Chilean student protest deteriorates into chaos

Thousands of high school and university students marched in Santiago on Thursday to express their frustration with a government that they say has been increasingly skirting their demands. While police reported 5,000 protesters, students offered a much higher estimate of 70,000.

The protest also comes as a prelude to the congressional debate over the 2013 budget, which students insist must have a special focus on education. The administration has said it plans for education spending to reach a record 20 percent of the budget.

The march began near Santiago’s Estación Central along La Alameda, the city’s main street, and according to the registered route was due to turn south about six blocks in, along Avenida España. Violence broke out upon reaching the designated turn, however, and the crowd was soon engulfed by a medley of tear gas and water cannons from the police barricade.

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