Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP
Dear Friends, The 7000 Languages Team strongly objects to the treatment of the Mapuche People in Chile. We stand in support of, and in solidarity with, all Indigenous communities who are battling violence and oppression.
On June 4th, Alejandro Alberto Treuquil was assassinated for trying to reclaim his people's ancestral lands. We join the many Indigenous and human rights organizations demanding justice for Alejandro, his family and his people. We demand a full investigation into his death and to find those responsible for his murder.
In recent months, Mapuche women from rural communities have faced an increase in police brutality simply for selling home-grown vegetables and fruits labeled by territory. Chilean authorities, by law, must respect Indigenous women’s rights to practice their own traditions. And this violence must end.
There are currently 30 Mapuche political prisoners detained in Chilean prisons. Many are being held illegally. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing concern for protesters who are in overcrowded camps without proper access to healthcare. Spiritual leaders have taken on hunger strikes to demand release of the prisoners. Some of the people striking are now in critical condition.
Unfortunately, there has been little to no news coverage on the atrocities happening in Chile. We must spread the word and help the Mapuche people gain back their freedom because,
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Martin Luther King Jr
We stand in solidarity with the Mapuche People.
- The 7000 Languages Team
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