Chilean Lawmakers Join Indigenous Hunger Strike

[Judi Lynn]

Chilean Lawmakers Join Indigenous Hunger Strike
September 9, 2010

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Four Chilean opposition lawmakers on Thursday joined a hunger strike by indigenous Mapuche inmates protesting "terror" charges, increasing pressure on the government to talk to the prisoners.

An anti-terror law established during Chile's 1973-1990 military dictatorship allows state prosecutors to define as terrorism a variety of acts including arson, destroying private property and clashing with police, bringing harsh sentences.

The leftist lawmakers, members of a human rights commission in the lower house of Congress, have demanded President Sebastian Pinera's conservative government begin talks with 34 inmates to end a two-month fast that has caused them to lose up to 40 pounds each, congressional aides said.

Pinera proposed legislation to Congress this week that aims to forbid civilians and minors from being tried in military courts, and to reduce sentences under the anti-terror statutes.

More:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=11596998