the seeking of publicity? Thanks! -[[User:Liberaltears|Liberaltears]]

:Reincarnation isn't a topic that I haven't studied very deeply, but here are some good sources from some good websites that I recommend: [https://www.gotquestions.org/past-lives-reincarnation.html 1],[https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/new-age-movement-pantheism-monism/ 2] I would also check [https://carm.org/ carm.org] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:22, 24 December 2019 (EST)

::Thank you! -[[User:Liberaltears|Liberaltears]]

Nice unblock! MERRY CHRISTMAS!--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] ([[User talk:Aschlafly|talk]]) 00:39, 25 December 2019 (EST)
:Thank you Andy, and Merry Christmas to you too! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 09:46, 25 December 2019 (EST)

== I'm Only Curious ==

I had heard that many ancient Egyptian pharaohs were in deed overweight due to their diets and sedentary lifestyles. I was told that the same applies to most Roman emperors, medieval royalty, and historical dictators. Additionally, I also remember hearing that being overweight was long a status symbol in history. I had also heard that they had quite the meat, carbohydrate, honey, dairy, and candy based diets. Is that true? If not, what were their diets mostly high in? ([[User:King Conservative|King Conservative]] ([[User talk:King Conservative|talk]]) 17:52, 11 January 2020 (EST)King Conservative)

:What does that have to do with government regulation of what you can eat? The government making a legal statute requiring people to eat healthy is as bad (from a liberty standpoint) as a legal statute requiring people to go to McDonald's three times a day. It's good to eat healthy, but it shouldn't be something imposed upon people by the government. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:56, 11 January 2020 (EST)

== About earning user rights ==

How can I, as a editor, earn [[conservapedia:user rights|user rights]]? For instance, in the future, I'd like to have the edit and upload flags. How do you earn those two and how many edits are required in order for that to happen? --[[User:AHills6|'''A''']][[User talk:AHills6|'''Hills''']][[Special:Contributions/AHills6|'''6''']] 21:43, 13 February 2020 (EST)

:I'm not 1990'sguy, but I don't think we have any officially published criteria for specific promotions. Generally, these privileges are granted senior editors who have contributed a significant amount. Just make good, high-quality contributions, and they will probably come eventually. Until then, you can request image uploads here: [[CP:IUR]]. We are processing them rather slowly right now, but we'll get to your requests eventually. --[[User:DavidB4|DavidB4]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:00, 13 February 2020 (EST)
::Thank you for your help [[user:DavidB4|DavidB4]]. --[[User:AHills6|'''A''']][[User talk:AHills6|'''Hills''']][[Special:Contributions/AHills6|'''6''']] 22:04, 13 February 2020 (EST)

== 2019 Chilean State of Emergency ==

Thanks for all the material and pictures, after taking a break I'm back and think it's time to change the title of the page to 2019-20 Violent Chilean Protests (Chile Awakes Movement) to counter the leftist lies that have branded this episode simply as Peaceful Protests and for this Conservapedia page to appear in the top 10 google results along with Wikipedia's '2019–20 Chilean protests'
--[[User:Bearbrau|Bearbrau]] ([[User talk:Bearbrau|talk]]) 17:19, 25 February 2020 (EST)

Talk:2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2020-02-06T20:19:40Z

Bearbrau: /* Constitution rewrite */

== Constitution rewrite ==

Chile has announced it will rewrite its constitution, apparently to make it more friendly to the left-wing: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chile-protests/chile-to-re-write-pinochet-era-constitution-in-win-for-protesters-idUSKBN1XL1I1 1],[https://www.wsj.com/articles/chiles-government-pledges-new-constitution-in-bid-to-quell-protests-11573510278 2],[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34025-chilean-president-pinera-promises-new-constitution 3] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:58, 11 November 2019 (EST)
:Here are some other good articles related to the whole situation: [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34092-dr-carlos-casanova-will-this-destroythe-country-of-chile 1],[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34083-chile-expels-cuban-and-venezuelan-nationals-for-inciting-revolution 2],[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34075-communist-subversion-of-chile-venezuela 3] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:55, 20 November 2019 (EST)
::A decent op-ed on this: [https://thehill.com/opinion/international/471552-chile-does-not-need-radical-reforms] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:44, 21 November 2019 (EST)

:::By the way, real conservatives are defending the Constitution (made in 1980 but heavily reformed lately) [https://ellibero.cl/opinion/jose-antonio-kast-defendamos-la-constitucion/] [https://youtu.be/VpWwXWkR_9s] --[[User:Capitalist.Chile|Capitalist.Chile]] ([[User talk:Capitalist.Chile|talk]]) 13:39, 23 November 2019 (EST)

::::Here's a good op-ed -- it argues that Chile's problems are the result of left-wing, big government policies, and not capitalism: [https://thehill.com/opinion/international/472424-chiles-unraveling-unregulated-capitalism-or-ponderous-government] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:42, 1 December 2019 (EST)

:::::More on this: [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34220-how-communists-use-slander-in-the-chilean-revolution] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:06, 4 December 2019 (EST)

:::::: [https://youtu.be/tZRb4T8q2tc Violent Communist Takeover? - Stefan Molyneux] [https://youtu.be/1rWYa8-tZcs Hight Treason:The false rightwing president of Chile is a enemy of POTUS Trump & the people of US] --[[User:Capitalist.Chile|Capitalist.Chile]] ([[User talk:Capitalist.Chile|talk]]) 12:31, 5 December 2019 (EST)

:::::::This op-ed argues that Chile's problems began with elites to dispised the country's capitalist values/policies that made it economically prosperous and implemented socialist policies while continuing to blame capitalism for the country's faltering economy: [https://www.wsj.com/articles/latin-americas-oasis-descends-into-chaos-11577905470] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:41, 2 January 2020 (EST)

:::::::Thanks for all the material and pictures, after taking a break I'm back and think it's time to change the title of the page to ''Violent Chilean Protests, 2019-2020 (Chile Awakes Movement)'' to counter the leftist lies that have branded this episode simply as Protests and to appear in the top 10 google results along with Wikipedia's ''2019–20 Chilean protests'', what do you guys think? --[[User:Bearbrau|Bearbrau]] ([[User talk:Bearbrau|talk]]) 15:13, 6 February 2020 (EST)

Talk:2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2020-02-06T20:17:37Z

Bearbrau: /* Constitution rewrite */

== Constitution rewrite ==

Chile has announced it will rewrite its constitution, apparently to make it more friendly to the left-wing: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chile-protests/chile-to-re-write-pinochet-era-constitution-in-win-for-protesters-idUSKBN1XL1I1 1],[https://www.wsj.com/articles/chiles-government-pledges-new-constitution-in-bid-to-quell-protests-11573510278 2],[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34025-chilean-president-pinera-promises-new-constitution 3] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:58, 11 November 2019 (EST)
:Here are some other good articles related to the whole situation: [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34092-dr-carlos-casanova-will-this-destroythe-country-of-chile 1],[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34083-chile-expels-cuban-and-venezuelan-nationals-for-inciting-revolution 2],[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34075-communist-subversion-of-chile-venezuela 3] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:55, 20 November 2019 (EST)
::A decent op-ed on this: [https://thehill.com/opinion/international/471552-chile-does-not-need-radical-reforms] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:44, 21 November 2019 (EST)

:::By the way, real conservatives are defending the Constitution (made in 1980 but heavily reformed lately) [https://ellibero.cl/opinion/jose-antonio-kast-defendamos-la-constitucion/] [https://youtu.be/VpWwXWkR_9s] --[[User:Capitalist.Chile|Capitalist.Chile]] ([[User talk:Capitalist.Chile|talk]]) 13:39, 23 November 2019 (EST)

::::Here's a good op-ed -- it argues that Chile's problems are the result of left-wing, big government policies, and not capitalism: [https://thehill.com/opinion/international/472424-chiles-unraveling-unregulated-capitalism-or-ponderous-government] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:42, 1 December 2019 (EST)

:::::More on this: [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34220-how-communists-use-slander-in-the-chilean-revolution] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:06, 4 December 2019 (EST)

:::::: [https://youtu.be/tZRb4T8q2tc Violent Communist Takeover? - Stefan Molyneux] [https://youtu.be/1rWYa8-tZcs Hight Treason:The false rightwing president of Chile is a enemy of POTUS Trump & the people of US] --[[User:Capitalist.Chile|Capitalist.Chile]] ([[User talk:Capitalist.Chile|talk]]) 12:31, 5 December 2019 (EST)

:::::::This op-ed argues that Chile's problems began with elites to dispised the country's capitalist values/policies that made it economically prosperous and implemented socialist policies while continuing to blame capitalism for the country's faltering economy: [https://www.wsj.com/articles/latin-americas-oasis-descends-into-chaos-11577905470] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:41, 2 January 2020 (EST)

:::::::Thanks for all the material and pictures, after taking a break I'm back and think it's time to change the title of the page to ''Violent Chilean Protests, 2019-2020 (Chile Awakes Movement)'' to counter the leftist lies that have branded this episode simply as Protests, what do you guys think? --[[User:Bearbrau|Bearbrau]] ([[User talk:Bearbrau|talk]]) 15:13, 6 February 2020 (EST)

Talk:2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2020-02-06T20:13:54Z

Bearbrau: /* Constitution rewrite */

== Constitution rewrite ==

Chile has announced it will rewrite its constitution, apparently to make it more friendly to the left-wing: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chile-protests/chile-to-re-write-pinochet-era-constitution-in-win-for-protesters-idUSKBN1XL1I1 1],[https://www.wsj.com/articles/chiles-government-pledges-new-constitution-in-bid-to-quell-protests-11573510278 2],[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34025-chilean-president-pinera-promises-new-constitution 3] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:58, 11 November 2019 (EST)
:Here are some other good articles related to the whole situation: [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34092-dr-carlos-casanova-will-this-destroythe-country-of-chile 1],[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34083-chile-expels-cuban-and-venezuelan-nationals-for-inciting-revolution 2],[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34075-communist-subversion-of-chile-venezuela 3] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:55, 20 November 2019 (EST)
::A decent op-ed on this: [https://thehill.com/opinion/international/471552-chile-does-not-need-radical-reforms] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 20:44, 21 November 2019 (EST)

:::By the way, real conservatives are defending the Constitution (made in 1980 but heavily reformed lately) [https://ellibero.cl/opinion/jose-antonio-kast-defendamos-la-constitucion/] [https://youtu.be/VpWwXWkR_9s] --[[User:Capitalist.Chile|Capitalist.Chile]] ([[User talk:Capitalist.Chile|talk]]) 13:39, 23 November 2019 (EST)

::::Here's a good op-ed -- it argues that Chile's problems are the result of left-wing, big government policies, and not capitalism: [https://thehill.com/opinion/international/472424-chiles-unraveling-unregulated-capitalism-or-ponderous-government] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:42, 1 December 2019 (EST)

:::::More on this: [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/34220-how-communists-use-slander-in-the-chilean-revolution] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:06, 4 December 2019 (EST)

:::::: [https://youtu.be/tZRb4T8q2tc Violent Communist Takeover? - Stefan Molyneux] [https://youtu.be/1rWYa8-tZcs Hight Treason:The false rightwing president of Chile is a enemy of POTUS Trump & the people of US] --[[User:Capitalist.Chile|Capitalist.Chile]] ([[User talk:Capitalist.Chile|talk]]) 12:31, 5 December 2019 (EST)

:::::::This op-ed argues that Chile's problems began with elites to dispised the country's capitalist values/policies that made it economically prosperous and implemented socialist policies while continuing to blame capitalism for the country's faltering economy: [https://www.wsj.com/articles/latin-americas-oasis-descends-into-chaos-11577905470] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:41, 2 January 2020 (EST)

:::::::Thanks for all the material and pictures, after taking a break I'm back and think it's time to change the title of the page to ''Violent Chilean Protests, 2019-2020 (Chile Awakes Movement)'', what do you guys think? --[[User:Bearbrau|Bearbrau]] ([[User talk:Bearbrau|talk]]) 15:13, 6 February 2020 (EST)

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2020-02-06T20:08:53Z

Bearbrau: /* Human rights */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18 as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5–10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America's wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1, 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28 despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21 and 22 in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18-November 1 and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref> In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11 November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18 had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13 November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16–17, 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref> Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast who accused Boric of being a political agitator.

On November 26, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref> The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionaire globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: "Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden..."|language=es|date=October 20, 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta-based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref> It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30 October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population's grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>

On Thursday November 28, the commander of Chilean Police Investigations ('Policía de Investigaciones de Chile' or PDI)―General Héctor Espinosa―rebuffed allegations of human rights abuses, explaining to reporters that ''"when a policeman is attacked and he fights back, this is not human rights violations"''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEX8nBYc0l0 Director de la PDI: "Cuando un policía es atacado y responde, no es violación a los DD.HH."]</ref>

General Espinosa and his driver had earlier witnessed the left-wing violence firsthand―on September 5, 2019―when the police vehicle they were traveling in suffered extensive exterior damage when pelted with rocks by protesters gathered in 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[https://www.theclinic.cl/2019/09/05/masivo-despliegue-policial-en-la-alameda-tras-ataque-a-comitiva-del-director-de-la-pdi/ Masivo despliegue policial en la Alameda tras ataque a comitiva del director de la PDI]</ref>

On January 25, during a televised meeting of the Latin American Forum on Human Rights held in Santiago, the streat leaders of the rioters were the guest of honours and given a standing ovation.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1mbIc_jqro Encapuchados de "primera línea" realizaron discurso en el ex Congreso Nacional]</ref>

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22, a young shoe store owner (Fabián Andrés Gutiérrez) in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of a Peruvian migrant―48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>

On October 29, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5 November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10 November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref> In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile's constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2020-02-06T20:05:07Z

Bearbrau: /* Human rights */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18 as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5–10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America's wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1, 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28 despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21 and 22 in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18-November 1 and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref> In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11 November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18 had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13 November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16–17, 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref> Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast who accused Boric of being a political agitator.

On November 26, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref> The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionaire globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: "Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden..."|language=es|date=October 20, 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta-based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref> It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30 October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population's grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>

On Thursday November 28, the commander of Chilean Police Investigations ('Policía de Investigaciones de Chile' or PDI)―General Héctor Espinosa―rebuffed allegations of human rights abuses, explaining to reporters that ''"when a policeman is attacked and he fights back, this is not human rights violations"''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEX8nBYc0l0 Director de la PDI: "Cuando un policía es atacado y responde, no es violación a los DD.HH."]</ref>

General Espinosa and his driver had earlier witnessed the left-wing violence firsthand―on September 5, 2019―when the police vehicle they were traveling in suffered extensive exterior damage when pelted with rocks by protesters gathered in 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[https://www.theclinic.cl/2019/09/05/masivo-despliegue-policial-en-la-alameda-tras-ataque-a-comitiva-del-director-de-la-pdi/ Masivo despliegue policial en la Alameda tras ataque a comitiva del director de la PDI]</ref>

On January 25, during a televised meeting of the Latin American Forum on Human Rights held in Santiago, the leaders of the rioters were given a standing ovation.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1mbIc_jqro Encapuchados de "primera línea" realizaron discurso en el ex Congreso Nacional]</ref>

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22, a young shoe store owner (Fabián Andrés Gutiérrez) in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of a Peruvian migrant―48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>

On October 29, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5 November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10 November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref> In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile's constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

Left Wing Terrorism in Chile

2020-01-30T02:34:56Z

Bearbrau:

[[File:FPMR Chile.SVG|250px|thumbnail|Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front Flag.]]
[[File:Flag of the MIR - Chile.svg|250px|thumbnail|MIR Flag.]]
[[File:Bandera de la VOP.jpg|250px|thumbnail|VOP Flag.]]

The [[MIR (Revolutionary Left Movement, Chile)]], Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front and other Left Wing guerillas and supporting leftists among the civilian population waged a revolutionary war in Chile from 1965 until 1989. The Chilean Left Wing Guerrillas and supporters initially advocated revolution to overthrow Chilean [[Christian Democrat]] President [[Eduardo Frei Montalva|Eduardo Nicanor Frei Montalva]] (1964-1970) in order to establish a Communist dictatorship.<ref>"The Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) waged a revolutionary terrorist struggle in Chile from 1965 until 1989. The MIR initially advocated revolution to overthrow the longest-standing democracy in Latin America in order to establish a Marxist regime." World Terrorism: An Encyclopedia of Political Violence from Ancient Times to the Post-9/11 Era, James Ciment, p. 196, Routledge, 2015</ref> By 1969, the MIR had developed an underground structure of armed platoons across Chile. These platoons began to rob banks to fund operations, giving some stolen money to the poor in a propaganda move. At its strongest in 1970, the MIR had some 40,000 members. As the threat of a military coup increased, the MIR helped [[Salvador Allende|Allende]] build up militias in order to fight off the Chilean Army. 13,000 foreign nationals also helped leftists train in the countryside with Russian-supplied weapons.<ref>''"Más o menos 13 mil instructores y aventureros extranjeros adiestran con armas soviéticas a los grupos de terroristas chilenos de extrema izquierda para la lucha por el poder."'' Victoria sin Guerra, Graf Hans Huyn, p. 280, Andres Bello, 1987</ref>

On September 4th 1970, when Chileans elected as president Salvador Allende Gossens a Marxist, the MIR decided to carry out his socialist reforms by force. In December 1971, Chilean women organized the highly successful ''March of the Empty Pots'' in Santiago to protest against Allende. Thousands of women — numbers vary from 15,000 to 50,000 — marched through the streets of the Chilean capital Santiago, banging empty pots and pans and yelling slogans against the Socialist reforms.<ref>[http://www.psupress.org/books/titles/0-271-02174-8.html Right-Wing Women in Chile]</ref>

The leftists violence and civilian protests against Allende resulted in the military coup led by General [[Augusto Pinochet]] on September 11th 1973 who largely defeated the marxist guerrillas and left-wing radicals hidden among the civilian population through detentions, disappearances and counterinsurgency warfare.<ref>"In 1970, when Chile elected as president Salvador Allende a Marxist, the MIR decided to implement his policies by force. This prompted a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet who struck a blow against the Left from which the MIR never recovered." World Terrorism: An Encyclopedia of Political Violence from Ancient Times to the Post-9/11 Era, James Ciment, p. 196, Routledge, 2015</ref> In late 1974, [[Andrés Pascal Allende]], nephew of the late president Allende Gossens, assumed leadership of the remnants of the MIR and continued to attack military and civilian targets.

==Guerrilla warfare==

During the first three months of the [[Augusto Pinochet regime (Chile, 1973–90)]], the Chilean armed forces and carabiniers suffered 162 killed in operations against the Marxist guerrillas and civilian supporters of the ''MIR'' and Chilean Communist Party.<ref>Latin America's Wars: The Age of the Professional Soldier, 1900–2001, Robert L. Scheina, p. 326, Potomac Books, 2003</ref>At least 254 members of the Chilean Security Forces were killed in the line of duty from 1973 to 1989.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/memorial.htm MEMORIAL EN MEMORIA DE AQUELLOS QUE CAYERON DEFENDIENDO A CHILE DE LOS ATAQUES TERRORISTAS, Y DE QUIENES MURIERON DEBIDO AL ACCIONAR DE LOS TERRORISTAS]</ref><ref>[http://www.elquintopoder.cl/justicia/la-otra-cara-de-los-derechos-humanos-en-chile/ La otra cara de los derechos humanos en Chile]</ref>East Germany had helped arm Allende's ''Unidad Popular'' (Unity Popular or ''UP'') government, supplying 5,000 sub-machine-guns to the guerrillas.<ref>''"También el gobierno liberal-socialista de Bonn entrega armas al régimen de Allende: por lo menos 5 mil ametralladoras."'' Victoria sin Guerra, Graf Hans Huyn, p. 280, Andres Bello, 1987</ref>

Chilean leftist terrorists detonated 1,729 bombs between January 1st 1985 and April 30th 1986.<ref>Castro's America Department: Coordinating Cuba's Support for Marxist-Leninist Violence in the Americas, Rex A. Hudson, p.54, Cuban American National Foundation, 1988</ref> From 1983 to 1986, the main Chilean bomb squad reportedly deactivated 2,083 bombs planted by leftists in the major cities.

At the end of March 2013, it was announced that the Chilean government was considering a proposal by parliamentarians to compensate the nearly 30,000 Chilean conscripts mobilized after the Coup d'état and that remained almost double the expected time in uniform.<ref>[http://www.soychile.cl/Valparaiso/Sociedad/2013/03/26/163252/30-mil-conscriptos-19731990-podrian-recibir-unos-40-millones-de-dolares.aspx Los conscriptos de entre 1973 y 1990 podrían recibir US$ 40 millones de indemnización]</ref>

Experts believe that [[Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome]] (PTSD) is behind the 250 reported cases of suicide among former Chilean conscripts, during the last four decades.

==Civilian losses==

During the first week of September 1973, Juan Romero, Luis Menares, Andrés Osorio and Mario Montucci were killed during confrontations involving truckers protesting against the government of Allende and carabineers sent to break the strike.<ref>[http://www.diarioeldia.cl/politica/hace-40-anoshuelga-rodado-cobra-muerto Los hechos que marcaron la edición del miércoles 5 de septiembre de 1973]</ref>That same week, police shot and killed a 16-year-old student (Gunter Warenker Contreras) protesting against Allende. Prior to these incidents, 500 Chileans (mainly farm hands and factory workers) were killed or maimed resisting leftists taking over their farms, factories and other places of work.

During the 1980s, 53 civilians were killed and hundreds wounded as a result of bombings and raids carried out by Chilean Marxist terrorists and their leftist supporters hidden among the civilian population.

Another 100 civilians died and 510 were injured according to the ''Gustavo Fricke Hospital'' at [[Valparaíso]] that treated the survivors, after the head-on collision and derailment of two express trains when MIR terrorists sabotaged one of the train lines in [[Limache]], 100 kilometres north of [[Santiago]].<ref>"The crash occurred on a single line of track which had been damaged in early 1986 by a bomb attack." Keesing's Contemporary Archives, Volume 32, Keesing's Limited, 1986</ref><ref>[http://elpais.com/diario/1986/02/19/internacional/509151616_850215.html 100 muertos y 500 heridos en un choque de trenes en Chile]</ref><ref>[http://primeracbva.cl/web/2016/02/16/queronque-a-30-anos-en-el-anden-de-la-muerte/ Queronque, a 30 años: en el andén de la muerte]</ref> At least five children were reported to be among the dead and 10 others seriously injured.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19860218&id=G7EfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QNcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1499,3944914&hl=en Gadsden Times, Page 4, 18 February 1986]</ref>

At least 1,510 Chilean servicemen and civilians were permanently disabled as a result of leftist terrorism in the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>[http://www.elquintopoder.cl/justicia/la-otra-cara-de-los-derechos-humanos-en-chile/ La otra cara de los derechos humanos en Chile]</ref>

==Terrorism in the 1970s==

Between August 1969 and September 1970, MIR Marxist Guerrillas operating in Santiago carried out 12 armed robberies of banks and businesses in order to finance their operations.

In the police and military operations carried against the MIR rural hideouts in 1969 and 1970, a guerrilla training camp is discovered in San José de Maipo (Guayacán) and another one at Corral (Chaihuín).

On February 5th 1970, Left Wing Radical Pedro Lenin Valenzuela attempts to hijack a plane and take it to Cuba. In the resulting gunfight at the Chilean International Airport, a flight attendant, Scarlet Burgos and a detective are wounded. Valenzuela is killed in the return fire.<ref>[http://www.pilotosretiradoslan.cl/2016/08/26/de-los-boeing-707-a-los-boeing-727/ De los Boeing 707 a los Boeing 727]</ref>

The next day, a policeman (carabineer Luis Merino Ferreira) is killed in a clash with guerrillas.<ref>[http://www.chileinforma.com/noticias/12524.shtml Chile Informa]</ref>

On May 17th 1970, a guerrilla mountain hideout is discovered on Cerro Mirador in Valdivia, along with weaponry disembarked nearby at Punta Galera.<ref>Presentación del Ejército de Chile a la Comisión Nacional de Verdad y Reconciliación, Volume 1, p. 88, Ejército de Chile, 1990</ref>

On May 22nd 1970, fifteen leftists carry out an armed robbery of the ''Banco Nacional del Trabajo'' branch in Santiago.

On June 10th 1970, leftists steal arms and ammunition from the ''Armería Italiana'' in Santiago.

On June 19th 1970, leftist plant and detonate a bomb in the ''City Bank'' branch in the suburb of Providencia in Santiago.

On June 29th 1970, leftists plant and detonate a bomb in the ''Casino de Carabineros'' in Iquique.

On August 11th 1970, MIR guerrillas shoot and kill a police NCO, Corporal Luis Fuentes Pineda.

On September 21st 1970, guerrillas shoot and kill another police NCO, Corporal Armando Cofré López, during a bank robbery in the suburb of Irarrázabal in Santiago.<ref>Los hechos de violencia en Chile, María de los Angeles Aylwin Ramírez, Soledad Reyes del Villar, p. 223, Fundación Libertad y Desarrollo, 2003</ref>

On December 2nd 1970, a leftist opens fire and mortally wounds 23-year-old Arnoldo Ríos Alarcón studying journalism in the University of Concepción.<ref>[https://www.bcn.cl/laborparlamentaria/wsgi/consulta/verDiarioDeSesion.py?id=588379 Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile]</ref>

On April 4th 1971, socialist militants in Aysén shoot and kill 18-year-old Juan Millalonco, a member of Christian Democratic Youth.<ref>[https://www.bcn.cl/laborparlamentaria/wsgi/consulta/verDiarioDeSesion.py?id=588379 Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile]</ref>

On 19 April 1971, Rolando Matus is shot dead resisting the takeover of his Carén land in Pucón.

On April 30th 1971, 65-year-old Domitila Palma Ponce dies confronting 40 Mapuche leftists that were taking over her nephew's Brasil Sur land in Lautaro.<ref>[https://www.bcn.cl/laborparlamentaria/wsgi/consulta/verDiarioDeSesion.py?id=588379 Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile]</ref>

That same day, Jorge Baraona Puelma dies resisting the takeover of his Nilahue land in Colchagua.

According to police records submitted to the Chilean senate, Left-Wing Radicals and Guerrillas illegally occupied 1,458 farms between November 1970 and December 1971.<ref>[https://www.bcn.cl/laborparlamentaria/wsgi/consulta/verDiarioDeSesion.py?id=588379 Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile]</ref>

On 24 May 1971, VOP Marxist guerrillas in an armed robbery of a bank money transfer van shoot and mortally wound a policeman (Corporal José Arnaldo Gutiérrez Urrutia) and wound two accompanying Miramar supermarket employees.

In June 1971, VOP guerrillas killed Edmundo Perez Zujovic, a Christian Democrat and former interior minister.

That same month, another marxist guerrilla (46-year-old Heriberto Salazar) of the VOP walked into police headquarters in Santiago with a sub-machinegun and kills three detectives (Gerardo Romero Infante, Heriberto Mario Marín and Carlos Pérz Bretti) before blowing himself up with dynamite, and a carabineer corporal (Jorge Cartes) is killed by MIR guerrillas in the MIR stronghold of Concepción.

On 10 October 1971, police discover dynamite and TNT sticks in the car of a leftist university student, that was meant to be delivered to guerrillas operating in the woodlands of Valdivia.

On 17 October 1971, seven adults and twelve children are kidnapped in Melipilla, during the leftist takeover of properties.

On 28 October 1971, police raid a MIR Guerrilla camp in Loncoche in southern Chile and discover 24 dynamite sticks and 16 bombs and other weaponry.

On 31 October 1971, ''Comandante Pepe'' and 150 MIR Guerrillas seize the Niltre estate in Panguipulli.

On 7 November 1971, the ''Movimiento Campesino Revolucionario'' seizes 75 farming properties in the Cautín Province.

On 1 December 1971, 50,000-200,000 women took to the streets of Santiago to protest against Salvador Allende's ''Unidad Popular'' government. Their peaceful march turns ugly when leftists attacked the women with rocks. However, their ''Marcha de las Cacerolas Vacías'' (March of the Empty Pots) signaled the beginning of a massive coordinated anti-Allende movement. To keep the memory alive of the march, women in the middle-class and affluent suburbs of Santiago banged on pots every night for two hours for several months.

On 14 December 1971, leftists under the command of ''Comandante Mickey'' (MIR commander Alejandro Villalobos) seize the La Florida Suburb of Santiago

On January 19th 1972, Raúl Quezada Moreno, a 52-year-old farmer and father of 8 children, is clubbed to death by left-wing activists from the 'Movimiento Campesino Revolucionario' (MCR) for resisting the seizure of his land.<ref>Breve historia de la unidad popular, Teresa Donoso Loero, p. 129, El Mercurio, 1973</ref>

On July 24th 1972, leftists under the command of a former Chilean Army Black Beret, Mario Melo, seize a supermarket and petrol station in the Lo Hermida Suburb in Santiago.

On August 15th 1972, ten Marxist Guerrillas arrive in Pudahuel International Airport in Santiago and obtain sanctuary in Chile, after having hijacked a plane at gunpoint following their escape from Argentina.

On August 30th 1972, a carabineer corporal (Exequiel Aroca Cuevas) is killed in the City of Concepción, when leftists open fire on the police anti-riot bus he was travelling.<ref>Breve historia de la unidad popular, Teresa Donoso Loero, p. 218, El Mercurio, 1973</ref>

On 3 December 1972, fifty leftists brandishing sidearms and clubs, seize a Paños Continental factory, leaving nine employees injured in the process.

On February 27th 1973, MIR Guerrillas attacked and destroyed the Llanquihue police station, shooting and wounding 10 carabineers in the fierce gun-battle.<ref>La verdad olvidada del terrorismo en Chile, 1968-1996, Arturo Castillo Vicencio, p. 76, Editorial Maye Ltda, 2007</ref>

On March 11th 1973, a leftist bomb planted in the city of Valparaíso wounds two local women, Irma Araya and María Vera.<ref>La verdad olvidada del terrorismo en Chile, 1968-1996, Arturo Castillo Vicencio, p. 77, Editorial Maye Ltda, 2007</ref>

That same month, 16-year-old Germán Enrique González and 17-year-old Sergio Oscar Vergara, both members of the Christian Democrat Party were killed while resisting the leftist takeover of the La Reina estate.

On April 2nd 1973, MIR Guerrillas operating in Santiago shoot and kill a police detective, Gabriel Rodríguez Alcaíno.<ref>La verdad olvidada del terrorismo en Chile, 1968-1996, Arturo Castillo Vicencio, p. 77, Editorial Maye Ltda, 2007</ref>

In May 1973, Mario Aguilar, a member of the ''Movimiento Patria y Libertad'' is gunned down by leftists in downtown Santiago.

On 8 July 1973, police discover in a ''Corporación de la Reforma Agraria'' (CORA) government van, 150 sidearms, 150 hand grenades and 300 petrol bombs and six submachineguns meant to be delivered to guerrillas in Santiago.

On 27 July 1973, a farmer and member of the Christian Democrat Party, Jorge Mena, is surrounded by leftists and clubbed to death in Osorno.

The next day, another farmer, Juan Luis Urrutia, dies resisting the leftist takeover of his land in Bulnes.

On 30 July, MIR Guerrillas kill Manuel Garrido, an employee of ''Paños Continental'' in a confrontation that also involved Brazilian leftists.

On 27 August 1973, Sergio Aliaga, while driving through a confrontation between anti-Allende striking truckers and leftist militants, is killed after being caught in the violent clash and shot in the throat.

On August 29th 1973, a Mexican leftist (Jorge Albino Sosa Gil) working in Chile, shoots and kills Second Lieutenant Héctor Lacrampette Calderón with a shot to the head, as the young army officer was waiting for a bus in the suburb of Las Condes in Santiago.<ref>[http://www.unofardn.cl/node/400 HACE 38 AÑOS ATRÁS...UN 29 DE AGOSTO DE 1973]</ref>

The next day, two farm workers (José Toribio Núñez and Celsa Fuentes) are killed after suffering horrific burns when caught in the bomb blast targeting the pipeline between Santiago and Concepción.

On 4 September 1973, police shoot and kill a 16-year-old student (Gunter Warenker Contreras) protesting against the government of Allende. That same day, a guerrilla camp is discovered in Nehuentúe.

The next day, Juan Romero, Luis Menares, Andrés Osorio and Mario Montucci are killed during confrontations involving truckers protesting against Allende and carabineers sent to break the strike.

On 8 September 1973, soldiers from the Temuco Garrison raid a Guerrilla Camp at Mamuil Malal and capture 13 guerrillas.

During the military coup that ousted president Salvador Allende, the military and police report 34 deaths in the space of 48 hours battling leftists: two army sergeants, three army corporals, four army privates, 2 marine lieutenants, 1 marine corporal, 4 marine cadets, 3 marine conscripts and 15 policemen.

Among the army fallen is 19 year-old Private Julio Antilef, shot dead by leftists that had used an ambulance to trick the army conscript as he stood guard outside a Chilean ENTEL telecommunications building in downtown Santiago.<ref>[https://www.theclinic.cl/2013/09/11/la-historia-de-los-pelados-del-73-los-soldados-que-asaltaron-santiago/ La historia de los pelados del ’73: Los soldados que asaltaron Santiago]</ref>

On 19 September 1973, Army Private Gerardo León Acuña is killed when he loses control of his military vehicle while on patrol.

On 1 October 1973, leftist militants in support of the MIR attack a military vehicle, killing Army Private Pedro Prado Ortiz.

On 7 November 1973, leftist guerrillas in Santiago open fire on an army truck in the suburb of La Florida, killing Army Private Agustín Correa Contreras.

On 13 November 1973, MIR guerrillas shoot and kill Army Corporal Juan Castro Vega.

On 17 November 1973, MIR guerrillas shoot and kill Army Sergeant Waldo Morales Neal.

On 19 November 1973, while on guard duty in Osorno, Army Private Clemente Santibáñez Vargas is killed.

On November 28th 1973, MIR guerrillas operating in the Conchalí suburb of Santiago, shoot and kill Army Corporal Ramón Madariaga Valdebenito.<ref>Presentación del Ejército de Chile a la Comisión Nacional de Verdad y Reconciliación, Volume 1, p. 463, Ejército de Chile, 1990</ref>

On December 3rd 1973, MIR guerrillas ambush a Chilean Army foot patrol and kill two non-commissioned officers, Corporal Rodolfo Peña Tapia and Luis Collao Salas, and a conscript, Julio Barahona Aranda.<ref>Presentación del Ejército de Chile a la Comisión Nacional de Verdad y Reconciliación, Volume 1, p. 463, Ejército de Chile, 1990</ref>

On December 13th 1973, two Army Sergeants, Sergio Cannon Lermanda and Pedro Osorio Guerrero are killed while on patrol in Bulnes.<ref>Presentación del Ejército de Chile a la Comisión Nacional de Verdad y Reconciliación, Volume 1, p. 463, Ejército de Chile, 1990</ref>

On December 15th 1973, guerrillas operating in the suburb of La Reina in Santiago, shoot and kill Army Corporal Roberto Barra Martínez.

On December 26th 1973, leftist guerrillas open fire on an army jeep, killing Private José Luis Huerta Abarca.<ref>Presentación del Ejército de Chile a la Comisión Nacional de Verdad y Reconciliación, Volume 1, p. 463, Ejército de Chile, 1990</ref>
By the end of the year, Chilean police would claim to have discovered a huge arsenal of weapons obtained from abroad, including 5,000 modern HK-33 assault rifles and corresponding ammunition in the millions and large quantities of 20mm anti-tank projectiles.<ref>Die Niederlage wird zum Sieg: Revolution und Konter-revolution in Chile, p. 105, Liga gegen den Imperialismus, 1974</ref>

In February 1974, the MIR announced an alliance with the Bolivian ELN, the Uruguayan Tupamaros and Argentinian ERP and Montoneros guerrilla organizations, but this threat to Pinochet was largely neutralized with the Argentinian military coup that took place in March 1976. Nevertheless, at least 100 highly trained MIR terrorists reentered Chile in late 1980, and the MIR would claim responsibility for a number of bombings and bank robberies.<ref>"By late 1980, at least 100 highly trained MIR terrorists had reentered Chile, and the MIR had claimed responsibility for a number of bombings and bank robberies." United States Congressional Serial Set, p. 247, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984</ref>

==Terrorism in the 1980s==

On July 15th 1980, three guerrillas disguised as street workmen, stop the vehicle of Lieutenant Colonel [[Roger Vergara Campos]], director of the Army's Intelligence School in Chile, killing him and wounding in a hail of bullets his driver (Sergeant Mario Espinoza Navarro) with their AK 47 assault rifles, causing a woman who witnessed the terrorist attack to fall into a deep state of shock.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19800716&id=OwtWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7eEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3059,3998750&hl=en Chilean officer dies in ambush by 3 terrorists]</ref>

On December 30th 1980, MIR guerrillas kill two carabinier NCOs, 31-year-old Corporal Washington Godoy Palma, and 27-year-old Corporal Daniel Alberto González Leiva.<ref>Historia Oral e Historia Política: Izquierda y Lucha Armada en América Latina, 1960-1990, Pablo Pozzi, LOM Ediciones, 2012</ref>

In February 1981, in a war communiqué sent to the various press agencies of Santiago, the MIR guerrillas claim to have carried out more than 100 successful operations during 1980, including bomb attacks against the main electricity towers on November 11th, which caused widespread blackouts in Santiago and Valparaiso, and bomb attacks on three banks in the capital on December 30th in which a police officer was shot dead and at least three civilians wounded.

On July 6th 1981,a MIR terrorist, Carlos Bruit Gutiérrez, kills Chilean Army Sergeant-Major Carlos Enrique Tapia Barraza. Gutiérrez would later be pardoned and set free in an amnesty only benefiting the left.

On July 15th 1981, MIR gunmen operating in the suburb of Ñuñoa, Santiago, shoot in the head and gravely wound a female police officer, Major Ingrid Olderock from the National Intelligence Directorate (Dirección de Inteligencia Nacional or DINA). She would succumb to her wounds in 2001.

On September 14th 1981, during attempts to establish an operations base in Neltume, southern Chile, seven MIR fighters were killed in clashes with the local police.<ref>"On 14 September 1981, during attempts to set up bases within Chile and to create a liberated zone in the Neltume, Valdivia region in southern Chile, seven MIR fighters were killed by police." Historical Dictionary of Terrorism, Stephen Sloan, Sean K. Anderson, p. 447, Scarecrow Press, 2009</ref>

On September 19th 1981, army private Víctor Manuel Silva Nahuelpan is killed during counterinsurgency operations in the Neltume area.

In November 1981, MIR guerrillas kill three members of the Investigative Police in an ambush, and also attempt to assassinate the Supreme Court President [[Israel Bórquez Montero]].

In further operations carried in November 1981, units of the Chilean Army destroy two MIR bases in the Neltume mountains, capturing large ammunition depots in the process.

In revenge attacks, MIR militants carry out twenty-three bomb attacks during March and April 1982.

In the last week of August 1983, General Pinochet reminded army cadets at the Military Academy that ''"The forces of order are waging total war to the death against communism."''<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19840824&id=6LdPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iwYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5282,4973824&hl=en Undercover Police Shoot, Kill 8 Anti-Government Suspects]</ref>

On 30 August 1983, guerrillas gun down and kill the Military Governor of Santiago, General Carol Urzúa Ibáñez and his two bodyguards, army corporals Carlos Riveros Bequiarelli and José Domingo Aguayo Franco.<ref>[https://despiertachile.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/martires-del-terrorismo-17/ Despierta Chile/Mártires del terrorismo]</ref>

In October and November 1983, MIR guerrillas detonate bombs against four Chilean companies that do business with the United States.<ref>"...the MIR bombed four offices of US-affiliated corporations in a 10-day period in October and November of 1983..." Historical Dictionary of Terrorism, Stephen Sloan, Sean K. Anderson, p. 447, Scarecrow Press, 2009</ref>

On 28 December 1983, the guerrillas kill in an ambush two policemen, carabinier Francisco Javier Pérez Brito and sergeant Manuel Jesús Valenzuela Loyola.<ref>[https://issuu.com/usuarioissuu1950/docs/la_verdad_olvidada_del_terrorismo_e La verdad olvidada del terrorismo en chile]</ref>

Between December 1983 and August 1984, leftist militants and guerrillas detonate 300 bombs against banks, businesses, police stations and electricity poles, causing six blackouts in and around Santiago.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19840824&id=6LdPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iwYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5282,4973824&hl=en Undercover Police Shoot, Kill 8 Anti-Government Suspects]</ref>

On 9 March 1984, a leftist bomb planted in ''Restaurante Baff'' in downtown Santiago gravely wounds Verónica lsabel Gutiérrez-Rivas.<ref>Chile Cronica De Un Asedio, Luis Heinecke Scott, p.39, 1992</ref>

On 31 March 1984, a police bus in downtown Santiago is destroyed by a bomb planted by Left Wing guerrillas, killing a noncommissioned officer and wounding 11 policemen and 6 civilians.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19840402&id=8wowAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j6UFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1969,75855&hl=en Bomb explodes under police bus in Chile killing officer, injuring 17]</ref>

On 29 April 1984, MIR guerrillas detonate 11 bombs in the Chilean capital, derailing a subway train, injuring 22 passengers in the process, including seven children.

On 17 May 1984, Jorge Eduardo Muñoz Navarro from the MIR is killed in a shootout or executed for attempting to blow up the electricity pylon in the suburb of La Renca in Santiago.<ref>[http://www.memoriaviva.com/Ejecutados/Ejecutados_M/MUnOZ%20NAVARRO%20Jorge%20Eduardo%20.htm Jorge Eduardo MUÑOZ NAVARRO]</ref>

On 19 May 1984, María Loreto Castillo Muñoz from the MIR is reportedly killed in a shootout or executed for attempting to blow up the electricity pylon in the suburb of La Renca in Santiago.<ref>[http://www.memoriaviva.com/Ejecutados/Ejecutados_C/Castillo%20munoz%20maria%20loreto.htm María Loreto CASTILLO MUÑOZ]</ref>

On 5 September 1984, guerrillas operating in Copiapó shoot and kill 27-year-old Army Lieutenant Julio Briones Rayo.<ref>[https://despiertachile.wordpress.com/category/7-cultura-general/martires-del-terrorismo/ Mártires del terrorismo]</ref>

In the last week of October 1984, Left Wing radicals destroy a number of electricity poles, causing blackouts in several Santiago suburbs and 16 policemen are reported injured in tackling the leftist violence.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19841031&id=B_0yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JQYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6946,9652327&hl=en Demonstrators Battle Police; Six Are Killed]</ref>

On 2 November 1984, a Carabiniers bus is targeted during the Chilean national cycling championship and four police special forces are killed in the guerrilla bomb attack.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19841103&id=uFseAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BMgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2172,426492&hl=en Four dead, 11 hurt in Chile bomb blast]</ref>

On November 4, 1984, five guerrillas in a vehicle attack with automatic weapons and bombs a police station in Santiago, killing two police officers and wounding three more.

On 7 December 7, 1984, urban guerrillas kill a policeman and detonate a bomb in a subway station in Santiago, wounding 6 civilians.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19850327&id=48UdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-GEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7098,7802793&hl=en Car bomb in Chile damages 2 U.S. banks, luxury hotel]</ref>

On 18 December 1984, guerrillas plant a bomb in the Intendance of the O'Higgins Region, wounding 12 civilians in the resulting explosion.

On March 25th 1985, MIR terrorists plant a bomb at the Araucano Hotel in [[Concepción]], killing a marine sergeant, 32-year-old René Osvaldo Lara Arriagada and an army sergeant, 41-year-old Alejandro del Carmen Avendaño Sánchez, who were trying to defuse the bomb.<ref>[http://www.despiertachile.cl/contenido/martires-del-terrorismo-marzo Martires del Terrorismo/Despierta Chile]</ref>

On March 27th 1985, a car bomb damages two banks and a hotel in the capital, injuring seven civilians (two journalists, four office workers and a passerby) in the leftist terrorist attack. That same day, another bomb was planted in the branch of the Osorno Bank of the city of Valparaíso, seriously wounding four employees.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19850327&id=48UdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-GEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7098,7802793&hl=en Car bomb in Chile damages 2 U.S. banks, luxury hotel]</ref>

On May 14th 1985, leftists detonate bombs in the suburbs of Lo Prado and Cerro Navia in Santiago, that wound 16 civilians.<ref>Historia de la Revolución Militar Chilena 1973 - 1990, Hermógenes Pérez de Arce, Editorial El Roble</ref>

On June 27th 1985, the driver of a locomotive is killed while removing an electricity pole lying across the train track, victim of a bomb blast blamed on leftist rebels.<ref>[http://www.angelfire.com/la/carta/Crono.html Cronología del terrorismo socialista]</ref>

On July 12th 1985, leftist terrorists wound three policemen in a bus with a hand grenade and detonate 15 bombs in all the major Chilean cities.

On July 19th 1985, leftists attack the United States Consulate in Santiago. In the operation, guerrillas of the [[Patriotic Front Manuel Rodríguez]] (FPMR) detonate a high explosive bomb, killing a civilian passer-by and wounding another two.<ref>Historia de la Revolución Militar Chilena 1973 - 1990, Hermógenes Pérez de Arce, Editorial El Roble</ref>The following month, another leftist bomb is planted in the [[Paseo Ahumada]], wounding another five pedestrians.

On August 9th 1985, leftist militants operating in the Chilean capital cause major blackouts in Santiago, and shoot and wound two policemen in their patrol car and destroy with Molotov cocktails four passenger buses.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19850811&id=xPhVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=huEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6625,2537351&hl=en Police, protesters battle in Chile; 2 dead, 12 hurt]</ref>

On August 14th 1985, a leftist bomb planted in the Savory 3 restaurant in downtown Santiago wounds a family of four, Miguel Contreras and his wife María Alcaíno, along with their children, 3-year-old Michel and 2-year-old Catherine.<ref>https://www.victimasdelterrorismo.cl/inicio/celebrando-un-cumplea%C3%B1os-una-familia-es-v%C3%ADctima-de-un-bombazo-en-pleno-paseo-ahumada Bombazo e histeria en pleno Paseo Ahumada]</ref>A passerby, 26-year-old Delia Castro Cabezas and a waiter, 33-year-old Gabriel Enrique Moreno Rubín are also badly injured by flying shards of glass in the explosion.

On August 30th 1985, an arms cache of the outlawed Communist Party was discovered in [[Antofogasta]]. A great quantity of explosives from Libya were found there. According to foreign intelligence services, all this materiel was smuggled into Chile over the northern border. These explosives came from Nicaragua, where they had arrived from Libya, and the shipment for the [[Sandinist Revolutionary Army]] was diverted to the Chilean terrorist organizations.<ref>"According to investigations carried out by the intelligence services of other countries, all this materiel was smuggled into Chile over the northern border. These arms came from Nicaragua, where they had arrived from Libya, and the shipment was consigned to the Sandinist Revolutionary Army, to be delivered to the so-called "Chilean resistance." Daily Report: Latin America (Volume 86, Issues 11-21), p. 45, Foreign Broadcast Information Service, 1986</ref>

In October 1985, a woman losses both legs in Avenida Providencia when a leftist bomb detonates outside an office building. That same month, bombs planted by FPMR guerrillas in the Las Brisas supermarket and other businesses in Viña del Mar kill five civilians.<ref>Historia de la Revolución Militar Chilena 1973 - 1990, Hermógenes Pérez de Arce, Editorial El Roble</ref>

On December 6th 1985, a policeman is shot dead by four leftist guerrillas who opened fire with machine guns as he walked home. That same month, 15 passenger buses in Santiago are destroyed with petrol bombs and the marxist guerrillas plant another bomb in the Santiago Metro subway, before escaping after a gun-battle with the police.

In all, 866 Left-Wing terrorist attacks take place during 1984 and 1985.<ref>[http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-2562.html Chile Terrorism]</ref>

On 9 January 1986, 12 year-old Rodrigo and his 8-year-old sister Ximena Nanjarí are seriously wounded, when a leftist bomb planted in Valparaíso explodes.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

On 5 February 1986, a MIR car bomb in downtown Santiago destroys a police bus, killing Sergeant Luis Rival Valdés, Corporal José Arias Cerda, Carabiniers Héctor López Acosta, Misael Martínez Cortés and wounding eleven policemen.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 17 February 1986, two trains collide in the Limache area killing 60 civilians and injuring at least 500 because the area had been reduced to only one railway line, after guerrillas had destroyed the nearby bridge.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V4kxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=66UFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2445,4396106&dq=&hl=en Pinochet warns terrorists after two-train crash kills 58]</ref>

On 26 February 1986, leftist terrorists shoot and kill carabineer Lieutenant Alfonso Mauricio Rivera López in downtown Santiago.<ref>"Informe de la Comisión Nacional de verdad y Reconciliación" Tomo 2 pp. 686</ref><ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 2 April 1986 businessman Simón Yévenes is shot and killed in downtown Santiago by guerrillas of the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front.

On 29 April 1986, four FPMR guerrillas using the cover of a stolen taxi approach a military checkpoint in the suburb of Ñuñoa in Santiago and shoot and wound Army Sergeant Miguel Valenzuela Valenzuela, Corporal Ricardo Vergara Tapia and Privates Gustavo Orellana Quijada and Osvaldo Muñoz Lagos.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 1 May 1986, Left Wing Guerrillas or Radicals in Valparaiso attack with sulfuric acid passengers in a bus, seriously injuring six civilians, including two children.<ref>Terrorist Group Profiles, p. 98, DIANE Publishing, 1989</ref><ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref> That same day, an army platoon in downtown Santiago suffers two seriously wounded, Corporals Oscar Figueroa Urrutia and Roberto Opazo Tunaca, when their patrol is attacked with fire-bombs.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 4 May 1986, FMPR terrorists raid the San Miguel bus depot in Santiago. The night watchman Fernando Guzmán Vega who confronts them is shot and left a paraplegic in the attack.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 10 June 1986, leftist terrorists using the cover of a stolen taxi, gun down and badly wound Corporal Jose Aguilera Rivera of the Chilean Carabiniers.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 12 June 1986, a marine patrol discovers leftists planting a bomb in the Miraflores suburb of Viña del Mar and Corporal Luis Carvajal Zavala is badly wounded in the resulting gun-battle. The next day, terrorists operating in Santiago shoot and badly wound Carabinier Alberto López Jiménez.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 15 June 1986, in two separate leftist terrorists attacks, four policemen (Carabiniers Marcos Osorio, Lorenzo Vidal, Marcos Pozo Reyes and Carlos Urrutia Soto) are shot and wounded.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

On 16 June 1986, the Patriotic Front Manuel Rodríguez planted a bomb in the Tobalaba subway station of the Santiago Metro, causing one death (Jorge Campos Fardella) and six wounded (Roberto Barros Sánchez, Juan Ruiz de Mujica, Laura Barceló Muñoz, Alez Soto Chindulza, Nelson Araneda Araneda and Esteban Gutiérrez Jorquera) among the civilian population.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 30 June 1986, Corporal José Muñoz Alarcón of the Chilean Carabiniers, is gunned down and wounded by leftists attempting to set on a fire a passenger bus in Santiago.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

On 3 July 1986, leftists carry out an acid attack on passengers aboard a bus in Santiago causing severe burns to the driver, Arnaldo Luco Arrué, and four other civilians, Guillermo Farías Pizarro, Juan Carlos Salazar Rojas, Cristina Castro Correa and Sergio Jofré Jofré.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

On 4 July 1986, FPMR terrorists attack with automatic weapons and fire bombs a police patrol in Santiago, wounding Corporals Héctor San Martín Zapata, Osvaldo Hormazábal Diaz, Victor Muñoz Rojas, Rafael Quieto Hormazábal and Patricio Cruz Pérez.

On 25 July 1986, a leftist bomb planted in a garbage tin a few yards from the Presidential House, wounds 35 civilians and 1 policeman near a bus stop in downtown Santiago.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

On 6 August 1986, Chilean police discover 80 tons of weapons in the small fishing port of Carrizal Bajo that had arrived from Cuba to further arm the Patriotic Front Manuel Rodríguez (FPMR) and Communist Party of Chile (CCP).<ref>"El descubrimiento posterior de una cantidad apreciable de armas introducidas por mar, desde Cuba, a través de una desconocida playa del Norte Chico, llamada Carrizal Bajo, en la que el FPMR estuvo claramente involucrado, terminó por afianzar el distanciamiento con el PC, que justificó lo hecho." Más acá de los Sueños, Más allá de lo Posible: La concertación en Chile, Volume 1, Carlos Bascuñán Edwards, p. 80, Lom Ediciones, 2009</ref> The seized weapons include C-4 plastic explosives, 123 RPG-7 and 180 M72 anti-tank weapons, as well as 3,383 M-16 assault rifles and corresponding ammunition.

According to Chilean historian [[Luis Heinecke Scott]], ''"what was wanted to be implemented here was a guerrilla war in the style of those produced in Nicaragua or El Salvador, a prolonged people's war, and that was what communism failed to do, thanks to the discoveries of Carrizal Low.''<ref>Las Ardientes Cenizas del Olvido: Vía Chilena de Reconciliación Política 1932-1994, Brian Loveman, Elizabeth Lira, p. 472, Lom Ediciones, 2000</ref>

In the last week of August 1986, guerrillas operating in Santiago and Valparaíso detonate 13 bombs and kill a police officer and wound 4 soldiers near the National Stadium.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19860430&id=Cl5WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DfADAAAAIBAJ&pg=2849,9234595&hl=en Bomb blasts wall at U.S. Embassy compound in Chile]</ref> And in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, five leftists try to set fire to a bus, shooting and killing the driver, Francisco Guzmán Núñez, who opposed them.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

In October 1986, MIR guerrillas attack a police station in Limache with gunfire, seriously wounding five policemen, with one carabinier later dying because of his wounds.

On 5 November 1986, guerrillas attack a passenger bus in Viña del Mar with a firebomb, seriously injuring three women (Rosa Rivera Fierro, Sonia Ramírez Salinas and Marta Sepúlveda Contreras), with 37-year-old Rosa Rivera later dying because of her burns.<ref>La Verdad Olvidada del Terrorismo en Chile, 1968-1996, Arturo Castillo Vicencio, p. 137, Editorial Maye Ltda, 2007</ref>

On 12 November 1986, in a gun battle with MIR guerrillas operating in the Ñuñoa suburb of Santiago, three policemen are shot and wounded. One policeman (36-year-old Corporal Luis Serey Abarca) would die because of his wounds.<ref>[http://interactivos.museodelamemoria.cl/victimas/?p=1606 SEREY ABARCA LUIS HUMBERTO]</ref>

On 28 November 1986, MIR guerrillas after having been pulled over by a police vehicle in the Padre Hurtado suburb of Santiago, shoot and kill 31-year-old Lieutenant Jaime Luis Sáenz Neira of the Carabiniers of Chile as he approached them.<ref>[http://interactivos.museodelamemoria.cl/victimas/?p=2395 SAENZ NEIRA JAIME LUIS]</ref>

On 10 April 1987, in the San Miguel Suburb of Santiago, FMPR guerrillas raid a shoe factory and kill a security guard, Jorge Riveros Olivares.<ref>La Verdad Olvidada del Terrorismo en Chile, 1968-1996, Arturo Castillo Vicencio, p. 139, Editorial Maye Ltda, 2007</ref>

On 11 September 1987, leftists destroy a police vehicle in a bomb attack in Santiago, killing two carabiniers (48-year-old Sargeant Mario Martínez Vargas and 28-year-old Corporal Ramón Bahamondes Elgueta).<ref>[https://interactivos.museodelamemoria.cl/victimas/?p=2088 BAHAMONDE ELGUETA RAMON IGNACIO]</ref>

During 1987 (according to the Chilean Catholic Church), there were 51 Chileans killed in violent clashes. Of these, seven deceased victims belonged to the security forces and five were civilians caught in bomb blasts and shoot-outs. The remaining 38 were killed by police agents and military forces.<ref>"According to the Vicaría de la Solidaridad, during 1987 there were 51 deaths in violent situations. Of these, seven victims were security personnel and five were civilians who died in bomb explosions ... The remaining 38 were killed by agents of the military and security forces." Chile: Human Rights and the Plebiscite, Stephen A. Rickard, Cynthia G. Brown, Alfred C. Stepan, p. 65, Human Rights Watch, 1988</ref>

From 1983 to 1986, the main Chilean bomb squad reportedly deactivated 2,083 bombs planted by leftists in the major cities.

On 20 January 1988, a bomb planted by MIR guerrillas in the Capredena Medical Center in Valparaiso kills a 64-year-old female pensioner (Berta Rosa Pardo Muñoz) and wounds another 20 people, including a 1-year-old child.<ref>"1988 ENERO 20 Valparaíso: explota bomba en Capredena. Alrededor de las 15 horas una poderosa bomba hace explosión en la Caja de Previsión de la Defensa Nacional de Valparaíso causando la muerte de Berta Prado de 64 años, y dejando a una 20 personas heridas, entre ellas un menor de un año y medio."
Análisis: revista patrocinada por la Academia de Humanismo Cristiano (Issues 246-258), p. 34, Sociedad Periodística Emisión Limitada, 1988</ref>

On January 26, 1988, MIR guerrillas plant six TNT charges in a house in La Cisterna, killing 42-year-old Major Julio Benimellis, commander of the carabiniers Special Operations Group.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://elpais.com/diario/1988/01/28/internacional/570322813_850215.html Muere un carabinero en atentado terrorista en Chile]</ref>

According to [[Human Rights Watch]], another five carabineros were killed in April and May 1988.<ref>"In 1988, through March, the Vicaría registered nine deaths, including that of carabinero major for which a faction of the Revolutionary Left Movement, MIR, took credit. According to press reports, five other carabineros were killed by late May." Chile: Human Rights and the Plebiscite, Stephen A. Rickard, Cynthia G. Brown, Alfred C. Stepan, p. 65, Human Rights Watch, 1988</ref>

In June 1988, MIR guerrillas conduct a series of bombings in Santiago, damaging several banks. That month, FPMR guerrillas kill 43-year-old Lieutenant-Colonel Miguel Eduardo Rojas Lobos of the Chilean Army, after he had parked his car in the Santiago suburb of San Joaquín.

On 10 July 1989, 26-year-old Corporal Patricio Rubén Canihuante Astudillo of the Chilean Police is shot in the head at point-blank range while he guarded a building in Viña del Mar.

In December 1989, Canadian police report that 30 Brazilian business executives had been targeted for abduction by MIR guerrillas that included two Canadians, Christine Lamont and David Spencer who had joined the guerrilla movement after meeting two Chilean exiles, Sergeo Olivares and Martin Urtubia, who arrived in Canada in 1978.

==Terrorism in the 1990s==

The election of a civilian government in Chile did not end leftist violence. Within a few months after President Patricio Aylwin's accession to power, leftist militants showed that they remained committed to armed struggle and were responsible for a number of terrorist incidents.

*On May 10, 1990, two guerrillas wearing school uniforms killed carabineros Colonel Luis Fontaine, a former head of the antiterrorist unit of the carabiniers, Chile's national police force

*On August 10th 1990, two policemen were killed in a working-class Santiago suburb and two more were injured in an attack on a bus.<ref>Chicago Tribune, August 12, 1990</ref>

*In September 1990, leftist militants detonated 53 bombs that killed or wounded 83 Chileans.<ref>''Así llega a cuadruplicarse a fines del mismo año, cuando en el mes de septiembre detonaron 53 bombas, resultando de ello 83 víctimas entre muertos y heridos.'' Estudios Públicos, (Issues 41-42), p. 477, El Centro, 1991</ref>

*On November 14th 1990, gendarmes transferred Marco Ariel Antonioletti, a senior MJL guerrilla commander from jail to a hospital for treatment. MJL guerrillas fought their way into the Sótero del Río Hospital but were forced to withdraw, after having killed four gendarmes and one carabinero. In retaliation, Chile's Investigations Police execute Antonioletti with a shot in the forehead.

*On January 24th 1991, MJL guerrillas ambushed and killed two carabineros.<ref>Miami Herald, March 5, 1991</ref>

*On February 28th 1991, a carabinero policeman died in a shoot-out in Santiago with leftist guerrillas of the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front.

*On April 1st 1991 the Conservative Senator, Ideolog of the 1980 Constitution, founder of the [[Independent Democrat Union]] party, the binominal system and the ''Gremialismo'' movement, [[Jaime Guzmán]], was murdered by Ricardo Palma Salamanca, a leftist terrorist that today is being defended by the French Justice System since they refused to extradite him to Chile.

*On September 9th 1991, left-wing guerrillas kidnapped Cristian Edwards, whose family run 'El Mercurio' newspaper. After his family paid US $1 million in ransom, the FPMR freed him.

*On January 22nd 1992, two FPMR guerrillas (Fabián López Luque and Alex Muñoz Hoffman) were killed trying to rob a Prosegur cash delivery armoured van at the Pontifical Catholic University in Santiago.

*On September 11th 1998, three police stations—La Pincoya, La Granja and La Victoria—were attacked with firearms, incendiary bombs and rocks and 36 were carabineros were wounded in leftist violence related to the 25th anniversary commemorations of the military coup.

==Terrorism in the 2000s and 2010s==
{{Main article|Terrorism in the South of Chile and Argentina}}
[[File:Logo de la CAM.jpg|thumbnail|200px|Logo of the ''Coordinadora Arauco-Malleco'' terrorist group.]]
[[File:Mapuche separatist flag.svg|200px|left|thumbnail|Flag commonly used to revindicate the ''Mapuche cause'' (violent takeover of lands of non-Mapuche people) and to claim a separation from the [[Chile]]an State.]]
In clashes with leftists commemorating the 35th anniversary of the military coup, 29 carabineros were wounded in September 2008.<ref>[https://www.elcolombiano.com/historico/in_saldo_aniversario_chile_12092008-PEEC_13378 Unos 31 heridos y 234 detenidos en aniversario del golpe militar en Chile]</ref>In September 2009, 19 Carabineros were wounded in clashes with anti-military protestors marking the 36th anniversary of the coup.<ref>[https://www.levante-emv.com/internacional/2009/09/13/internacional-tres-jovenes-muertos-chile-protestas-antipinochetistas/630544.html Tres jóvenes muertos en Chile en protestas antipinochetistas ]</ref>The lootings and other forms of appropriation that took place in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Chile, were in part promoted and legitimated by the MIR movement.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110111065641/https://www.workers.org/2010/world/chile_0311/ MIR in Chile: ‘Expropriation is a people’s right’]</ref>

In the 2000s and 2010s the left uses the ''[[Indigenism]]o'' ideology to justify illegal land takeovers, burning of trucks,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://santiagotimes.cl/2017/08/28/armed-attackers-hijack-burn-29-logging-trucks-in-southern-chile/|title=Armed attackers hijack, burn 29 logging trucks in southern Chile|date=28 August 2017|publisher=Santiago Times}}</ref> [[churches]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://santiagotimes.cl/2018/01/17/more-churches-burned-as-pope-tours-chile/|title=More churches burned as Pope tours Chile|date=January 17, 2018|publisher=Santiago Times}}</ref> and terrorizing people whom they consider are against the ''[[Mapuche]] cause'' (a separatist movement inspired by Anarcho-Communism), the Chilean Justice is mainly controlled by the Left and the terrorist rarely go to jail.

The terrorist attacks are common in the [[Araucanía Region|Araucanía]], [[Biobío Region|Biobío]] and [[Los Ríos Region|Los Ríos]] region,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/region-de-la-araucania/gobierno-invocara-ley-antiterrorista-por-quema-de-camiones-en-collipulli/2019-04-06/095715.html|title=Gobierno invocará Ley Antiterrorista por quema de camiones en Collipulli|date=April 6, 2019|language=es|publisher=Cooperativa}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/policial/atentados/la-nueva-quema-de-maquinaria-registrada-en-la-region-de-la-araucania/2019-03-07/133819.html|title=La nueva quema de maquinaria registrada en la Región de La Araucanía|date=March 7, 2019|language=es|publisher=Cooperativa}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.t13.cl/noticia/nacional/investigan-quema-de-16-maquinas-en-la-araucania|title=[VIDEO] Confirman nuevo ataque incendiario en La Araucanía|publisher=T13|language=es|date=April 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.t13.cl/noticia/nacional/nuevo-ataque-incendiario-camion-region-del-biobio|title=Nuevo ataque incendiario a un camión en la región del Biobío|date=May 24, 2019|language=es|publisher=T13}}</ref> and are occurring many times, the Government is not doing much since the Left, and the National Human Rights Institute defends the terrorists,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/bbcltv-entrevistas/tomas-mosciatti-en-cnn/2018/11/22/directora-del-indh-carabineros-requiere-una-reforma-profunda-que-democratice-el-sistema-policial.shtml|title=Directora del INDH: "Carabineros requiere una reforma profunda que democratice el sistema policial"|language=es|publisher=Biobío Chile|date=November 22, 2018}}</ref> many of them even have been converted into martyrs like Camilo Catrillanca.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2019/02/04/caso-catrillanca-corte-de-temuco-rechaza-apelacion-del-indh-para-dejar-en-prision-preventiva-a-los-ultimos-formalizados/|title=Caso Catrillanca: Corte de Temuco rechaza apelación del INDH para dejar en prisión preventiva a los últimos formalizados|date=Febrary 4 2019|language=es|publisher=El Mostrador}}</ref>
The Mapuche community of Temucuicui is a place were the police cannot enter, because the residents act violently every time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latercera.com/reportajes/noticia/la-zona-roja-temucuicui/416101/|title=La zona roja de Temucuicui|date=November 25, 2018|language=es|publisher=La Tercera}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/region-de-la-araucania/comunero-mapuche-fue-detenido-como-sospechoso-de-homicidio-frustrado/2019-06-30/101928.html|title=Comunero mapuche fue detenido como sospechoso de homicidio frustrado|language=es|publisher=Cooperativa|date=June 30, 2019}}</ref>

This conflict is also occurring in Argentina.

*On January 4, 2013 an elderly couple, Werner Luchsinger and Vivianne Mackay were burned alive inside their house in the [[Araucanía Región]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2017/10/25/880703/Cronologia-del-Caso-LuchsingerMackay-desde-el-ataque-a-la-absolucion.html|title=Cronología del caso Luchsinger-MacKay: Desde el ataque a la absolución|publisher=Emol.com|language=es|date=October 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-la-araucania/2019/01/03/a-6-anos-de-la-muerte-del-matrimonio-luchsinger-mackay-continuan-profugos-2-de-los-4-condenados.shtml|title=A 6 años de la muerte del matrimonio Luchsinger Mackay: continúan prófugos 2 de los 4 condenados|publisher=Biobío Chile|language=es|date=3 January 2019}}</ref>

See [[2019 Chilean State of Emergency]].

{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

Battle of Darwin and Goose Green

2020-01-07T21:33:45Z

Bearbrau: /* Darwin Parks */

Following [[Operation Rosario (Falklands/Malvinas War)]], the Argentinian occupation of the Falkland/Malvinas Islands in early April 1982, the 2nd and 3rd British Parachute Battalions (2 and 3 PARA) of the British 1st Parachute Regiment were deployed as part of Brigadier Julian Thompson's 3 Commando Brigade to retake the islands in [[Operation Corporate]].

==Argentinian garrison==

On April 4th, the first Argentinian unit arrived at Goose Green.
It was 27-year-old Senior Lieutenant Carlos Daniel Esteban's C Company of the 25th Infantry Regiment (''Regimiento de Infantería 25'' or RI 25). Later, the Argentinian Army High Command (''Estado Mayor General del Ejército'' or EMGE) decided to reinforce the RI 25's C Company in the area and sent in 47-year-old Lieutenant-Colonel Ítalo Ángel Piaggi's 12th (Jungle) Infantry Regiment (Regimiento de Infanteria 12 'Juan Antonio Alvarez de Arenales' or RI 12) along with other supporting units.

They arrived in helicopters between April 30th and May 21st. Then the troops responsible for the defences of Darwin-Goose Green were placed under joint command
and named Task Force 'Mercedes'. The main unit was the 12th Regiment, whose home base in Argentina was at Mercedes in Corrientes Province, hence the name of the task force. However, this regiment was incomplete; its B Company (named Combat Team 'Solari') remained on Mount Kent, from which it was sent by helicopters to Goose Green too late to have any real effect in the battle. Combat Team 'Güemes', which consisted of one rifle platoon of C Company from RI 25 and a heavy weapons platoon of A Company from RI 12 was helicoptered north of Goose Green to San Carlos on May 15th.

==San Carlos==

3 Commando Brigade went ashore at San Carlos on the night of May 21/22. 2 PARA (Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Jones) established itself on Sussex Mountain protecting the south of the Bridgehead without opposition. 3 PARA landed in the near Port San Carlos driving off a platoon of 40 enemy.

On May 26, 2 PARA was ordered to move south and engage the Argentinian 12th 'Juan Antonio Alvarez de Arenales' Infantry Regiment and ''Condor'' Military Airbase on the Darwin/Goose Green Peninsula.

==Darwin Parks==

The attack began under the cover of darkness of 28 May with heavy naval and artillery support.

At 3.35 am, Major Dair Farrar-Hockley's A Company moved off on the left and attacked Burntside House believed to be occupied by the Argentinian 12th Regiment's Reconnaissance Platoon (Lieutenant Carlos Morales), but found no-one there other than four civilians. Major John Crosland's B Company started forward from the other side of Burntside Pond down the right flank with Major Philip Neame's D Company following them long the middle. With artillery support on both sides, B and D Companies were soon in close-quarter combat with the 12th Regiment's A Company (under Senior Lieutenant Jorge Antonio Manresa and Sergeant-Major Juan Carlos Coelho). Leaving No. 13 Platoon of A Company to provide covering fire from the north side of Darwin Bay, the remainder started to circle round to take Darwin Settlement.

The Argentine platoon under Lieutenant Roberto Néstor Estévez, from the 25th Infantry Regiment's C Company, received orders to counterattack at 07.30 local time. Ahead of them were 2 PARA's A and B Companies, advancing along both shorelines. The officer reached the frontline and was able to block the enemy by ordering his men to take up positions on Darwin Ridge, from which, although wounded, he started calling in artillery fire. He thus succeeded in holding up the advance of the British paratroopers, dispersing both companies, as he covered the withdrawal of the 12th Infantry Regiment's A Company. Estévez fell, mortally wounded by enemy sniper fire, but not before winning posthumously the Heroic Valour Cross. His dying order was for Corporal Mario Rodolfo Castro to take charge, who continued to call for artillery support. Darwin Ridge was being riddled by British machine-gun and mortar fire, and the squad leader soon burnt to death from a phosphorus grenade.<ref>" El Tte. Estévez murió en la acción. El Cabo Castro se hizo cargo del equipo de comunicaciones y continuó trasmitiendo, pero al ser alcanzado por proyectiles rasantes que incendiaron su cuerpo, moría poco después." Malvinas: Relatos de Soldados, Martín Antonio Balza, p. 31, Círculo Militar, 1986</ref>Private Fabricio Edgar Carrascul took over the radio and was also killed calling in fire support. But the sacrifice of these brave soldiers proved not to have been in vain. At 09.30 local time, Major John Crosland's B Company disengaged and began to withdraw
<ref>"The Argentine platoon, commanded by Lieutenant Estevez, which had fewer men than its British counterpart, entered the fray. Ahead of them was British Company B, advancing from the west. The lieutenant reached the first line and was able to block the enemy by penetrating to Boca Hill, from which, although wounded, he started calling his artillery's range. He thus succeeded in holding up the advance of the British paratroops, inflicting heavy casualties, as he covered the withdrawal of the 12th Infantry Regiment. Estevez fell, mortally wounded by enemy fire, but not before he had proved himself in combat. His dying order was to his squad leader, who continued to call the artillery's range. The position was being riddled by British fire, and the squad leader soon succumed to the withering hail. A private took up the position and soon joined his companions. But the heroic sacrifice of these brave men proved not to have been in vain. At 0930 hours, the enemy broke off the attack and began to withdraw." The History of the South Atlantic Conflict, Rubén Oscar Moro, pp. 259-260, Praeger, 1989</ref>

==Darwin Ridge==

By daylight, however, the British attack was held up by Second Lieutenant Ernesto Orlando Peluffo's 12th Regiment platoon on Darwin Hill, Second Lieutenant Guillermo Ricardo Aliaga's 8th Regiment platoon (3rd Platoon, C Company) on Boca Hill and the British Commanding Officer (CO), 42-year-old Lieutenant-Colonel "H" Jones, was killed trying to take out a machine-gun post on Darwin Ridge. During this fighting, the British fired over 1,000 81mm mortar rounds to suppress Argentinian defenders, otherwise British casualties would have been horrendous.

Major Chris Keeble (2 ic) was called up from the rear, and leaving A Company to slowly wrestle control of Darwin Hill and pulling B Company back to Middle Hill, ordered D Company to move round Boca Hill, advancing from the nearby beach. Support Company used MILAN anti-tank missiles to destroy these trenches. Approximately, 6 hours after the start of the fighting on Darwin Ridge, the last Argentinian defenders on Boca Hill surrendered. Company Sergeant-Major Colin Price of 'A' Company, who was interviewed by BBC war correspondent Robert Fox soon after the fall of Darwin Ridge, is reported to have said he "admired the way the enemy machine-gunners had fought".<ref>"Price of 'A' Company, who had come down from Darwin Hill to fetch ammunition. He confirmed that the colonel had been killed and I taped a short interview with him. He said he admired the way the enemy machine-gunners had fought." Eyewitness Falklands, Robert Fox, p. 180, Methuen, 1982</ref>

In the meantime, the Argentinians helicoptered in their first reinforcements from Mount Kent, and the Malvinas Military Air Base near Port Stanley, flew in support missions. The first air strike took place in the morning when a ''Grupo 3'' Pucara was hit, probably by a Blowpipe shoulder-launched SAM, but the aircraft limped back to Stanley airbase. The next sortie by two more Pucaras caught two Royal Marine Scouts on their way in to evacuate Lieutenant-Colonel Jones. Captain Jeff Niblett managed to evade them, but Lieutenant Richard Nunn was killed by cannon fire and crashed down near Camilla Creek House. One of the Pucaras was later found to have crashed into high ground returning to Stanley after chasing Sea King Helicopters near San Carlos.

For exemplary leadership, Majors Farrar-Hockley and Crosland each won the Military Cross. The Argentine forces had courageously held the ridge for over six hours against a numerically superior British force. Lieutenant Roberto Nestor Estévez who was mortally wounded directing artillery fire in the battle, would later receive the Heroic Valour Cross.

==Condor Military Air Base ( the "White Flag" incident)==

At 2.15 pm the final British attacks began. Elements of the 1st Anti Aircraft Group of the Argentinian Air Force tried to defend ''Condor'' Military Airbase, but withdrew under intense British mortar fire. However, as Major Hugh Jenner's C Company moved down the forward slope of Darwin Ridge, Second Lieutenant Claudio Cesar Braghini brought his 35 mm anti-aircraft guns into action and they did some damage, killing one paratrooper, wounding eleven and destroying Darwin Schoolhouse.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131029202548/http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Falklands/David/Goosegreen.htm Goose Green The Argentinian Story]</ref>

Still under fire, D and C Companies headed towards the Goose Green air base while B Company circled east to cut off Goose Green Settlement. During the attack, three Paratroopers were killed in an ambush involving ''Romeo'' platoon under Second Lieutenant Juan José Gómez Centurión (2nd Rifle Platoon, C Company, 25th Regiment).

According to Private Graham Carter from 12 Platoon, D Company, 2 PARA{{cquote|We found the first enemy position when one of the lads actually fell into a trench. There were weapons and ammo all covered in mud, just left there. They'd all bugged out, so we never saw anybody. After an hour or so, we began getting effective fire on us. We started taking cover when we heard rounds whistling around us .... we saw who was firing at us and fired back .... the section commander [Corporal Paul Sullivan] who was behind me, was hit in the knee and screamed out, and then took two more straight through the head and was killed. I got on the radio to bring up some reserves into the dead ground to the left - to go through the enemy position. When they arrived back, the sergeant sent me back to see if Paul could be helped. It was no use. He'd gone.<ref>The Scars of War, Hugh McManners, p. 125, HarperCollins, 1993</ref>}}

Private Carter led the dispersed paratroopers forward at bayonet point to clear the Argentinian positions, winning the [[Military Medal]] in the process. Second Lieutenant Gómez Centurión disengaged, and covered by Sergeant Sergio Ismael García<ref>"'C' Company sustained heavy losses and 'D' Company also saw some extremely fierce fighting, particularly No. 12 Platoon of 'D' Company, who managed to fight off an ambush before Private Graham Carter led the men forward at bayonet point to take the airfield. The RI 25 Platoon fled, and, single-handedly covered by Sergeant Sergio Ismael García, managed to escape." Paratroopers, RW Press</ref> and Private Víctor Álamo<ref>[https://www.lv16.com.ar/sg/nota/96681/a-35-anos-de-malvinas-hay-que-transmitirle-a-los-jovenes-que-la-guerra-no-es-el-camino-correcto-sino-el-dialogo A 35 años de Malvinas: "Hay que transmitirle a los jóvenes que la guerra no es el camino correcto, sino el diálogo" ]</ref>, managed to escape. García was posthumously awarded the [[Gallantry In Combat Medal]]<ref>"Desempeñándose como Encargado de Sección en un contraataque y al quedar fuera de servicio una ametralladora, se hizo cargo de ella, abriendo el fuego con eficacia, provocando la detención del avance enemigo en su sector. Posteriormente, al efectuar una maniobra para silenciar las armas pesadas enemigas que lo batían y próximo a alcanzar el objetivo, ofrendó su vida." Informe Oficial del Ejército Argentino, p. 56, Ejército Argentino, 1983</ref>while Álamo won the Argentinian Military Commendation Medal (Medalla al Merito Militar).

In the late afternoon, combat aircraft from both sides intervened, starting with two [[Argentinian Navy]] MB.339's and two IA.58 Pucaras which attacked D Company. One of the Navy jets was brought down by a Royal Marine shoulder-launched Blowpipe, and minutes later the Pucaras dropped napalm with one shot down by small arms fire. Then three Royal Air Force (RAF) Harrier GR.3's brought much needed relief by silencing the radar-guided 35mm anti-aircraft guns at Goose Green Point with cluster bombs and rockets.

The RAF Harriers had been misidentified by two patrolling Sea Harriers piloted by Lieutenant-Commander Nigel Ward and Flight Lieutenant Ian Mortimer of 801 Royal Navy Air Squadron (RNAS), and were very nearly shot down during their bombing run.

==Argentinian surrender==

The assault continued with some confused fighting and by last light the whole peninsula less the Goose Green Settlement was taken. With evening approaching and the Argentinians squeezed in towards Goose Green, Combat Team ''Solari'' (B Company, 12th Regiment) from Mount Kent arrived to the south via eight helicopters, while to the north, ''Juliet'' Company 42 Commando was flown in reinforce 2 PARA but too late to join in the fighting. Major Hugh Jenner's C Company brought down artillery fire on these enemy reinforcements and they sought refuge in Goose Green Settlement. The 12th Regiment platoon under 2d Lieutenant Carlos Francisco Tamini was dispersed and remained unaccounted for in the darkness.

Mindful of the possibility of being counterattacked, Major John Crosland decided to pull back B Company and go firm on high ground near Boca Hill. A fierce sniper battle ensued with 2d Lieutenant Orlando Lucero's 12th Regiment platoon, now dug in Goose Green Settlement's outskirt. There were some close calls, and Private John Burridge from 12 Platoon, D Company, was wounded and a Sea King helicopter was hit by machine-gun fire from Lucero's men.

Negotiations with the Argentinians produced their surrender the next day. The Argentinian troops had a short parade, burned their regimental flag and lay down their weapons. Around 50 Argentinians were killed and 140 wounded, with the ''The Official History of the Falklands Campaign'' reporting that 961 Argentinians were captured. The British Paratroopers at the time reported a much larger count of 250 Argentinians killed and 1,400 prisoners. British losses in 2 PARA were 15 killed and 64 wounded. A Sea Harrier pilot (Lieutenant Nick Taylor on 4 May), a Royal Engineer, a Scout pilot and a Gurkha (Lance-Corporal Budhaprasad Limbu) were also reported killed taking and clearing Goose Green.

==Aftermath==

The Battle of Darwin and Goose Green was a resounding British military victory against a resolute and well dug-in enemy. But many within the Task Force and 2 PARA itself, questioned the need to fight a strong enemy force, which could have been isolated and bypassed. It also came as a profound shock that a largely conscript Army could fight so professionally and doggedly.<ref>"Despite their defeat, the conscripts at Goose Green had shown themselves willing and able to resist fiercely from fortified positions. In this, the Argentinians, so many of whom were of Italian stock, were fighting in the Italian way, so reminiscent of World War II." Fight for the Falklands!, John Laffin, p. 143, Chivers Press, 1982</ref>The skill and bravery of the Argentinian Air Force had already been proven and recognized, but the Argentinian defense of Darwin and Goose Green was a salutary experience.<ref>"His men had fought a battle with insufficient combat support and had forced 2 Para to fight a long battle by night and day, longer than any other Argentine commander would do ... Piaggi confounded Jones's theory 'Hit them really hard and they will fold', but he was forced to resign his commission. For the second time during the week Argentine troops had stood their ground and it was only when resistance was seen to be futile that withdrawal and surrender were contemplated." Nine Battles to Stanley, Nick Van Der Bijl, Pen & Sword, 2018</ref>

The fighting showed that "H" Jones was a strict CO who had to have complete control over every aspect and demanded his company commanders to not stray from the battle plan. Major Neame was the only officer who commanded his company with flexibility and allowed initiative among his officers and NCOs, something which benefited his platoons greatly.<ref>To what extent does the Battle for Goose Green reveal command problems in the British army of the period?, James Wallis, University of Kent</ref>

History was not kind to Lieutenant-Colonel Piaggi. Because he surrendered on National Army Day he was forced to resign from the Argentinian Army. And his military competence was called into question. After a long fight in the military and civilian courts, Piaggi had his retired military rank and pension reinstated. He died in 2012.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:War]]
[[Category:Argentina]]
[[Category:British History]]
[[Category:1980s]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-12-02T19:55:44Z

Bearbrau: /* Human rights */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast who accused Boric of being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

On Thursday November 28th, the commander of Chilean Police Investigations ('Policía de Investigaciones de Chile' or PDI)―General Héctor Espinosa―rebuffed allegations of human rights abuses, explaining to reporters that ''"when a policeman is attacked and he fights back, this is not human rights violations"''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEX8nBYc0l0 Director de la PDI: "Cuando un policía es atacado y responde, no es violación a los DD.HH."]</ref>

General Espinosa and his driver had earlier witnessed the left-wing violence firsthand―on September 5th 2019―when the police vehicle they were traveling in suffered extensive exterior damage when pelted with rocks by protesters gathered in 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[https://www.theclinic.cl/2019/09/05/masivo-despliegue-policial-en-la-alameda-tras-ataque-a-comitiva-del-director-de-la-pdi/ Masivo despliegue policial en la Alameda tras ataque a comitiva del director de la PDI]</ref>

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22nd, a young shoe store owner (Fabián Andrés Gutiérrez) in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of a Peruvian migrant―48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-30T00:41:41Z

Bearbrau: /* Human rights */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast who accused Boric of being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

On Thursday November 28th, the commander of Chilean Police Investigations ('Policía de Investigaciones de Chile' or PDI)―General Héctor Espinosa―rebuffed allegations of human rights abuses, explaining to reporters that ''"when a policeman is attacked and he fights back, this is not human rights violations"''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEX8nBYc0l0 Director de la PDI: "Cuando un policía es atacado y responde, no es violación a los DD.HH."]</ref>

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22nd, a young shoe store owner (Fabián Andrés Gutiérrez) in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of a Peruvian migrant―48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-30T00:41:00Z

Bearbrau: /* Human rights */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast who accused Boric of being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

On Thursday November 28th, the commander of Chilean Police Investigations ('Policía de Investigaciones de Chile' or PDI)―General Héctor Espinosa―rebuffed allegations of human rights abuses, explaining to reporters that ''"when a policeman is attacked and he fights back, this is not human rights violations"''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEX8nBYc0l0 Director de la PDI: "Cuando un policía es atacado y responde, no es violación a los DD.HH."]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22nd, a young shoe store owner (Fabián Andrés Gutiérrez) in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of a Peruvian migrant―48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-29T21:27:34Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast who accused Boric of being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

On Thursday November 28th, the commander of Chilean Police Investigations ('Policía de Investigaciones de Chile' or PDI) Héctor Espinosa rebuffed allegations of human rights abuses, explaining to reporters that ''"when a policeman is attacked and he fights back, this is not human rights violations"''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEX8nBYc0l0 Director de la PDI: "Cuando un policía es atacado y responde, no es violación a los DD.HH."]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22nd, a young shoe store owner (Fabián Andrés Gutiérrez) in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of a Peruvian migrant―48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-29T21:24:56Z

Bearbrau: /* Human rights */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast, for being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

On Thursday November 28th, the commander of Chilean Police Investigations ('Policía de Investigaciones de Chile' or PDI) Héctor Espinosa rebuffed allegations of human rights abuses, explaining to reporters that ''"when a policeman is attacked and he fights back, this is not human rights violations"''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEX8nBYc0l0 Director de la PDI: "Cuando un policía es atacado y responde, no es violación a los DD.HH."]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22nd, a young shoe store owner (Fabián Andrés Gutiérrez) in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of a Peruvian migrant―48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-29T21:16:03Z

Bearbrau: /* Human rights */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast, for being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

On Thursday November 28th, the commander of Chilean Police Investigations ('Policía de Investigaciones de Chile' or PDI) Héctor Espinosa explained to reporters that ''"when a policeman is attacked and he fights back, this is not human rights violations"''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEX8nBYc0l0 Director de la PDI: "Cuando un policía es atacado y responde, no es violación a los DD.HH."]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22nd, a young shoe store owner (Fabián Andrés Gutiérrez) in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of a Peruvian migrant―48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-29T00:45:14Z

Bearbrau: /* Yellow Vests */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast, for being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22nd, a young shoe store owner (Fabián Andrés Gutiérrez) in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of a Peruvian migrant―48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-29T00:37:51Z

Bearbrau: /* Yellow Vests */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast, for being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22nd, a young shoe store owner in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed an innocent passerby in the form of 48-year-old Agustín Juan Coro Conde―a Peruvian migrant―after reportedly been surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the store.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGbuXtjUQdw Así informó la televisión chilena sobre muerte de ciudadano peruano]</ref>

On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-29T00:16:02Z

Bearbrau: /* Yellow Vests */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast, for being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On Tuesday October 22nd, a young shoe store owner in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, shot and killed Agustín Juan Coro Conde―a Peruvian migrant―after first firing a warning shot when surrounded by a 50-strong mob that had planned to ransack the premises.<ref>[http://lanacion.cl/2019/10/22/sujeto-que-saqueaba-se-encuentra-en-riesgo-vital-tras-ser-baleado-por-locatario-en-puente-alto/ Falleció hombre que fue baleado por locatario en Puente Alto]</ref>

On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-28T23:57:33Z

Bearbrau: /* Yellow Vests */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast, for being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris'―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-28T23:55:01Z

Bearbrau: /* Yellow Vests */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast, for being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local Yellow Vest resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

On Friday November 1st, a Yellow Vest in the form of 56-year-old Héctor Martínez Cuevas―nicknamed 'Chuck Norris―was killed bravely defending shops in the Franklin suburb of Santiago.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2019/11/01/pdi-investiga-ataque-que-dejo-un-trabajador-fallecido-en-el-barrio-franklin.shtml PDI investiga ataque que dejó un trabajador fallecido en el barrio Franklin ]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-27T22:59:18Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student protests in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast, for being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-27T22:46:31Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Lawmaker Gabriel Boric of the leftist 'Frente Amplio' was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 and 2012 demanding greater access to higher education, but very quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society. As the face of the student uprising in 2019, Boric came under attack from various well-known conservative figures, including José Antonio Kast, for being a political agitator.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-27T22:40:03Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students. This quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and violent confrontations with the police and army units.

President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. There have been incidents of looting, and arson attacks on supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm.

Community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters, and many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets. Styling themselves as 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests), many were armed with a variety of improvised weapons, including steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the [[Independent Democratic Union]] (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] blamed the Chilean [[Communist Party]] ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

Gabriel Boric was at the epicentre of the student rebellion in October which really began with student marches in 2011 demanding greater access to higher education, but quickly escalated into violent clashes with 'Carabineros' that shook the deeply conservative establishment to its core and permanently changed Chilean society.

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, [[José Antonio Kast]] head of the conservative [[Republican Party (Chile)|Republican Party]] ('Partido Republicano') in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref> Soros also financed the left-wing political party [[Democratic Revolution]] previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2016/10/03/revolucion-democratica-reconoce-aporte-de-fundacion-perteneciente-a-magnate-estadounidense.shtml|title=Revolución Democrática reconoce aporte de fundación perteneciente a magnate estadounidense|publisher=BiobíoChile.cl|date=October 3, 2016|language=es}}</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of [[Valparaíso]], Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the [[Independent Democrat Union|UDI]] or [[National Renewal]], people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-27T00:00:00Z

Bearbrau: /* Foreign interference */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians in the form of 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many Yellow Vests were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

In December 2018, it was reported that multi-billionare globalist [[George Soros]] was financing Chilean leftist movements that were aiming to make changes to the Constitution of Chile in order to reverse President Sebastian Piñera's decision to not sign the [[Global Compact for Migration]].<ref>[https://argentinatoday.org/2018/12/23/chile-george-soros-quiere-quitarle-el-poder-al-presidente-del-pais-para-que-no-pueda-oponerse-a-acuerdos-globales-del-nuevo-orden-mundial/ Chile : George Soros Quiere Quitarle el Poder al Presidente Del País Para Que no Pueda Oponerse a Acuerdos Globales del Nuevo Orden Mundial]</ref>

The leftist mobs in the current crisis have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-26T23:30:40Z

Bearbrau: /* Mob violence */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians in the form of 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many Yellow Vests were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

During the national strike on November 21st, protesters in northern Chile destroyed the 'San Pablo' hospital in the port city of Coquimbo while leftists in Santiago set ablaze the 'Arauco' shopping mall in the suburb of Quilicura.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-26T23:18:48Z

Bearbrau: /* Student involvement */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians in the form of 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many Yellow Vests were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

On November 22nd, high school students in a new coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, jumped turnstiles of the 'Metro' subway system and refused to pay bus fares throughout Santiago.<ref>[https://www.eldinamo.cl/nacional/2019/11/22/noche-violenta-en-chile-saqueos-y-hospital-quemado-en-coquimbo/ Jornada violenta en Chile: saqueos y hospital quemado en Coquimbo]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-26T23:12:56Z

Bearbrau: /* Anarchism */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians in the form of 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many Yellow Vests were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in several parts of Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-26T23:10:32Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians in the form of 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many Yellow Vests were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six large bottles of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-antofagasta/2019/11/26/3-detenidos-en-sede-pc-en-calama-advierten-porte-de-liquido-incendiario-y-dirigentes-acusan-montaje.shtml 3 detenidos en sede PC en Calama: advierten porte de líquido incendiario y dirigentes acusan montaje]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-26T22:47:50Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians in the form of 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many Yellow Vests were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six barrels of fire accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.diarioantofagasta.cl/regional/calama/111926/carabineros-detuvo-a-militantes-del-pc-desde-su-sede-partidaria-en-calama/ Carabineros detuvo a militantes del PC desde su sede partidaria en Calama]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-26T22:46:59Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians in the form of 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many Yellow Vests were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the '[[Paralelo 33]]' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

On November 26th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six barrels of fuel accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.diarioantofagasta.cl/regional/calama/111926/carabineros-detuvo-a-militantes-del-pc-desde-su-sede-partidaria-en-calama/ Carabineros detuvo a militantes del PC desde su sede partidaria en Calama]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Chilean Politics]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-26T21:56:53Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians in the form of 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many Yellow Vests were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party ('Partido Comunista de Chile' or PCCh) and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

On November 27th, Chilean police investigating reports of a burglary in the headquarters of the Communist Party in the city of Calama in northern Chile, discovered six barrels of fuel accelerants, rock projectiles and plastic face masks, arresting three PCCh members in the premises.<ref>[https://www.diarioantofagasta.cl/regional/calama/111926/carabineros-detuvo-a-militantes-del-pc-desde-su-sede-partidaria-en-calama/ Carabineros detuvo a militantes del PC desde su sede partidaria en Calama]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-25T00:44:26Z

Bearbrau:

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians in the form of 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend their local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many Yellow Vests were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-25T00:31:39Z

Bearbrau: /* Mob violence */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many ordinary civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian 'La Nación' TV crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-25T00:30:37Z

Bearbrau: /* Mob violence */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many ordinary civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several 'Carabineros' very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian ''La Nación'' tv crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-25T00:29:53Z

Bearbrau: /* Mob violence */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many ordinary civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly pelted with rocks; with several very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian ''La Nación'' tv crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-25T00:28:00Z

Bearbrau: /* Anarchism */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many ordinary civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked another church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly targeted; with several very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian ''La Nación'' tv crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-25T00:20:08Z

Bearbrau: /* Nationwide protests */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many ordinary civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and lead-singer and guitarist Claudio Valenzuela from the rock band Lucybell took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked a church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly targeted; with several very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian ''La Nación'' tv crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-25T00:07:57Z

Bearbrau: /* Media collusion */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many ordinary civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and rock star Claudio Valenzuela took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked a church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly targeted; with several very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian ''La Nación'' tv crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP78KLm-xb0 Abigail Hermo recibe ATAQUE en las PROTESTAS de CHILE - Telefe Noticias]</ref>The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-24T21:32:34Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many ordinary civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and rock star Claudio Valenzuela took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked a church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly targeted; with several very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian ''La Nación'' tv crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill―after first firing warning shots―that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets. The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]

2019 Chilean State of Emergency

2019-11-24T21:29:51Z

Bearbrau: /* Political agitators */

[[File:Barricada Santiago.jpg|350px|thumbnail|Barricades in [[Santiago]].]]
The '''2019 Chilean State of Emergency''' refers to unfolding civil protests and various acts of violence throughout [[Chile]] — led by [[socialists]] and [[communists]] — in response to a rise in the Chilean capital's 'Metro' subway fare, inequality, falling wages and the rising cost of education and healthcare.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33923-socialist-protests-paralyze-chile Socialist Protests Paralyze Chile]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33951-communist-war-on-chile Communist War on Chile]. ''The New American''. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.</ref> The protests began in Chile's capital, [[Santiago]], on Friday October 18th as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students which quickly led to the destruction of several subway stations in Santiago and open confrontations with the Chilean Police and Army. President [[Sebastián Piñera]] declared a state of emergency on October 19th, with curfews issued in several cities. The protests have several times turned violent, with open clashes with police and army units. Police have used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and anti-riot shotguns as a last resort. Looting has also taken place and supermarkets, petrol stations and the high-rise headquarters of a major energy firm were set on fire during October. During the riots, many civilians from the Santiago suburbs rushed to defend local supermarkets, after community leaders called for volunteers to guard against rioters. Many ordinary civilians were armed, with a variety of improvised weapons, steel pipes, baseball bats, and air rifles.<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>

==Student involvement==

The protests began as a student-led demonstration against transport fares. In early October, the government announced that the metro rush hour prices would rise by 0.30 pesos ($US 0.04). Outrage grew after the price increase, leading secondary school students to conduct a mass fare evasion by jumping over the subway turnstiles, and, in some instances, destroying them.

On Thursday November 7th, high school students from 'Liceo Confederación Suiza' in Santiago attempted to raid retail shops in the suburb of Barrio 10 de Julio but local business owners armed with makeshift clubs and machetes foiled the surprise attack that was captured on film.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-S2ohlbuE Locatarios enfrentan a manifestantes para proteger sus negocios]</ref>

On November 14th, disturbing video evidence emerged in the 'Paralelo 33' YouTube Channel showing elementary school students aged 5-10 chanting anti-Piñera slogans while being openly encouraged by their leftist teachers in a clear campaign of political indoctrination in the Chilean education system.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDzxrOGG5DY El rol de la educación en la crisis chilena]</ref>

==Nationwide protests==

The unrest reportedly began as a protest over a 4-cent increase in subway fares and soon transformed into a larger movement over growing inequality in one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries.

Tension had already been mounting in the main Chilean cities in the years leading up to the riots: the unemployment rate was about 7.2 percent, a drug epidemic was ravaging the cities, and gang activity, violent crime and lack of respect for authority were high in the working-class suburbs with 7,000 street protests taking place from January 1st 2016 till mid-June 2017 that often ended in violent clashes with Chilean riot police.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gt04jAVClE Dentro de las Fuerzas Especiales | 21 días]</ref>

On October 18th, left-wing politician Gabriel Boric Font and rock star Claudio Valenzuela took part in the anti-government protests at the 'Plaza Italia', and with TV cameramen capturing the event, both openly condemned the armed Chilean soldiers present that were keeping a watchful eye on the protesters.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/gabriel-boric-claudio-valenzuela-lucybell-video-militares-plaza-italia_20191019/ Diputado Gabriel Boric y Claudio Valenzuela de Lucybell encaran a militares: “¡Llevan armas de guerra!”]</ref>

On October 25th, over a million people took to the streets throughout Chile to protest against President Piñera, demanding his resignation.

Protests erupted again on October 28th despite President Piñera's decision to reshuffle his cabinet. On November 1st, about 1,000 women dressed in black, marched silently through Santiago's streets carrying flowers, calling for justice for the nearly two dozen people who had been killed in the unrest that had gripped Chile for two weeks.

==Anarchism==

During the night of October 18th, subway stations, supermarkets, and petrol stations were burned throughout Santiago, leading the president to call a state of emergency on Saturday October 19th. The [[New York Times]] reported:{{cquote|Around the city, flames and smoke mixed with tear gas and water cannon spray as armed forces mobilized on the streets for the first time in almost 30 years in a country that still shudders at the memory of military rule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/21/world/americas/21reuters-chile-protests-scenes.html Chile's Deadly Weekend of Fire as Youth Anger Ignites]</ref>}}

On Monday, October 20th, many supermarkets, shopping malls, and cinemas remained closed as the protests continued. Curfews were imposed for that night in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and the regions of Valparaíso, Biobío (including the regional capital, Concepción), and Coquimbo; as the curfew began in Santiago, many protesters remained on the street. Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick told reporters Monday that 110 supermarkets were looted and 13 buildings were set ablaze, including the head office of electricity firm 'Enel Chile'.

As rioting spread to other parts of the country, states of emergency were declared in the Valparaíso Region and Concepción Province. In an address to the nation that evening, President [[Sebastián Piñera]] announced the cancellation of the fare increase and the establishment of a dialogue panel, with representatives from across society, to discuss the underlying causes behind the unrest. Piñera also warned the country was ''"at war against a powerful enemy, who is willing to use violence without any limits"''.

Local authorities also announced the closure of schools on October 21st and 22nd in most suburbs of Santiago and across the province of Concepción. Television coverage of four MOWAG Piraña armored cars and supporting infantry from the 1st 'Buin' Regiment firing tear gas canisters repeatedly at roving looters in the affluent suburb of Las Condes was widely seen and controversial.

On October 23, violent protestors from 'Plaza Italia' under the cover of darkness set off to the 'Principado de Asturias' in the nearby suburb of Providencia and ransacked and destroyed great part of the hotel, after warning staff and foreign tourists to vacate the premises or perish in the resulting flames.<ref>[https://www.elpopular.pe/mundo/251690-chile-manifestantes-saquearon-destruyeron-conocido-hotel-video Manifestantes saquearon y destruyeron conocido hotel en Chile]</ref>

José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch in an interview acknowledged that:{{cquote|Prosecutors should also carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into serious crimes committed by demonstrators in recent days.
<ref>[Chile: Respect Rights in Protest Response]</ref>}}

On October 28th, frustrated protesters who had been dispersed from their attempts to march to the 'La Moneda' Presidential Palace, set fire and destroyed the nearby Restaurante La Piccola Italia just 700 metres from their intended target.<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/212453-chile-nuevos-saqueos-incendios-barricadas-y-enfrentamientos-20-muertos-internacionales.html Chile: Nuevos saqueos, incendios, barricadas y enfrentamientos]</ref>

On November 3rd, it was officially announced that the school year in Santiago had abruptly come to an end, for it was too dangerous for children of all ages to attend classes.<ref>[https://radio.uchile.cl/2019/11/03/santiago-decide-cerrar-ano-escolar-en-liceos-emblematicos-para-resguardar-a-estudiantes/ Santiago cierra año escolar en liceos emblemáticos para resguardar a estudiantes]</ref>

On November 4th, violent protesters in the city of Concepción set fire to the 'Caja de Compensación Los Andes' high rise building.
<ref>[https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciudad/2019/11/03/incendio-afecta-a-varios-pisos-del-edificio-de-caja-los-andes-en-concepcion.html Incendio destruyó oficinas del Servel en Edificio Los Andes de Concepción]</ref>

On November 6th, with the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal overlooking Providencia set ablaze, it was reported that firefighters in Santiago alone had battled 1,600 fires in the period of October 18th-November 1st and were reaching breaking point.<ref>[https://www.fmdos.cl/noticias/bomberos-entrega-alarmante-cifra-sobre-los-incendios-en-santiago/ Bomberos entrega alarmante cifra sobre los incendios en Santiago]</ref>

On November 9th, leftist protestors completely looted a Roman Catholic church―Parroquia de la Asunción―in the Chilean capital.<ref>Felix, Esteban; Vergara, Eva (November 9, 2019). [https://apnews.com/9bdf447abb634194a0229656309c70be Church looted by vandals as protests rage in Chile’s capital]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved November 9, 2019.</ref>In simultaneous attacks, protestors attacked the nearby Argentinian Embassy with rocks in a frustrated attempt to storm the building, set fire to the civil registry building in Providencia and completely destroyed with fire the Pedro de Valdivia University.<ref>[http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20191109/protestas-chile-incendian-edificio-historico-allanan-embajada-argentina-durante-protestas-chile/1989429.shtml Incendian un edificio histórico y allanan la embajada de Argentina durante las protestas en Chile]</ref>

On Monday 11th November, leftists protestors ransacked a church―Iglesia María Auxiliadora―in the City of Talca in the presence of the helpless firefighters from the nearby fire station.<ref>[https://www.maulee.cl/manifestantes-destruyen-imagenes-de-virgen-y-bancas-de-la-iglesia-maria-auxiliadora-en-talca/ Manifestantes destruyen imágenes de la virgen y bancas de la iglesia María Auxiliadora en Talca]</ref>

==Mob violence==
[[File:Flames in Santiago, Chile 2019.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Flames in 'Baquedano Square', Santiago, Chile 2019.]]
Protesters set fires, looted and destroyed liquor stores, grocery stores, retail shops, and fast-food restaurants. Security forces — both police and military — were clearly targeted; with several very nearly pulled out of their van and lynched in the suburb of Maipú on October 18th had it not been for the timely arrival of police reinforcements on foot that was captured on film.<ref>[http://www.resumenlatinoamericano.org/2019/10/25/chile-cientos-de-manifestantes-atacan-en-maipu-un-furgon-policial-y-vuelcan-toda-su-rabia-con-los-carabineros-por-su-accionar-brutal-de-estos-dias/ Chile. Cientos de manifestantes atacan en Maipú un furgón policial y vuelcan toda su rabia contra los Carabineros por su accionar brutal de estos días]</ref>

On October 21st, the Argentinian ''La Nación'' tv crew covering events in Santiago was set upon by violent thugs, smashing and stealing equipment with cameraman Fabio Soria receiving a deep head wound that required hospitalization.<ref>[https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ataque-periodistas-manifestacion-consulado-chile-buenos-aires_0_IsLuI5QV.html Cómo fue el violento ataque a los periodistas durante la manifestación en el Consulado de Chile en Buenos Aires]</ref>

On October 31st, 947 carabiniers from Chile's 60,000-strong Police force were reported wounded or injured in clashes involving violent protesters―armed with rocks, petrol bombs and explosive slingshot rounds―since the start of the national emergency and resulting acts of largely leftist violence.<ref>[https://ciperchile.cl/2019/10/31/carabineros-informa-que-947-efectivos-han-sido-heridos-y-no-entrega-detalles-de-las-lesiones-de-786-de-ellos/ Carabineros informa 947 efectivos heridos sin entregar detalles de las lesiones de 786 ]</ref>

On November 4th, two young policewomen―Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, aged 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, aged 20―suffered severe burns when hit by molotov cocktails launched by supposedly peaceful protesters gathered around 'Plaza Italia'.<ref>[http://web.observador.cl/video-funcionarias-de-ffee-de-carabineros-recibieron-bomba-molotov-en-pleno-rostro/ Funcionarias de FFEE de Carabineros recibieron bomba molotov en pleno rostro]</ref>

On November 6th, political commentator Fernando Villegas Darrouy informed listeners that Chilean police were fighting a losing battle, unable to draw their batons or even fire warning shots into the air for fear of being accused in the leftist media of using excessive force.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqY10Iv7No4 No hay fuerzas del orden | E297]</ref>

That day, violent protesters from 'Plaza Italia' marched to the head office of the Independent Democratic Union (''Unión Demócrata Independiente'' or UDI) in the suburb of Providencia and proceeded to ransack the place, destroying several computers in the process.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/manifestantes-atacaron-sede-de-la-udi-en-providencia/2019-11-06/170336.html Manifestantes atacaron sede de la UDI en Providencia]</ref>

On Wednesday 13th November, terrifying footage emerged of a large crowd from 'Plaza Italia' completely surrounding a police patrol van in an attempt to lynch the six 'carabineros' (including a female policewoman) trapped inside, but the driver was miraculously able to maintain himself calm and reverse his vehicle and force open a path through the frenzied mob.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/11/13/el-impresionante-ataque-masivo-contra-un-camion-de-carabineros-en-santiago-de-chile-filmado-desde-adentro/ El impresionante ataque masivo contra un camión de carabineros en Santiago de Chile, filmado desde adentro]</ref>

==Political agitators==

On October 22nd, veteran journalist Hermógenes Pérez de Arce blamed the Chilean Communist Party and her political allies for the initial wave of destruction, pointing out that as a young teenager he witnessed the 'Revolución de la Chaucha' unfold when 50,000 protesters angry over the rise in bus fares had ransacked downtown Santiago and completely overwhelmed police in running street battles from June 16th-17th 1949 before the intervention of the Chilean Army with orders to shoot-to-kill that finally stamped out the leftist violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sMSNeq29g No hay tal crisis social / Comentarios de Hermogenes]</ref><ref>[https://www.guioteca.com/mitos-y-enigmas/la-violenta-revolucion-de-la-chaucha-cuando-santiago-fue-un-campo-de-batalla-por-alza-en-el-transporte-publico/ La violenta “revolución de la chaucha”: Cuando Santiago fue un campo de batalla por alza en el transporte público]</ref>Pérez de Arce witnessed a repeat of the communist tactics during the 'Batalla de Santiago' in early April 1957 when protesters again went on a rampage over a rise in bus fares in the Chilean capital, targeting shops, buses, civilian cars and policemen before the intervention of army reinforcements under General general Horacio Gamboa with orders to shoot-to-kill after first firing warning shots into the crowds that quickly restored order in Santiago and elsewhere.<ref>[https://interferencia.cl/articulos/historiador-experto-la-huelga-de-la-chaucha-reflejo-muy-bien-el-agotamiento-de-los Historiador experto: “La 'Huelga de la chaucha' reflejó muy bien el agotamiento de los santiaguinos”]</ref>

==Media collusion==

On Wednesday November 13th, José Antonio Kast head of the conservative 'Acción Republicana' (Republican Action) political party in Chile―in an interview with the 'Tele 13' radio station―criticized the Piñera administration for not countering the negative international coverage of the police crackdown on the protesters and condemnation on the part of the various human rights groups of the of the police tactics, with video evidence of the widespread destruction of the Santiago subway 'Metro' network and Kast also explained that protesters had been firing dumdum rounds from slingshots and many 'violentistas' (thugs) had consequently been blinded in the defensive barrage from carabiniers firing rubber bullets and―as a last resort―shotgun pellets into the angry crowds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4FgpXfFKU José Antonio Kast Tele13Radio - 13 noviembre 2019]</ref>.

The Argentinian 'Telefe' TV team under journalist [[Abigail Hermo]] that extensively covered without restriction the protests in Santiago during October, openly sided with the anti-Piñera multitude gathered around 'Plaza Italia' and repeatedly condemned the presence of carabiniers and soldiers in the streets. The 'Telefe' crew under journalist Mariano García dispatched to Bolivia to cover the overthrow of President Evo Morales in November also sided with the leftist protesters but were soon called out by Roxana Lizárraga, the Minister of Communications, and threatened with incarceration and abandoned the country in haste after being labelled "seditious" and "pseudojournalists".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSA5YRQvdQ EVACUARON a PERIODISTAS ARGENTINOS en BOLIVIA - Telefe Noticias]</ref>

==Foreign interference==

The leftist mobs have been supported by the international leftist movement in the form of the [[Sao Paulo Forum]], the [[Puebla Group]] and [[Nicolás Maduro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/10/20/nicolas-maduro-respondio-las-acusaciones-de-alentar-las-protestas-en-ecuador-y-chile-foro-de-sao-paulo-estamos-cumpliendo-el-plan-ustedes-me-entienden/|title=Nicolás Maduro habló sobre las acusaciones de alentar las protestas en Ecuador y Chile: “Foro de San Pablo, estamos cumpliendo el plan, ustedes me entienden...”|language=es|date=October 20 2019|publisher=Infobae}}</ref>

On November 8th, Danny Ramírez, a leading figure from the Venezuelan opposition living in exile in Chile―in an interview with Gonzalo de la Carrera from 'Radio Agricultura'―blamed Cuban intelligence officers for the mayhem in Chile.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lYpfwEwaY DIRECTO AL GRANO JUNTO A GONZALO DE LA CARRERA]</ref>

On November 10th, it was reported in [[The New American]] that foreign agents operating from the Cuban Embassy in Santiago were indeed fomenting the violent protests and the resulting national instability.<ref>Gomez, Christian (November 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/33997-dgi-defector-cuban-intelligence-behind-chile-protests DGI Defector: Cuban Intelligence Behind Chile Protests]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 10, 2019.</ref>

==Police/Military mobilization==

Chile's 60,000-strong carabinier (Police) force were fully mobilized with officers on 16 hour shifts (with a 4-hour break in between) with convoy patrols, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and reinforcements from the Anfofogasta based 1st (Desert) Army Infantry Division, the local Santiago Army Garrison and Marines from Carriel Sur in northern Chile.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/21/noticia-gobierno-chile-decreta-estado-emergencia-violencia-saqueos.html Chile despliega soldados y policías tras decretar el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>

On the seventh day, 2,000 soldiers of the 21st 'Miller' and 31st 'Aldea' Marine Infantry Battalions and 1,500 Marines of the 41st 'Hurtado' Combat Support and 51st 'Olave' Logistic Support Battalions arrived to reinforce the police and army forces already in the coastal cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Talcahuano.<ref>[https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/10/25/noticia-infanteria-marina-chile-despliega-estado-emergencia.html La Infantería de Marina de Chile despliega sus Kia ante el Estado de Emergencia]</ref>It was the first significant amphibious operation by the Chilean Marine Corps since the mopping-up operations conducted in Viña del Mar during the 1973 military coup that removed Marxist President Salvador Allende from power.

In an interview with 'Tele 13' (T13) on October 29th, General Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova, commander of the Chilean Police revealed that over 800 carabiniers had sustained serious wounds/injuries maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests with 140 police officers badly wounded or injured in the violence.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriwQwdmCgI Director de Carabineros: “Nos quieren criminalizar por cumplir un mandato constitucional”]</ref>

On 30th October, T13 in a follow-up report claimed that 919 carabiniers had been wounded/injured and interviewed several male and female police officers―from their hospital beds―that had been seriously wounded or injured in the clashes with the violent protesters armed with rocks, petrol bombs and dumdum bullets fired from slingshots.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHGo7UabRQ Registran 919 Carabineros heridos en la última semana]</ref>

==Human rights==

Amnesty International was reported to be monitoring very closely the actions of the Chilean authorities since they declared a state of emergency and urged the government to listen to the population’s grievances and take practical measures in response. The organization was reported to have sent an open letter to President Sebastián Piñera on October 20th.
''“Instead of likening the demonstrations to a ‘state of war’ and calling protestors enemies of the State, stigmatizing them in a generalized way in an attempt to justify abuses against them, President Piñera’s government should listen to them and give a serious response to their legitimate grievances”'', said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

On October 30th, Jorge Ortiz Silva―a former Marxist guerrilla in the Revolutionary Left Movement and current chief of finance officer of the National Human Rights Institute―was caught feigning serious injury in a staged attack, which the mainstream media had earlier wrongly reported to have been a deliberate attack with anti-riot shotgun pellets on the INDH official that was supposedly shot in the leg despite wearing the corresponding NGO uniform that included an orange vest and yellow helmet.<ref>[https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2019/10/30/tongo-no-secuencia-de-videos-demuestran-heridas-de-balines-a-observador-del-indh.shtml ¿Tongo? No. Secuencia de videos demuestran heridas de balines a observador del INDH ]</ref>

On November 10th, Brent McDonald from the [[New York Times]] uploaded a video in which he interviewed several protesters that had lost an eye to rubber bullets or anti-riot shotgun pellets in the nationwide protests.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000006795557/chile-protesters-shot-eye.html ‘It’s Mutilation’: The Police in Chile Are Blinding Protesters]</ref>.

That day, Mario Alberto Rozas-Córdova as commander of the Chilean police explained to reporters that anti-riot shotguns were only used as a last resort when his carabiniers were facing "imminent danger" from individuals that were "vandals and deliquents".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rUPqWdTlg Carabineros ordena uso "acotado" de escopetas antimotines en manifestaciones]</ref>.

==Yellow Vests==
[[File:Yellow Vest Chile 2019.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yellow Vests in the form of civilians defending private property.]]
On October 23rd, neighbours in the Maipú suburb of Santiago rallied in defence of their local supermarket, beating up with improvised clubs the fleeing rioters that had largely ransacked the place before the arrival of police and reinforcements in the form of local 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests).<ref>[https://www.24horas.cl/nacional/vecinos-expulsan-a-palos-y-patadas-a-saqueadores-en-supermercado-en-maipu-3679320 Vecinos expulsan a palos y patadas a saqueadores en supermercado en Maipú]</ref>.

On October 29th, shop owners and neighbours wearing yellow vests in Quillota in central Chile were forced to arm themselves with baseball bats after violent protesters had burnt down great part of the popular 'Feria Modelo del Parque Aconcagua' and nearby branch of 'Banco Scotiabank'.<ref>[https://www.puranoticia.cl/noticias/regiones/quillota-bajo-ataque-vandalos-saquearon-quemaron-y-destruyeron-varios/2019-10-29/074814.html Quillota bajo ataque: vándalos saquearon, quemaron y destruyeron varios locales comerciales]</ref>

On Tuesday 5th November, the Yellow Vests in Reñaca and Concón―both major tourist attractions for their local beaches and night life―rallied to defend their seaside towns with improvised weapons, turning back a large mob marching in their direction from nearby Viña del Mar.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/chalecos-amarillos-golpe-bate-renaca_20191105/ “Chalecos amarillos” se enfrentan con manifestantes en Reñaca: Hubo una agresión con un bate]</ref>

On Sunday 10th November, the so-called "peaceful protestors" returned and ransacked several business in Reñaca, set ablaze the popular 'Restaurante Mastrantonio' and throw stones at the windows of the private high rise apartments that overlook the local beaches.<ref>[https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/manifestaciones/severos-incidentes-se-registraron-en-renaca-tras-manifestacion-en-la/2019-11-10/212123.html Severos incidentes se registraron en Reñaca tras manifestación en la playa]</ref>

The next day, a local 'Yellow Vest' resident in the form of John Cobin from the United States, was arrested for having fired warning shots and wounding a protestor in the leg in an attempt to disperse the violent mob that had taken over the streets of Reñaca the previous day.<ref>[http://www.elpais.cr/2019/11/11/justicia-chilena-apresa-a-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-que-intento-matar-a-un-manifestante/Justicia chilena apresa a un ciudadano estadounidense que intentó matar a un manifestante]</ref>

==Deaths and arrests==

On October 24th, the Chilean government reported that 18 people had been killed during the demonstrations, the night curfews and various acts of arson. According to the National Human Rights Institute (''Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos'' or INDH), five of these fatalities were at the hands of the security forces, the remainder largely victims of arson. The INDH has also reported that some 2,600 people have been detained and 584 injured, 245 of them by firearms.

The next day, the elite police drug squad from the 'Departamento O.S.7 Drogas y Estupefacientes' in a warning of things to come, conducted 12 televised dawn raids in the suburbs of Peñalolén, La Florida, El Bosque, San Bernardo and Puente Alto in Santiago, arresting 7 citizens that were caught in security footage taking part in the first week of looting.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cONYak4r8_w Carabineros identifica a algunos de los involucrados en saqueos por sus vehículos]</ref>

On October 29th, Professor Roberto Campos-Weiss from the 'Universidad del Desarrollo' (UDD) became the first citizen formally charged with taking part in the destruction of the Santiago subway network, after video evidence emerged showing him taking part in the destruction of the turnstiles of the San Joaquín Train Station.<ref>[https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/profesor-suspendido-universidad-del-desarrollo-formalizado-destrozos-metro_20191031/ Profesor es suspendido por la Universidad del Desarrollo tras ser formalizado por destrozos a estación de Metro]</ref>

On October 30th, 42 televised police raids were conducted in the Santiago suburbs of Quilicura, Talagante, Maipú and Conchalí resulting in the arrest of 7 people caught in possession of stolen goods.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzrCfILZGs Saqueadores podrían perder autos incautados]</ref>In all, 71 citizens that had taken part in the initial wave of destruction throughout Chile were reported to have been finally apprehended in the police crackdown that day.<ref>[https://www.mega.cl/noticias/nacional/280704-carabineros-saqueos-detenidos-carabineros-balance.html Carabineros reporta 71 detenidos por saqueos en 11 comunas del país]</ref>

On November 13th, the Chilean government reported that 833 civilians and 1,232 carabiniers and soldiers had been wounded in the nationwide violence.<ref>[https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2019/11/13/nota/7601531/cidh-preocupada-ataques-oculares-protestas-chile CIDH preocupada por ataques oculares en protestas en Chile]</ref>

That day, it was reported that Judge Graciel Muñoz from the 12th Court in Santiago had granted permission for Gabriel Boric, Diego Ibáñez, Gael Yeomans and Gonzalo Winter from the 'Frente Amplio' (Broad Front) left-wing political coalition―in a clear show of solidarity with criminals―to visit Professor Campos-Weiss in the maximum security prison housing him.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/diputados-boric-ibanez-yeomans-y-winter-visitaran-en-la-cas-a-profesor-imputado-por-destrozos-en-el-metro/899212/ Diputados Boric, Ibáñez, Yeomans y Winter son autorizados para visitar en la cárcel a profesor imputado por destrozos en el Metro]</ref>

==Economic fallout==

The Metro subway damage/destruction sustained is estimated to be at least $US 300 million.<ref>[https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/20/los-danos-en-el-metro-de-santiago-de-chile-superan-los-usd-300-millones-y-la-recuperacion-demorara-varios-meses/ Los daños en el Metro de Santiago de Chile superan los USD 300 millones y la recuperación demorará varios meses]</ref>

On November 18th, the [[Financial Post]] reported that the nationwide protests had left at least 23 dead, 2,365 civilians hospitalized and as many as 14,000 arrested with the finance minister estimating the damage to be $US 3 billion.<ref>[https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/with-stores-burned-and-looted-walmart-seeks-police-protection-in-riot-hit-chile With stores burned and looted, Walmart seeks police protection in riot-hit Chile]</ref>

==Social reform==

Santiago City Mayors responded in various ways, including forming vigilante groups such as the 'Chalecos Amarillos' (Yellow Vests) and with richer suburbs increasing efforts to build collaborative links with the working class suburbs through initiatives like the Las Condes-La Pintana Association.<ref>[https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/municipalidad-las-condes-dona-mil-millones-pesos-al-municipio-la-pintana/876620/ Municipalidad de Las Condes dona mil millones pesos al municipio de La Pintana]</ref>

On October 22nd, President [[Sebastián Piñera]], a billionaire conservative who has been criticized for his timid response to the violence, promised to increase the basic pension by 20% and the minimum wage from $US 413 to $US 482. He also pledged tax rises on high-income earners, a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment, affordable over-the-counter medicine and the cancellation of a planned electricity rate hike.

However, emboldened protesters rejected President Piñera's political concessions as major demonstrations continued across the country demanding greater equality and constitutional changes.

On November 14th, President Piñera conceded more ground to leftist politicians and militants on the streets—the offer to rewrite the Chile’s constitution. In a desperate move by the president to control the riots; he announced that a national plebiscite would be held in April 2020 to determine whether Chileans want a new constitution.

[[Johannes Kaiser]], a popular conservative political commentator criticized the policy of appeasement on the part of the Piñera administration:{{cquote|How does it feel to be a member of parliament, senator or deputy of the UDI or National Renovation, people that won 54 percent of the votes and realize you have all been fooled like toddlers?, and finally understand that we the people of Chile realize your worth, Zero, Nothing, a completely useless lot, all the millions you claimed you were worth, you do not deserve 1 peso of those earnings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_BM4b9mF4 Desde la Moneda: la rendición condicional]</ref>}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Chilean History]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]