Chilean protesters hit the streets again

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SANTIAGO, Chile, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Tens of thousands of students resumed protests for education reform after the Chilean government denied the demands of student groups, officials said.

At least 80,000 student demonstrators marched from the University of Santiago to the presidential palace in the capital of Santiago where police used to tear gas to control the crowds, arresting several students Thursday, La Tercera reported.

Student groups have asked the government to increase funding for public education and to freeze education bills in the Chilean Congress. The government refused to meet all the demands.

"They are playing poker, betting on the student movement losing momentum but that won't happen," said Giorgio Jackson, president of the Catholic University Students Federation.

The government will stand firm despite the resumption of protests, a spokesman said.

Demonstrations for education reform started in April when thousands of students took to the streets across Chile.