Gustavo was blinded after he was shot by the police during a protest in Chile. 

In November 2019, amid widespread concern over rising costs of living and inequality, people across Chile came out in protest demanding dignity. Protesters were met with brute force from the police which commanders failed to stop.

On the 8th November, Gustavo Gatica, a 21-year-old student joined the protests. Police fired into the crowds, and Gustavo was shot in both eyes. 

He was blinded permanently. Even after enduring these injuries, Gustavo hopes that his blindness will help the world see what is happening in Chile; “I gave my eyes so people would wake up.”

As demonstrations continued, protesters wore eye patches and chanted Gustavo’s name. They want justice and so do we. 

On the 20th August, the National Prosecutor formally charged an officer with the attacks and injuries suffered by Gustavo and opened an investigation against him. Thanks to the pressure from people supporting Gustavo, we are one step closer to justice. Now we need to push for those in command to be held to account. 

Take action now and demand justice for Gustavo Gatica.