Chile president plans tougher security after protests

Chile's president on Thursday announced measures to increase security and toughen sanctions for vandalism following three weeks of protests that have left at least 20 dead.

President Sebastin Piera said the measures that he'll send to Congress include bills against looting and the destruction of property with bigger penalties for hooded vandals who try to mask their identities.

He said some will seek the re-enforcement of aerial surveillance and police intelligence to fight crime.

The measures seek to help "Chile overcome these difficult three weeks and re-store our social peace, progress and unity among Chileans," Piera said.

The unrest began 21 days ago over a hike to subway fares, and it has grown into a massive movement demanding a broad range of changes. They include calls for improvements in education, health and a widely criticised pension system in one of the wealthiest, but most unequal nations in Latin America.

Most protests have been peaceful, but some have turned violent with daily clashes between police and demonstrators. There have been cases of arson and looting.

When the protests broke out, Piera reacted by saying that Chile was at "war" and faced a "powerful, relentless enemy."
"Taking this position in a setting of increased repression and violence is likely to fuel additional mobilisation."