Santiago, Chile, Jun 16: Chilean police have clashed with thousands of protesting students, using tear gas and water cannons to break up the crowd.Groups of students hurled rocks at police in anti-riot gear who interrupted the demonstration in a park in Santiago.
Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter says 16 police officers were injured and 46 people detained in Wednesday's protest. Broadcaster Radio Cooperativa reported that three news photographers were injured.
High school and university students have been protesting for days to press for demands including free public transit passes and better quality education.Police estimated the crowd of protesters at about 7,000. In addition to students, it included hundreds striking copper mine workers.AP
