Protesters clashed with security forces in Santiago as protests that have become more sporadic flared up on Friday. A water cannon vehicle doused protesters who threw items at police in riot gear near Santiago's iconic Plaza Italia.

Since October, Chile has been rocked by protests that started over a hike in public transport fares and broadened to include calls for better pensions, healthcare and education.

On December 23, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera signed off on a referendum to be held on a new constitution, which he vowed would generate a "solid, compassionate and legitimate framework" that would help reunify the country after months of intense protests over inequality and elitism.

(Source: Reuters)