[The original version of this post was first published in La Opiñón [es], an online citizen newspaper by the Mi Voz (My Voice) network]

 

A social movement that demands better quality of life and lower costs has gained strength in the Aysén Region in the Chilean Patagonia.

 

Images of fierce clashes that occurred during the early hours of February 22, the blocking of the road between Puerto Aysén and Puerto Chacabuco, the police repression and an unabated protest were captured by the citizens of Aysén and uploaded to Twitter and social networking sites.

 

Here are some of the striking images of these protests, which have paralyzed the region.

 

Clashes on the Chacabuco bridge in Aysén, February 22. Photo by Twitpic user Jorge Espinoza C. (@espinozacuellar)

 

"Remains of a violent night in Aysén." February 22. Photo by Twitpic user Jorge Espinoza C. (@espinozacuellar)

 

Night-time barricades in Puerto Aysén, early hours of February 22. Photo by Twitpic user Movement for Aysén (@despiertaAYSEN)

 

Image of the protest in Coyhaique, February 22. Photo by Twitpic user @Kallfulikan

 

Road between Puerto Aysén and Puerto Chacabuco, February 21. Photo by Twitpic user Patricio Segura (@patsegura)

 

Blocked roads, February 21. Photo by Twitpic user Alonso Nuñez (@alonso_nunez)

 

Blocked route between Aysén and Coyhaique, Sunday February 19. Photo by Twitpic user Jorge Espinoza C. (@espinozacuellar)