Protests rage in Chile despite president’s reform promise

A demonstrator stands on a police armored vehicle during a protest in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. Rioting, arson attacks and violent clashes wracked Chile as the government raised the death toll to 15 in an upheaval that has almost paralyzed the South American country long seen as the region’s oasis of stability. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A demonstrator holds a defaced poster of Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera during protests in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. Rioting, arson attacks and violent clashes wracked Chile as the government raised the death toll in an upheaval that has almost paralyzed the South American country long seen as the region’s oasis of stability. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Protesters throw rocks at the police during a protest in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. Rioting, arson attacks and violent clashes wracked Chile as the government raised the death toll to 15 in an upheaval that has almost paralyzed the South American country long seen as the region’s oasis of stability. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Anti-government demonstrators take cover under a ledge during clashes with police in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets Chile’s capital as an apology and promises of reform from President Sebastián Piñera failed to quell turmoil that has led to looting, rioting and at least 18 deaths. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A protester holds a banner that reads in Spanish “Soldier don’t fire against the people” in front of riot police during in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. Rioting, arson attacks and violent clashes wracked Chile as the government raised the death toll to 15 in an upheaval that has almost paralyzed the South American country long seen as the region’s oasis of stability. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A woman holds a sign that reads in Spanish “We are tired of being your joke” as Artists, clowns, mimes and actors protest against President Sebastian Piñera’s government, at the Plaza de Armas in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. Rioting, arson attacks and violent clashes wracked Chile as the government raised the death toll in an upheaval that has almost paralyzed the South American country long seen as the region’s oasis of stability. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

SANTIAGO, Chile — Tens of thousands of protesters swarmed Chile’s capital setting up fiery barricades and clashing with riot police Wednesday, as an apology and promises of economic reform from President Sebastián Piñera failed to calm unrest and rioting that has led to at least 18 deaths.

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