“The eruption of violence and protests in Chile during the last weeks has shown that the political and economic system continues to suffocate freedom and deny and reject demands for equality and social justice”, Liberal International vice president and chairperson of the LI human rights committee, Astrid Thors, has said.

The eruption of violence and protests in Chile during the last weeks has shown that the political and economic system continues to suffocate freedom and deny and reject demands for equality and social justice. The concentration of wealth is also enormous and the distance between decision makers and the people seems to be very wide.

Many questions around the demonstrations and the recent violent acts remain unanswered. In the immediate future we need an independent investigation into the methods recently used by the authorities, as credible reports say that security forces used excessive force. Over 4,000 persons have been taken into detention, dozens have died and many have been injured, both civilians and servicemen.

In the longer term the country needs determined action against the concentration of power, both political and economic. An improvement of checks and balances in the governance of the country is urgent. The authorities must also act in accordance with international human rights standards and respect the right to peaceful demonstrations.