One of the most disgusting nights since I came to Chile some yrs ago. An angry armed mob, supported by police, attack Mapuche who were occupying the Curacautín town hall to support the hunger strike of their spiritual leader Celestino Cordova. (1/)
Among the Mapuche were women and children, who were beaten with sticks. Their vehicles were set on fire. In Ercilla and Traiguén, occupied town halls were attacked as well, which shows this was an organized attack. But what's even worse, is the racism that surges today (2/)
As if the Mapuche occupy the Araucanía region, the hashtag #AraucaniaDesperto is trending. After the attack, the mob in Curacautín started yelling "indians out" & "who doesnt jump is a Mapuche", a reference to the Chile protests (3/)
The Mapuche are blamed for the rural violence in the region. The fact that people only see them as responsible is the result of decades of propaganda against Chile's biggest indigenous group. The conflict in the region is often referred to as the "Mapuche problem".. (4/)
As if they are a plague. Promises about dialogue, more inclusion, equal rights and a Minstry for Indigenous have never been fulfilled by the govt, despite international treaties signed by Chile (i.e. C169, from the @ilo ) ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en… (5/)
At the same time, Chile has invoked the Anti-Terrorism Law in the region, a law designed during dictatorship, which gives authorities the right to arrest everyone without reason & hold them as long as they see necessary. Mapuche are sometimes years behind bars without trial (6/)
When 2 yrs ago special forces killed Mapuche Catrillanca, protests erupted, trials were held, but ministers responsible kept their position. Despite efforts from the police to hide evidence, the killer was convicted. He is serving his sentence at home. No prison time (7/)
I can write for hours about the unequal treatment of the Mapuche in Chile. For the govt, they dont exist. Piñera didnt name indigenous people once in his recent State of the Union. The only thing that happens is heavier and more military forces get sent to the region. (8/)
The only Mapuche problem Chile has is its problem with racism. As long as the Mapuche can't fully propagate their culture, are not allowed equal rights & are seen as terrorists, Chile will never advance. I translated a photo doing the rounds. Today is a disgusting day (9/9). 
