Fishermen in Chile protested for greater fishing quotas, leading to violent clashes with police in Valparaíso and other regions. Police used tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests. Protesters blocked highways and called for urgent passage of proposed legislation enhancing their catch rights.
On Wednesday, clashes erupted in Chile between police and fishermen advocating for increased fishing quotas. Law enforcement utilized tear gas and water cannons to manage the unrest, which resulted in injuries to at least 15 officers and one protester. The confrontation was particularly intense in Valparaíso, Coquimbo, and Maule regions, leading to significant property damage and multiple arrests.
In Valparaíso, General Patricia Vasquez reported that seven officers were injured, including one with serious head injuries who was hospitalized. Protesters escalated tensions by creating barricades with burning tires and throwing projectiles, leading to the deployment of tear gas and water cannon by police forces.
The clashes extended to the Maule region, where eight officers sustained injuries, and five protesters were apprehended. Demonstrators vandalized a police vehicle during the conflicts, illustrating the violence that characterized the protests.
North in Coquimbo, fishermen rallied for legislative support for a bill aimed at increasing artisanal fishing rights. Protesters blocked the Pan-American Highway with tires ablaze, pressuring Congress to expedite the bill’s approval, which they believe will provide them with a more substantial share of the catch, specifically concerning hake.
Currently, the proposed legislation has passed the House of Representatives and awaits review by the Senate Finance Committee. Miguel Angel Hernandez, representing the Federation of Artisanal Fishermen of Valparaíso, expressed impatience with the Senate’s progress, stating, “What we hope is that the bill is passed immediately.”
The clashes in Chile highlight the ongoing tensions between fishermen advocating for improved catch rights and authorities. The incidents have resulted in several injuries and arrests, underlined by protesters’ frustrations over delayed legislation intended to enhance artisanal fishing allocations. As the bill proceeds through the Senate, the situation remains volatile, reflecting broader issues within the fishing industry in Chile.
Original Source: www.france24.com
