Chilean Protests: The Untold Story of Eye Injuries and Police Brutality

Chilean Protests: Eye Injury Toll Highlights Police Brutality The 2019 Chilean social unrest resulted in a shocking number of eye injuries among protesters, according to a new report. The National Human Rights Institute registered 359 cases of eye injuries between October and December 2019, with 23 resulting in complete vision loss. This is just one aspect of the widespread police repression during the protests, which, according to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, left over 4,000 people injured and a dozen dead. "¿Te parece normal perder un ojo por ir a una manifestación?" the video asks, highlighting the severity of the situation. The video features an interview with Gustavo Gatica, a victim who lost his sight after being shot in the eyes during a protest. His testimony is a powerful reminder of the human cost of the unrest. Videos recently shown in the trial of former Carabineros Colonel Claudio Crespo offer further evidence of excessive police force. These videos reveal the violent actions of law enforcement officials, adding weight to the accusations of human rights violations. While some argue that the protests included violent elements, the sheer number of eye injuries and other casualties underscores the disproportionate use of force by authorities. The ongoing trial and the release of this evidence are crucial steps towards justice and accountability.