Violent protests in Chile over fishing quotas resulted in police clashes, with injuries reported among officers and protesters. The Senate is delaying a bill aimed at increasing artisanal fishermen’s quotas, leading to widespread unrest and blockades, particularly in Valparaíso, Coquimbo, and Maule regions. Leaders like Miguel Angel Hernandez emphasize the urgency for legislative action to protect fishermen’s rights.
On Wednesday, significant clashes erupted in Chile as police confronted hundreds of fishermen protesting for increased fishing quotas. The unrest led to injuries among at least 15 officers and one protester, with confrontations reported in Valparaíso, Coquimbo, and Maule regions. Law enforcement utilized tear gas and water cannons to quell the violence, which lasted several hours.
Valparaíso’s police chief, General Patricia Vasquez, confirmed that seven officers sustained injuries during the protests, one requiring hospitalization due to severe head wounds. Protesters retaliated by barricading streets with burning tires and launching firecrackers, leading to three arrests.
In the Maule region, clashes resulted in eight officers being injured and five protesters arrested, with demonstrators allegedly setting a police vehicle ablaze. Further north in Coquimbo, fishermen actively disrupted the Pan-American Highway, demanding legislative action to enhance artisanal fishing rights.
Protesters contend that the Senate is stalling a critical bill designed to increase the quota allocations for artisanal fishermen, especially pertaining to hake. This proposed bill has been approved by the House of Representatives and is currently under review by the Senate Finance Committee. Miguel Angel Hernandez, the president of the Federation of Artisanal Fishermen of the Valparaíso region, expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the Senate seeks to diminish fishing allocations for artisanal fishermen.
“What we hope is that the bill is passed immediately,” he asserted, emphasizing the urgency for resolution in favor of the fishermen’s rights.
The violent clashes in Chile highlight the ongoing tensions between fishermen and law enforcement regarding fishing quotas. The protests are driven by demands for legislative reforms aimed at improving the allocation of fishing rights. As the bill awaits Senate approval, the situation remains precarious, with both protesters and authorities involved in ongoing confrontations. Urgent action is needed to address the concerns of artisanal fishermen and the legislative process that impacts their livelihoods.
Original Source: www.france24.com
