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(CNN Spanish) - This Friday, in the context of International Workers' Day, a demonstration was held in Plaza Italia in Santiago, Chile. After the actions of the police that aimed to disperse the protest by the current sanitary norm that prohibits meetings of more than 50 people, 57 people were arrested, including protesters and journalists. Among those detained was one who tested positive for covid-19.
As reported by the Carabineros de Chile, when they saw that more people than the allowed number gathered, they warned over the loudspeaker that they would be forced to act if they did not desist. The demonstration continued and the Chilean police proceeded with the arrest of these people. After conducting identity checks, police officials reported that there was a man with a coronavirus who was to be in isolation until May 9.
- These are some images of the events:
https://cnnespanol2.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/16067100-atl-1.mp4
"The protocol was carried out, the health authority was called and the person was transferred to a sanitary residence," said General Enrique Bassaletti, head of the Eastern Metropolitan Area of Santiago.
Among the detainees there were also press teams, who assured that they carried all the corresponding accreditations and the preferential pass that allows them to work during the pandemic.
"The incident that involved journalists was framed in this logic, where we understand - and always know that we have been careful to let the media do their job - that there are times when this is difficult" Bassaletti explained at a post-event press conference. The official said that the journalists were taken to a police station where their credentials were checked and then released.
“We regret that the function of the media is obstructed, but we must also understand that these are special circumstances. We do not have the objective of inhibiting or restricting what their function is, but we also fulfill another, and we are mandated to be able to do it ”, concluded the police authority.
covid-19 protest
