The protests have turned violent as the demonstrators burned two churches, virtually destroying one of them.

The protests were marking the anniversary of anti-government protests, which began last year in response to a raise in the Santiago Metro's subway fare, the increased cost of living, privatization and inequality prevalent in the country.

Demonstrators also urged Chileans to vote in favor of a new constitution in a referendum that will be held next weekend.

The Interior minister of the country, Víctor Pérez, called for calm in the streets and to overcome differences democratically through the plebiscite to be held this October 25.

“Who wants to exert violence what he is telling us is that he does not want problems and differences to be resolved through democratic paths,” he said. (ILKHA)