On April 29, 2026, Chilean police deployed water cannons against university students protesting new educational policies that threatened access to free tuition in Santiago .

The demonstrators rallied in defense of education spending following a series of budget cuts announced by the administration of President José Antonio Kast (see report). Clashes erupted during the march and police dispersed the crowds with water cannons and tear gas, detaining at least three individuals.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

https://www.news.com.au/world/chaos-ensues-as-chilean-students-doused-by-water-canons-during-mass-protests/video/34a8454d134ee2c2b664dbafa8ce6285 https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/4/29/chile-police-blast-water-cannons-at-student-protesters https://www.indopremier.com/ipotnews/newsDetail.php?jdl=Chile_students__police_clash_during_protest_over_budget_cuts&news_id=1728375&group_news=ALLNEWS&taging_subtype=ARGENTINA&name=&search=y_general&q=ARGENTINA, &halaman=1 https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/protest-against-education-budget-cuts-by-the-government-in-santiago/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX1JDMjVaS0FLVFBCQg