The Chilean government declared a curfew Saturday in the capital after protests against public transport fare hikes led to looting and arson attacks that paralyzed this city of 7 million. The decision to call a curfew was regarded as unprecedented during times of democratic governance in the South American nation. AdvertisementThe curfew, of indeterminate length, requires people to be off the streets from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The protests began this week as a social media campaign by middle school students who called on commuters to jump subway turnstiles in rejection of the transit fare hikes, announced on Oct. 6. On Saturday, Piñera announced the suspension of the fare hikes in an attempt to mollify the protesters.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 20, 2019 01:41 UTC