Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago (Agenzia Fides) - After the protest of the Mapuche workers, who were on hunger strike for 86 days, "now it is up to the state to fully resolve the conflict. The solution should begin with the modification of the anti-terrorism law", said the Archbishop of Santiago, Archbishop Ricardo Ezzati, in an interview with Radio Cooperativa de Chile, where a copy was sent to Fides. The Archbishop has, inter alia, highlighted the work carried out by the Mapuche workers` members of the families, the National Institute of Human Rights, UN High Commissioner and the Catholic Church to end the 86 days of fasting, noting that state institutions did not give any contribution to resolving the issue.
Hector Llaitul, Ramon Llanquileo, Jonathan Huillical and Jose Huenuche fasted from 16 March to ask for a fair trial, after being sentenced after a trial in which anti-terrorism law procedures were used which, in their opinion, limited the right of defense. In this trial, the media turned it into a national case, Llaitul was sentenced to 25 years in prison and three others to 20 years for an assault that took place during the conflict over Mapuche territorial claims in southern Chile.
Mgr. Ezzati recalled in the interview that President Sebastian Pinera had committed himself on May 21 to discuss a new anti-terrorism law that protects fundamental human rights, while a few days ago, the Minister of the Interior said that Chile needs a "proper" law against terrorism.
The indigenous people have ended the hunger strike after an agreement reached with the group of families, human rights organizations and members of the Catholic Church, in order to form a "Committee for the Defense of the Rights of the Mapuche People" which will have to act for the promotion and defense of indigenous rights. (EC) (Agenzia Fides 06/11/2011)
