Mapuche Political Prisoners on Hunger Strike

in southern Chile (Concepcion)

by WCCC

Public Press Release Mapuche Political Prisoners of Concepcion on Hunger Strike Monday, July 12, 2010 The Mapuche political prisoners, currently being held in the “El Manzano” detention centre in Concepcion, inform the Mapuche Nation and public international and national opinion the following: Beginning today Monday, July 12th, 2010, we begin a liquid HUNGER STRIKE to the final consequences. The reasons for this drastic and extreme determination is in response to series of situations that we have been denouncing unto the unjust political/judicial procedures that we are subject to and violate all our rights as MAPUCHE and political prisoners. In summary, we denounce that we have been part of Media Setups carried out by the Public Ministry through Anti Mapuche prosecutors and corrupt police forces. It is in this way that the Chilean State, in defense of the corporate interests in the conflict with our People and in their urge to persecute and annihilate the Mapuche Movement, has criminalized the just cause of the communities, imprisoning and launching themselves against our people; imposing several dictatorial and fascist laws on honest social activists. At the same time, we also denounce the existence of a strong and grotesque Anti-Mapuche campaign orchestrated by the economic and political Right of this country, who use their means of communication, their prosecutors and politicians with the objective of convincing public opinion. Due to all of the above, we declare that we will continue our hunger strike unless these just demands are met: STOP the application of the Antiterrorist Law with the Mapuche People. This is expressed by the complete Abolition of the Antiterrorist Law legislated by the Pinochet dictatorship. STOP the process of Military Courts on the Mapuche People. Thus is expressed by the complete Abolition of Military Courts in Chile. Freedom for ALL the Mapuche Political Prisoners imprisoned in different jails throughout the Chilean State. This is expressed by: - Demanding a just and fair Trial. - An end to the political/judicial setups; ending all external and foul procedures, ending the use of faceless witnesses and the end of the practices that violate basic human rights such as extortion, threats, physical and psychological torture and the degrading conditions of detention centers. Demilitarization of Mapuche zones where communities reclaim their political and territorial rights. Lastly, we call out on Our People to Mobilize, to protest and struggle for what we think is a just cause; including social and political organizations to remain alert of the situation. For Territory and Autonomy for Our Mapuche Nation!! Weuwaiñ!!! Mapuche Political Prisoners – Concepcion Oust the Forestry Companies and Land Lords from Wallmapu Territory and Autonomy for the Mapuche Nation With Lemun, Catrileo and Collio WEUWAIÑ!! Distribute by: The Women's Coordinating Committee Chile-Canada email: wccc_98@hotmail.com