Thousands of students protest for educational reforms in Chile

[News_Editor]

Thousands of students protest for educational reforms in Chile

2011-08-05 15:49:00 GMT+7 (ICT)

SANTIAGO (BNO NEWS) – Thousands of Chilean students protested across the country on Thursday morning to demand educational reforms, Chilean media reported on Friday.

Students, teachers and other education workers have participated in massive demonstrations in the last several weeks for more government funding and a fundamental change in the educational system.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter and other Chilean authorities had earlier warned that Thursday's marches were considered illegal and would be met with force. The students, who demand major changes to Chile's underfunded and unequal public education system, marched anyway.

Police tried to prevent the march's advance which resulted in clashes between police officers and students, resulting in 197 arrests for alleged public disorder, illegal possession of weapons, and possession of explosive devices. At least eight officers were injured in various incidents.

Government spokesperson Andrés Chadwick said he regret the clashes but said there had been no major incidents. He also reiterated police duty to safeguard security and order. "It's clear that the government will enforce the law and will protect public order," he said.

Chilean Senator Alejandro Navarro condemned the government for attempting to ban the demonstrations, saying it violates students' freedom of speech and right to assembly.

Chilean students have been protesting for the past several weeks to demand an end to privatized education in Chile and ask for a government that can guarantee full access, quality and funding of public education in all its levels.

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