Mapuche Communities and Argentine Organizations Denounce Persecution and Criminalization in Chubut
Authorities have blamed these communities for the devastating wildfires that have consumed over 300,000 hectares across the country, while provincial and national governments have faced criticism for failing to implement effective measures to address the crisis. Feb 11, 2025 Photo: Prensa Latina
February 11, 2025 Hour: 8:13 pm
The Mapuche communities denounced the police raids as part of a political persecution against the Mapuche-Tehuelche people.
Related:
Milei Declares Mapuche Ancestral Resistance a Terrorist Organization
This Tuesday, the Mapuche people and various Argentine organizations spoke out against the recent intervention by the unified command forces of Patagonia, established by Governor Ignacio Torres.
The operation, ordered by Judge Jorge Criado and mediated by Prosecutor Carlos Cavallo, included raids on four Mapuche-Tehuelche communities and a community radio station in the province of Chubut.
Authorities have blamed these communities for the devastating wildfires that have consumed over 300,000 hectares across the country, while provincial and national governments have faced criticism for failing to implement effective measures to address the crisis.
“While Patagonia burns, instead of deepening fire containment plans, more hunts are being planned,” declared the media outlet Tiempo Argentino.
The Mapuche communities denounced the police raids as part of a political persecution against the Mapuche-Tehuelche people.
They specifically mentioned the Lof Cañio (El Maitén), Lof Catriman Colihueque, and Lof Nahuelpan communities, as well as the Mapuche Community Radio Petü Mongueleiñ. Residents described these operations as a “real witch hunt.”
Furthermore, the communities accused the national and provincial governments of hiding the true interests behind the wildfires, suggesting that real estate deals are at play. The Petü Mongueleiñ radio station emphasized that the accusations against them are baseless and that its members are committed to defending their territory and fighting the fires.
Governor Ignacio Torres recently referred to the Mapuche communities as “fire terrorists,” further intensifying their criminalization despite their efforts to protect and care for their lands.
This situation highlights the growing tension between authorities and Indigenous communities in a context marked by environmental disasters and territorial struggles.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Tiempo argentino - @amarc_argentina - Resumen Latinoamericano
