Protesters clash with police in Chile on 53rd anniversary of 1973 coup

Santiago, Chile – Demonstrations erupted across the capital and several regional cities on Saturday as Chile marked the 53rd anniversary of the 1973 military coup that ousted President Salvador Allende. Protesters gathered near the Plaza de la Constitución and other historic sites, chanting for justice and the release of political prisoners, while police deployed riot units to disperse the crowds. Video footage and eyewitness accounts confirmed clashes between demonstrators and law‑enforcement officers, with tear gas and batons used to quell the unrest.

Authorities reported dozens of arrests and a handful of injuries among both protesters and police, though exact figures remain to be confirmed. The anniversary has historically been a flashpoint for renewed calls to address the legacy of the Pinochet regime, and the latest protests coincide with broader social movements demanding deeper reforms and accountability for past human‑rights violations. Government spokespersons emphasized that security forces will continue to enforce public order while respecting citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.