The shooting of a street juggler sparked protests over alleged police violence in southern Chile, where several buildings were set on fire and an officer in custody for investigations
SANTIAGO, Chile – The shooting of a street juggler has sparked protests over alleged police violence in southern Chile, with several buildings set on fire and an officer detained on Saturday for investigations.
Local media reported that about 10 buildings burned in flames in the southern tourist town of Panguipulli after Friday’s shootings, and authorities reported other protests in Santiago, the capital.
Police said Francisco Martínez Romero, 27, resisted routine police checks.
A video widely circulated on social media showed an officer pulling at the feet of the man, who wore and sometimes waved what appeared to be two blunt masks used in his show. After a moment, he jumped out and rushed to the officer. Several shots were fired, and the man collapsed on the street.
A local judge ordered the unidentified officer to be detained for two days.
The video angered some in the country, who have seen repeated controversies over allegations of police brutality against protesters in recent years. The National Institute for Human Rights says more than 450 people have suffered eye injuries due to alleged non-lethal projectiles fired by police during street protests that erupted in 2019.