The shooting of a street juggler sparked protests over alleged police brutality in southern Chile, where several buildings were set on fire and an officer held in custody for investigation
SANTIAGO, Chile – The shooting of a street juggler has sparked protests over alleged police brutality in southern Chile, in which several buildings were set on fire and an officer detained for investigation on Saturday.
Local news media revealed that about 10 buildings had been set on fire in the southern tourist town of Panguipulli after the shooting on Friday, and authorities reported other protests in Santiago, the capital.
Police said 27-year-old Francisco Martínez Romero opposed police in a routine identity check.
A video that was widespread on social media showed an officer shooting at the feet of the man wearing and sometimes swinging two blunt machetes used in his performance. Moments later, he jumped out and ran to the officer. Several shots were fired and the man collapsed in the street.
A local judge ordered the officer, who was not identified, to be detained for two days for investigation.
The video angered some in the country, which has seen repeated controversy over allegations of police brutality against protesters in recent years. The National Human Rights Institute says more than 450 people have suffered eye injuries from supposedly non-lethal projectiles fired by police during street protests that broke out in 2019.