Eight Mapuche Movement Leaders Arrested in “Operation Hurricane,” amidst Mapuche Hunger Strike

Special Police Forces continue brutalization of Mapuche resistance in outrageous criminalizing spectacle during the ongoing Mapuche Hunger Strike.

September 23^rd, 2017

WALLMAPU – This past Saturday, a series of violent raids and arrests against Mapuche movement leaders – dubbed “Operation Hurricane” by Chilean authorities – were carried out by Special Police Forces (PDI) throughout the regions of Bio-Bio, Arauco and Los Rios in southern Chile.

Among the arrested was the spokesman for the Arauco Malleco Coordinator for Communities in Conflict (CAM), Hector Llaitul, as well as his son Ernesto Llaitul, Jaime and Rodrigo Huenchullan, Martin Curiche, Claudio Leiva, Fidel Tranamil, and David Cid Aedo – ex-militant of the Leftist Revolutionary Movement (MIR).

Hector’s residence in the city of Concepcion was raided in the early morning hours, as reported by several local news sources. Javiera Llaitul, Hector’s elder daughter, told reporters that she and other members of the household were pushed to the ground during the raid, where police entered the premises without a warrant and refused to disclose where Llaitul would be taken to.

All eight arrestees were charged with Illicit Terrorist Association under the Pinochet era Anti-Terrorist Law, for their alleged involvement in “incendiary attacks against trucks and churches” throughout the region according to official reports.  The Temuco Bail Court ruled on Sunday that the accused will remain in pre-trial custody for the duration of the four-month investigation, as solicited by the Head Prosecutor of the Araucania Region, Cristian Paredes.

Defense Attorney, Patricia Cuevas, stated at the bail hearing that evidence presented against the accused Mapuche community members was incredibly dubious, including the prosecution’s use of a Wikipedia article citing Llaitul as the leader of the CAM. Llaitul had previously been charged with Illicit Terrorist Association in April 2009 in connection to the same organization, for which he is currently on probation after a lengthy and controversial trial relating to land claims reclamation that sought to keep the CAM spokesman in prison for 12 years.

The unjust retrial of Llaitul in this similar case and the mass arrest of eight Mapuche leaders this past weekend is adding insult to injury to the already heightened tension in Wallmapu, where 4 Mapuche Political Prisoners are currently enduring an 111-day hunger strike, with no sign of response by Chilean authorities.

As mobilizations in favour of the Mapuche hunger strikers continue to increase, escalating repressive police tactics have been recorded throughout the territory, specifically targeting the leadership of the Mapuche movement for territorial reclamation. This spectacle of repression seen through the drastic increase in militarization in Mapuche communities, as well as other high-profile arrests –  including that of Mapuche Werken, Daniel Melinao, last week –  demonstrates the wrath of Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet, to erase any signs of Mapuche resistance during her last months in office.

It is unclear whether Chilean authorities will respond to the petitions made by the hunger strikers, however, Mapuche mobilizations are expected to continue with a call to action for national and international support, amidst growing government repression against Mapuche land defenders.

With files from Werken.cl, El Desconcierto and Radio Kvrruf

The Women’s Coordinating Committee for a Free Wallmapu

https://wccctoronto.wordpress.com

100+ Days: Free Our Mapuche Political Prisoners on Hunger Strike!

Call for Int’l Day of Solidarity

Four Mapuche Political Prisoners in the Penitentiary Centre of Temuco [so-called southern Chile] are currently reaching over 110 days on hunger strike, protesting the conditions of their judicial processes  under the Pinochet era Anti-Terrorist Law.

Throughout their judicial process, they have subjected to internationally condemned abusive and irregular practices under the legislation, which has allowed for the use of anonymous witnesses and prolonged periods pre-trial detention in their case. Our Mapuche brothers, Lonko [Chief] Alfredo Tralcal Coche, Ariel Alexis Trangol Galindo, Benito Rubén Trangol Galindo, and Pablo Iván Trangol Galindo, have already endured over a year of pre-trial detention with no indication of their case being brought to the courts in the forseable future.

Their demands are:

(1) A right to due process,

(2) Stopping the application of the Anti-Terrorist Law;

(3) Overturning the pre-trial custody conditions for the Mapuche Political Prisoners on Hunger Strike.

During the hunger strike, Chilean authorities have increased their repression against mobilized Mapuche communities in resistance, increasingingly militarizing indigenous territory, and carrying out a wave of arrests in the last few weeks. These arrests have specifically targeted movement leaders and community elders, currently also being held in pre-trail detention, including Daniel Melinao of the Wente Winkul Mapu community, and Hector Llaitul of the Arauco Malleco Coordinator of Communities in Conflict (CAM).

Family and hunger strike support networks had previously called for a 72-hour ultimatum on Wednesday, September 20th, 2017 for the Chilean government to respond to prisoner demands. However, the deadline passed without so much as a whisper from authorities.

Mapuche communites have stated these actions confirm the genocidal colonial policies that the Chilean State has always applied against indigenous peoples, calling on international support for the Mapuche hunger strikers who are clinging to life while in prison.

Therefore, the WCCC is calling for an International Day of Solidarity on Thursday,  September 28th, in response to the call to action made by indigenous Mapuche communities in resistance to support of our Mapuche brothers on hunger strike.

If you would like to join this Day of Solidarity through protests/rallies/marches etc, email us at wccc_98 [at] hotmail.com.

NOTE: Depending on the conditions on the ground, this date may change.

For the Reclamation, Reconstruction and Liberation of our Mapuche Nation!

Amulepe Taiñ Weichan!

MARRICHIWEU!

Called by: The Women’s Coordinating Committee for a Free Wallmapu [Toronto]

For more information, see https://wccctoronto.wordpress.com/.

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The Women’s Coordinating Committee [Toronto] wishes to express their most sincere thanks to all those who participated and volunteered in organizing “Stolen Land: 150+ Years of Occupation Exploitation and Genocide” this past July 1st, 2017. This political solidarity event of resistance was carried out in the framework of the Day of Action against the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Canadian state on stolen indigenous lands.

Despite all the despicable celebrations made by the Canadian State for alienated Canadian and yanacona masses, they couldn’t stop the resistance on the streets, and the interruption of offcial governmental events. On the night of July 1st, we had over 200 people in attendance at our evening event, which filled the University of Toronto residence hall to capacity. It a symbolic event that was dedicated to our Mapuche Nation, with a heartfelt homage to our Mapuche Weichafe, Luis Marileo and Patricio Gonzalez, who were shot and killed by police in the El Encino estate and our Mapuche Political Prisoners currently on hunger strike in so-called southern Chile.

Denouncing the crimes against humanity and genocide committed by the Canadian state in the national and international occupation of territories, the repression of the Mapuche people by the Chilean state, as well as testimonies of affected indigenous communities was incredibly impacting.

We give thanks to all those who volunteered to help us during the event, to the tech and video support team, and others many of whom did so spontaneously to help accommodate the people who came en mass that evening, specifically the Toronto Anarchist Reading Group. To the organizations and communities who participated, especially to the local Afghan community, Actions4Palestine, OCAI, and especially the indigenous Six Nations and Mi’kmaq representatives and communities who spoke in the event. To our indigenous sisters who gather every Sunday at Allen Gardens to hand out food and clothing to neighbours and those in need, presenting their powerful traditional songs. To the artists that finalized the program, sharing their performances in generous solidarity. To those who anonymously place their grain of sand in support, as well as the public who came out.

Since this was a free event with no admission, we passed around a bucket to help collect funds for those that came from afar. We raised over $500, which were entirely given to the Mi’kmaq representative, and other donations were given to cover travel costs of other indigenous land defenders and volunteers. Thanks to all the political organizations, individual and social collectives that endorsed the event.

Much Newen [Energy] to everyone!

Free the Palestinian Political Prisoners incarcerated in the dungeons of the Zionist regime of Israel!

Free all our Mapuche Political Prisoners on hunger strike in so-called southern Chile!

Capitalism, colonialism and imperialism out of our territories!

Weuwaiñ!! Marrichiweu!!

The Women’s Coordinating Committee for a Free Wallmapu [Toronto]

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La Coordinadora de Mujeres por un Wallmapu Libre, Toronto, desea manifestar publicamente su mas sentido agradecimiento a todas y todos los que participaron y ayudaron este 1 de Julio en “Stolen Land: 150 años de ocupacion, explotacion y genocidio.” Este evento politico de solidaridad y resistencia, se dio dentro del marco del Dia de accion llamado por – y en oposicion – a las celebraciones de los 150 años del establecimiento del estado canadiense en tierra indigena.

Pese a todas las celebraciones impurias que el estado canadiense hizo para la enajenante masa canadiense y Yanakonas , no se pudo impedir la resistencia en las calles, la interrupcion de los eventos oficiales e inagurciones a personeros de gobieno y que en la noche mas de 200 personas, rellenaran, la residencia universitaria de la Universidad de Toronto en un simbolico evento que fue dedicado a nuestro pueblo Nacion Mapuche, donde se realizo un sentido homenaje a los dos Weichafe Mapuche, Luis Marileo and Patricio Gonzalez, quene sfueron asesinados en el fundo El Encino y a los Presos Politicos Mapuche con mas de 3 semanas de huelga de hambre.

La denuncia a los crimenes de lesa humanidad y genocidio cometidos por el estado canadiense en la ocupacion nacional e internacional de territorios, la represion del estado chileno, contra el pueblo Nacion mapuche, mas la denuncia de testimonios que de las mismas comunidades indigenas invitadas surgieron, fue impresionante.

Damos las gracias a todos, los que ayudaron, de modo espntaneo en el acomodamiento de la gente, que llego en masa al evento, a los que ayudaron a nivel tecnico y fotografico, en especial al colectivo Toronto Anarchist Reading Group. A las organizaciones y comunidades participantes en especial, la comunidad de Afganistan, Action for Palestina,y al colectivo OCAI, como la participacion de las comunidades indigenas de las Seis Naciones y del territorio Mi’kmaq. A nuestras hermanas que ayudan todos los domingos aqui en lo local, con las ollas comunes para los desposeidos, sin casa en el area de alex garden trayendo esta vez sus hermosos cantos tradicionales. A los artistas que finalizaron el programa y aportaron con su arte en forma generosa y solidaria. A los que siempre ponen su grano de arena en forma anonima, y al publico.

Por ser este un evento politico con una admision totalmente libre, se hizo una colecta al final, para poder ayudar a los que venian de lejos. Se reunieron 500 dolares, los cuales se entregaron integramente a la representante Mi’kmaq. otras donaciones se hicieron para cubrir gastos de bencina y ticket de bus inter urbano de otras participantes.
Gracias a todas las organizaciones politicas, colectivos individuales y sociales que endorsaron el evento.
Mucho Newen para todas y todos!
Libertad a los presos politicos Palestinos, encerrados en las cloacas del regimen sionista de Israel!
Libertad a Todos los Presos Politicos Mapuches en huelga de hambre alla en el Wallmapu, mal llamado sur de Chile!
Capitalismo, colonialismo e imperialismo: Fuera de nuestros territorios!
Weuwaiñ!! Marrichiweu!!

The Women’s Coordinating Committee for a Free Wallmapu [Toronto]

150+ Years of Occupation, Exploitation & Genocide

A night of Solidarity in Anti-Colonial, Anti-Capitalist and Anti-Imperialist Resistance! Dedicated to our fallen Mapuche Weichafe [Warriors], Luis Marileo and Patricio González, shot and killed by Chilean police on June 11th, 2017

JULY 1ST, 2017 @ 7PM – 

Woodsworth College Residence  

312 Bloor Street West, rm 30

University of Toronto 

Featuring Special Guest Speaker:

SUZANNE PATLES of the Mi’kmaq Warrior Society

Melissa Elliott from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory

Drumming by the indigenous grassroots Allan Gardens Sunday Lunch and Clothing Drive Group

Other Speakers Include:

Sue Goldstein – Actions4Palestine

Suraia Sahar – Grassroots organizers of the Afghan Community

Rachelle Friesen – Organizing Committee Against Islamophobia (OCAI)

Anna Saini and YES – No One Is Illegal (NOII)

Kate Klein – Mining Injustice Solidarity Network MISN

Performances by: 

MC LEE REED & Special Surprise Guests

Spoken word by Lindsay Ganohsanohwe Bomberry directly from Six Nations

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/701863416680529/

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Organized by: The Women’s Coordinating Committee for a Free Wallmapu [Toronto]

For more info: https://wccctoronto.wordpress.com

Endorsed by:

OPIRG Toronto

Toronto Anarchist Reading Group

Actions4Palestine

Women in Solidarity with Palestine

Stop the Jewish National Fund – Canada

International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network – Canada

No More Silence

No One Is Illegal Toronto

Harvest Noon Co-op

Organizing Committee Against Islamophobia – OCAI

Indigenous & Creatives of Colour in TV & Film

Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid

Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Network

The Tower

Anarchist Network of Toronto (ANT)

Mining Injustice Solidarity Network – MISN

Rising Tide Toronto

To endorse, write to wccc_98@hotmail.com

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This year marks the 150th Anniversary since the creation of the British North America Act that would officialize the occupation of the Canadian state on indigenous lands on Turtle Island. Throughout its existence, the Canadian state has sought the genocide of indigenous peoples through the imposition of the Indian Act – in its forceful removal of traditional territories onto reservations, implementation of foreign government – as well as the implementation of the residential school system, where thousands of native children would perish at the hands of the Church and state.

Currently, our communities are continuing to suffer the encroachment of the state, its corporate interests, and its policies in the ongoing plunder of the land, its peoples and beings. A plunder reflected in the physical degradation of the natural environment, the many hundreds of missing and murdered indigenous women, the exploitation of poor and marginalized classes, as well as the expansion of war and occupation locally and abroad.

Across Turtle Island, indigenous resistance the resource extraction industry – the expansion of the Tar Sands, the Black Snake pipelines, fraking, etc. – have taken root following in the footsteps of Standing Rock, Elsipitog, Kanonh:staton, Gustafsen Lake, and Oka. Resistance resounds across the stolen land of this continent to our Mapuche indigenous territories, who are also facing the ongoing encroachment of the Chilean state and its corporate allies throughout our territory of Wallmapu.

This July 1st, we have nothing to celebrate and everything to resist! Join us for a night of anti-colonial, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist resistance! No Canada 150!

MARRICHIWEU!

For the reclamation, reconstruction and liberation of our indigenous nations!

Free our Mapuche Political Prisoners on Hunger Strike!

WCCC [Toronto]

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