Clashes with police mark Chile protests
Santiago, Chile - Protesters in Chile clashed with police, looted stores and endured a strong earthquake at the close of a huge rally kicking off the third week of anti-government demonstrations that have sparked deadly unrest.
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Plaza de Italia, the epicenter of the unrest over economic inequality and other woes, and tried to march on the presidential palace in downtown Santiago.
Fights broke out with police trying to contain them, with officers firing water cannons and tear gas. One officer was hit in the face with a Molotov cocktail.
People banged pots and pans and blared the horns of their cars as night fell in Santiago.
Barricades were set up for the first time - near a shopping mall that features the tallest skyscraper in Latin America.
The 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit just as tensions were rising in Santiago, rattling buildings. A strong and prolonged shaking was felt, but there were no reports of injuries or damage.
Looting and vandalism was reported in the cities of Vina del Mar, Valparaiso and Concepcion.
Protesters angry at the high cost of living, the gap between rich and poor, tight pensions and expensive healthcare are demanding the resignation of conservative President Sebastian Pinera. Pinera held talks with opposition parties last week but they said he failed to convince them he has the will to make the necessary changes to calm the protests.
Prosecutors say 20 people have died in unrest since the protests began on October 20.