02 Apr 2019 | 02:25 PM UTC
Chile: Mapuche leaders announce protests April 3
Indigenous community announces protests in Temuco, other cities April 3; associated transportation disruptions and heightened security presence expected
Event
Members of the Mapuche community are slated to stage nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday, April 3, to call for the right to self-determination. Organizers have announced that large demonstrations are planned at Plaza Hospital and Plaza de Lautaro and Mizawün in Temuco from 10:00 (local time), with associated protests at Plaza de Armas in Santiago from 20:00, Plaza Mawen in Aysén from 19:00, and Plaza Sotomayor in Valparaíso from 18:00. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the demonstrations. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Context
The Mapuche community staged several demonstrations nationwide in late 2018 following the killing of the son of a prominent indigenous leader on November 14 by a special anti-terrorism unit. Mapuche, a group of indigenous peoples in south-central Chile, have along accused police forces of discrimination and abuse while the government blames some Mapuche groups for arson and attacks on government or church property. President Sebastián Piñera has taken a tougher stance and deployed the "Jungle Command" in June 2018, resulting in an escalation of tensions.
Advice
Individuals in Chile are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
