Thousands of indigenous protesters face water cannons and tear gas in Santiago

Thousands of indigenous protesters face water cannons and tear gas in Santiago

Thousands of indigenous protesters, mostly Mapuche people took to the streets of Santiago on Monday, in a march for autonomy from 'Spanish colonists'.

Demonstrators were seen in traditional dress, holding banners and draped in flags as they faced police water cannons on their way toward the La Moneda Palace, the seat of the Chilean government.

The Mapuche people march on the streets of Santiago every year in commemoration of the resistance of indigenous peoples against Spanish invaders, this year, they were also demanding the release of Mapuche political prisoners.