Indigenous Groups Demand Freedom of Mapuche Leader in Chile
Indigenous Groups Demand Freedom of Mapuche Leader in Chile
Protesters demand the release of Machi Francisca Linconao in Temuco, Chile, Dec. 12, 2016.
| Photo: @Biobio
Published 12 December 2016
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People took to the streets of Temuco Monday afternoon, demanding Chilean President Michelle Bachelet release Machi Francisca Linconao — an important spiritual leader of the Mapuche people imprisoned since 2013 still awaiting trial.
Linconao's health has recently deteriorated, reaching a life-threatening state. The veteran Indigenous fighter was recently rushed to the hospital with several conditions including chronic gastritis and reportedly weighs less than 100 pounds.
In the south of Temuco, protesters set up barricades and burnt tires on the road until firemen intervened and put out the fire, Bio Bio Chile reported.
Meanwhile, in Buenos Aires, a group of the protesters led by writer, historian and journalist Osvaldo Bayer, gathered in front of the Chilean embassy, while a group of four Mapuche women went to the cathedral and asked Pope Francis to intervene.
More:
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Indigenous-Groups-Demand-Freedom-of-Mapuche-Leader-in-Chile-20161212-0024.html