A St Andrews University student’s call for solidarity with her homeland during protests has gone global.
Carolina Rocha was so appalled at the sight of soldiers and tanks on the streets of Chile that she wrote a letter for academics to sign pleading for the removal of troops.
Her plea went viral and was signed by almost 4,000 professors, researchers and students around the world.
It also hit the headlines in Chile, where people were killed and injured in clashes with riot police during demonstrations for equality.
Carolina, a researcher in the university’s School of Psychology and Neuroscience, had hoped around 100 people might back her.
She said: “When I saw the images of tanks and troops in Chilean cities, something which had not been seen since the end of Pinochet’s dictatorship, I first felt helpless.
“But then I decided to write a letter for people in universities to sign.
“I didn’t expect much of it, but I felt I had to do something.
“I was quite amazed by the response. I had no idea so many people in Scotland and around the world would respond.
“Today I heard from my aunt in Chile. She had heard of the letter and was deeply moved.”
Demonstrations in Chile over the weekend have forced the government to announce the removal of troops and promise reform.
Professor Stephen Reicher, who supervises’ Carolina’s research at St Andrews, said Scotland had a long tradition of international solidarity.
He said: “It comes as no surprise that Carolina’s wonderful initiative has gained so much support in Scotland and inspired academics around the world.
“And that support has made a difference, both encouraging the people in Chile and putting further pressure on the Chilean government.”
