Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit:CEN

This is the moment a Chilean soldier appears to use a 17-year-old student as a human shield while firing tear gas at nearby protesters.

The incident was filmed during protest near a police station in the city of Rancagua in the province of Cachapoal Province located in the central Chilean region of O’Higgins.

In the footage, the official is seen wearing military gear as he drags a young man in front of him for several metres before firing tear gas at nearby protesters.

The soldier then retraces his steps while still holding onto the teenager by his neck as people are heard shouting “release him”.

The Attorney General’s Office in O’Higgins confirmed that they have filed a criminal complaint against the official and are investigating the matter.

Police spokesman Patricio Figueroa Esperguel told local reporters: “When I became aware of the incident, I opened a file to investigate and establish if any protocols were not followed.”

According to the local police, the 17-year-old boy threw stones at two soldiers was arrested and later released after the protest.

The video sparked outrage on social media after being viewed over 105,000 times on Twitter.

Secretary for Child Defence Patricia Munoz wrote on Twitter: “If someone has any information about the boy and his family we would appreciate it to be able to act as quickly as possible.”

Chilean MP Camila Vallejo said: “This is very serious, we need information about the case.”

The investigation continues.

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