Public Security Minister Martín Arrau warned that the government would not allow "a few people to once again sow chaos and fear in our streets", according to Cooperativa. His remarks followed unrest during Sunday's demonstrations marking another anniversary of the social uprising.
Arrau commented through his account on the social network X. There, he maintained that violent actions would not override citizens' daily routines or the protection of neighborhoods.
"While some insist on celebrating destruction, Chilean families only want to live in peace, with order, security and progress," the minister wrote. He added that "Chile wants no more violence or destruction" and that he expects those arrested to face justice and answer for their crimes.
The police report for the day, cited by the minister, recorded around 30 people arrested. The alleged offenses include carrying and throwing Molotov cocktails at police, violent robbery and destroying security cameras.
According to Arrau, the incidents left six police officers injured. The minister pointed to "the same violent individuals, masked individuals and criminals as always," whom he accused of burning public and private property "to worship Octoberism." The source does not specify the officers' condition.
The social uprising began on October 18, 2019, with mass protests that continued for weeks across the country. Calls to demonstrate recur each anniversary, especially around Plaza Baquedano in Santiago, where incidents frequently occur.
The minister reported that the evidence had been made available to the Public Prosecutor's Office, so that those responsible for the damage and assaults receive the penalties determined by the courts.
