Santiago de Chile: Three people killed in violent protests

In violent protests in Chile, three people have lost their lives. They died according to authorities in a burning supermarket in the capital Santiago de Chile, which was looted during the night of Sunday. Two people were killed instantly, a third victim had succumbed to his severe injuries in hospital, said Mayor Karla Rubilar before journalists.

The protests in Chile were triggered by an increase in ticket prices for public transport. After first clashes on Friday, there were also violent clashes between protesters and the police on Saturday.

Martin BERNETTI / AFP

Soldiers and demonstrators in Chile's capital Santiago: The president had declared a state of emergency

Thousands of Chileans first moved peacefully through Santiago and other cities - also to vent their anger over economic and social problems and the great gap between rich and poor. Later there were clashes, among others, in front of the presidential palace in Santiago.

After demonstrators had already devastated numerous subway stations in the seven-million-inhabitant metropolis on Friday, they also lit buses on Saturday. The bus traffic was discontinued. In the port city of Valparaíso, protesters set fire to the headquarters of the newspaper "El Mercurio".

Chilean Presidency / AFP

Chile's head of state Sebasitán Piñera: "I have heard the voice of my fellow citizens"

In response to the protests, President Sebastián Piñera suspended the fare increase. "I've heard the voice of my fellow citizens," he said at a speech on Saturday night. Previously, Piñera had declared a state of emergency.

These were the heaviest riots in Chile for years, considered one of the most stable countries in Latin America. Chile has the highest per capita income in the region. Economic growth is estimated at 2.5 percent this year, and inflation is only two percent. However, with rising health and living costs, lower pensions and social inequality, frustration is high.