Police Use Pepper Spray Against Protesting Supporters of Human Rights Activist in Santiago

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Chilean police used pepper spray and tear gas against peaceful protesters in Santiago who were showing support for Josue Maureira, a young man who claimed he was sexually assaulted by the police, a correspondent reported.

The protesters were sprayed by officers at a rally late Tuesday.

Maureira was detained on 21 October during the ongoing protests in Santiago for allegedly assaulting police officers. During his detention, the Maureira says he was beaten and sexually assaulted with a police baton. He is now suing the city for violating his human rights.

Demonstrators wave a Mapuche flag during a protest against Chile's state economic model in Santiago, Chile October 26, 2019

© REUTERS / HENRY ROMERO

On Monday, nationwide protests renewed despite the fact that Chilean President Sebastian Pinera replaced key ministers, including the interior and finance ministers. In Santiago, protesters burned down a shopping mall, prompting the evacuation of a nearby hotel.

Chile has been mired in protests since 6 October, when the authorities increased subway fares. What started as peaceful public demonstrations have turned into wider discontent with social policies and violent clashes with law enforcement agencies. At least 20 people have been killed as a result of the unrest, Pinera's office said on Tuesday.