Chile witnessed intense clashes between police and fishermen in Valparaíso over fishing quotas, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests. Demonstrators demanded greater catch rights, specifically for artisanal fishermen, leading to significant disruptions including highway blockades. The proposed bill to enhance these rights has passed the House and awaits Senate approval amid accusations of delay by fishermen’s leaders.
On Wednesday, Chile experienced significant unrest as police confronted hundreds of fishermen in Valparaíso and other regions over fishing quotas. The clashes resulted in injuries to at least 15 police officers and one protester, highlighting the scale of the violence as officers employed tear gas and water cannons to manage the situation. Demonstrators retaliated by throwing stones and burning tires to call attention to their demands for increased catch rights.
General Patricia Vasquez, the chief of police in Valparaíso, reported that seven officers sustained injuries during the protests, with one suffering serious head trauma requiring hospitalization. Among the protesters, one individual was injured, while three were taken into custody. The confrontations, described as “very violent” by officials, continued for several hours, with officers using significant force to restore order.
Further south, in the Maule region, eight police officers were injured and five protesters arrested amidst similar protests, which included the vandalism of a police vehicle. In the northern Coquimbo region, fishermen also engaged in demonstrations, expressing demands that the Chilean Congress pass legislation to enhance artisanal fishing rights by increasing their share of the catch quota, particularly for hake.
The fishermen’s protests involved blocking the Pan-American Highway with burning debris as they accused the Senate of delaying the legislative process. This bill, which has already passed the House of Representatives, is currently under review by the Senate Finance Committee. Miguel Angel Hernandez, the president of the Federation of Artisanal Fishermen of the Valparaiso region, insisted on the urgency of the situation, urging the Senate to pass the bill without delay to secure the interests of artisanal fishermen.
The recent clashes in Chile demonstrate the ongoing tensions surrounding fishing rights and quotas. As protesters demand legislative action to improve access for artisanal fishermen, the violence signifies broader issues regarding resource allocation and the role of Congress in addressing the fishermen’s needs. With the bill currently under Senate review, the situation remains volatile and indicative of the frustrations within the fishing community.
Original Source: www.france24.com
