Chile rocked by months of riots over inequalities

More than two months of fierce demonstrations against the government of President Sebastian Pinera over endemic inequality in the southern Latin nation have left at least 26 people dead and thousands more injured and arrested. In pic: A demonstrator falls next to members of the security forces during a protest against Chile's government in Valparaiso, Chile. (REUTERS)

Chile has been roiled by continuing and sometimes violent street protests since Oct. 18, when a student protest over a modest increase in subway fares turned into a much larger and broader movement with a long list of demands that largely focus on inequality. (Reuters)

A UN human rights report released this month accused Chilean security forces of serious human rights violations, including deaths, torture, sexual abuse and the use of excessive force. (Reuters)

Women, girls and homosexuals have endured sexual violence, including forced nudity, and sexual violence took place against men and boys, the report said. (Reuters)

Prosecutors are investigating more than two dozen deaths attributed to incidents during the protests. (Reuters)

Demonstrators take cover amid laser beams during a protest against Chile's government in Santiago, Chile January 1, 2020. (Reuters)