By Criss
Support a private journalist by sending the little you can Link click
By Criss
Santiago, Chile — In the tumultuous year of 2019, Chileans took to the streets in unprecedented numbers, demanding justice, equality, and an end to the oppressive neoliberal policies that had plagued the nation for decades. Among those brave souls was Juan Perez, a young activist who found himself at the heart of the protests.
From Daily Demonstrations to Friday Fury
Juan vividly recalls the early days of the protests. “We used to protest every day,” he says, his eyes reflecting both determination and weariness. “The streets were our canvas, our battleground. But then something changed.”
That change came in the form of a subtle shift: the protests began to occur exclusively on Fridays. The once-constant roar of discontent now echoed through the city only once a week. Fridays became symbolic—a collective cry against the status quo.
A Fateful Friday
On a crisp Friday afternoon, Juan joined thousands of fellow demonstrators in the heart of Santiago. The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the pavement. The air crackled with tension. “We felt nothing could change in Chile,” Juan admits, “but the protest gave us hope—a glimmer of possibility.”
As evening descended, the atmosphere turned more ominous. The streets pulsed with energy, both defiant and dangerous. Juan and his friends, armed with cameras, documented the unfolding chaos. Police officers stood in rigid formation, shields raised, visors down. Protesters chanted slogans, their voices a desperate plea for justice.
A War Zone
“It felt like I was in a war,” Juan recounts. “Violence erupted on both sides. Tear gas hung heavy in the air, blurring our vision. And then it happened.”
Around 6:00 p.m., chaos crystallized into tragedy. A rubberized buckshot tore through the crowd, finding its mark in Juan’s eyes. The impact was immediate—a searing pain, darkness closing in. Juan stumbled, disoriented, hands reaching for his face. Blood stained the pavement.
Silent Desperation
First responders swarmed around him, their faces grim. Juan’s questions went unanswered. Their silence spoke volumes. He knew this was no ordinary injury. Panic surged through him as he was rushed to the hospital. The waiting room buzzed with urgency, but it was the eye doctor who delivered the verdict: irreversible damage, shattered dreams.
A New Vision
Juan’s life changed forever that fateful Friday. His eyes, once filled with hope, now bore the scars of struggle. But he remains resolute. “We fight for a Chile where justice isn’t a distant dream,” he declares. “Our eyes may be wounded, but our vision is clearer than ever.”
As Chile continues its battle for change, Juan’s story serves as a stark reminder—a testament to the sacrifices made in pursuit of a better tomorrow. The streets may have quieted, but the fire within Juan burns brighter than ever.
Note: Names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.
