For many Chileans, U.S. demonstrations spark reminders of impassioned Chile protests

[Judi Lynn]

People are sprayed with water by authorities during protests against the government of Sebastián Piñera in Santiago, Chile, on Oct. 30, 2019.(Alberto Valdes / EPA-EFE/REX)

By JORGE POBLETE, PATRICK J. MCDONNELL
JUNE 15, 20204 AM

SANTIAGO, CHILE —
Tens of thousands took to the streets demanding justice and were met by heavily armed police and soldiers, with images of blood-spattered protesters going viral.

“I can’t see!” emerged as a slogan among demonstrators, who said police targeted their eyes with tear-gas projectiles and rubber bullets.

The images are similar to some that have played out in recent weeks across the United States following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police.

But this unrest occurred last year in Chile, where many here see parallels between the ongoing U.S. turmoil and months of civil disturbance that largely paralyzed the South American nation of 19 million.

The Chilean movement also went global, generating solidarity actions abroad backing expanded democracy and indigenous empowerment and denouncing violence against women.

“It all felt too familiar,” said Juan Pablo Cortés, 42, who is among many here likening the U.S. and Chilean scenarios. “We were in the midst of a similar uprising like the one in the United States when the pandemic outbreak put everything on hold.”

More:
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-06-15/parallels-2019-chile-protests-and-george-floyd-demonstrations