Underground System

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a state of emergency, in the Chilean capital, Santiago, which triggered protests by increased U-Bahn-ticket-prices majeure was declared active.

protesters - Many of them students - jumped turnstiles, attacked several U-Bahn stations, caught fire and blocked the traffic, leaving major damage throughout The City and thousands of commuters without transport.

TV pictures showed demonstrators throwing stones, attacking police vehicles and burning at least a bus. Anti-riot police used tear gas and batons against some protesters who have been demonstrating for days against the increase.

the unrest, The power divisions in the country, Latin America 's richest, but also one of his greatest inequalities. There were increasing complaints about the cost of living, especially in Santiago, a city of about six million People - and calls for economic reforms.

Speaking On Television , President Sebastián Piñera said the goal of The State of emergency was to "secure the public order and the safety of public and Private Property ". The measure enables the authorities to the People to restrict the freedom of movement and their right to freedom of Assembly.

He also said the government would "call for a Dialogue . to alleviate The Suffering of those affected by the increase in tariffs".

the government raised Earlier this month, rates $1. 17 (£0. To accuse 90) for travel during peak times, higher energy costs and a weaker peso.

Speaking of Radio Agricultural former President Piñera said: "It is one thing and to commit another, the vandalism that we have observed. This is not a protest, it is crime. "

It was not immediately clear how Many People were arrested or injured. Despite the protests, the authorities said they would not turn around to increase the fare.

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The Chilean government condemned what he described as "acts of violence and vandalism" that were "carried out by organized groups", and called on The State security law imposed tougher penalties for the guilty to public order.

The protests continued After Nightfall , with People clanking pots and pans and blocking traffic.

energy company Enel Chile , said vandals had set fire to his high-rise headquarters in the centre of Santiago. He said the workers were evacuated and no one was hurt.

After Friday's protests, subway authorities said, all of the lines would remain closed for at least Two Days due to the heavy destruction, which made it impossible for the operation of The System . The damages were estimated at $ 700,000, including broken surveillance cameras, and other devices.

Santiago metro is a system-as one of Latin America 's most modern, with 140 km (86 miles) of track and 136 stations.

santiago, sebastian pinera, chile, transport, chile protests

Source of news: bbc.com