Two churches were torched in Santiago, Chile as tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered Sunday to mark the anniversary of a protest movement that broke out last year with atleast 30 were killed - demanding greater equality in Chile.
It started off a peaceful protest, but it turned violent as groups set fire to two churches, managing to burn down the Iglesia de la Asuncion in Santiago, as witnessed by local journalist and shared on Twitter.
Absolute chaos in Santiago - the church spire has come down in flames pic.twitter.com/FZHmrVCquy
— John Bartlett (@jwbartlett92) October 18, 2020
Videos flooded out on social media showing crowds gathered around the church while smoke billowed from the roof.
🔴 Manifestantes queman iglesia “Parroquia de la Asunción” ubicada en Vicuña Mackenna con Barón Pierre de Coubertin. #18-O pic.twitter.com/x8N2etEBVc
— Atentos Chile (@tentos) October 18, 2020
The government deployed 400,000 police officers throughout the country, with the expectation that protests would take place in other cities too.
The atmosphere was generally one of high spirits, with protesters hitting pots and pans and playing music.
"It's beautiful, something good and positive … we have to be united, the people of Chile have to unite and we have to believe that we can do things," 43-year-old Viviana Donoso told AFP, while drums played constantly in the center of the square.
"The people of Chile need to unite, and we have to believe that we can do things."
Some even turned up to the demonstration in fancy dress.
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