Spanish
Santiago. - Agents of the National Police dispersed with tear gas dozens of athletes and fans who were celebrating the conquest of a basketball championship at the Juan Antonio Alix Club, located in the El Congo sector of Pueblo Nuevo, in this city.
During the intervention, several attendees were affected by the chemical gases, including the president of the Santiago Basketball Association (ABASACA), José Luis Aracena, who was at the scene at the time of the police action.
Witnesses reported that some young people fainted due to the intensity of the tear gas released both inside the club and in the surrounding streets.
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The incident occurred on Sunday night and has generated strong criticism from the public.
The agents also arrested several people who, according to the preliminary report, resisted leaving the area.
The operation was carried out by members of the Rapid Action Police and other units of the institution, with the argument of avoiding crowds on 30 de Marzo street and other nearby roads.
Neighbors in the area described the police action as disproportionate, alleging that the celebration was proceeding peacefully until the patrols intervened. "There was joy and music, but no disturbances," said one of those present.
So far, the police authorities have not offered an official version of what happened nor explained the reasons that led to the use of force in the midst of a sporting celebration.
