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Mapuche to be evicted Sep 20 (Argentina)

From SAIIC <saiic@igc.apc.org>
18 September 1996

Judge orders eviction from their traditional territories by Friday, Sep. 20th, 1996

Three judges of the Tribunal Oral Federal from the state of Neuquen in the traditionally Mapuche region of Pulmari have decided to evict the Mapuche people from their ancestral land, and have given support to "La Corporacion Pulmari" (CIP), who wants to exploit the area for business interests.

The Tribunal talked about the "need to evacuate the Pulmari land to defend the social peace," accusing the Mapuche of being usurpers. Without any justification Placido Caitruz and Roberto Nancucheo along with the "chiefs" Antonio Salazar and Desiderio Calfinahuel have been thrown in jail.

It is known throughout the world that the Pulmari region in the state of Neuquen, in what is now Argentina, has been inhabited by an Original People called Mapuche. This territory has been reduced to the miniscule amount of land they now occupy. The decision of the the Tribunal has caused great concern and uncertainty about the future among the Mapuche families.

Many social sectors have supported the Mapuche in their demands, among them Nobel Peace Prize recipient Perez Esquivel. The Mapuche of Pulmari urge the international community to please fax letters of support to the judge in charge of this case.

A sample letter follows:

Juzgado Federal Zapala
Sr. Juez Federal Ruben Caro
Argentina
FAX 0942 23001

Dear Sir:

I understand that you are in charge of the Mapuche case concerning their territorial land of Pulmari. It is known throughout the world, that this region of the country that today belongs to Argentina, was inhabited by an Original People called Mapuche. I express my deepest concern before the ongoing reduction of their land.

It is necessary that this land continue to belong to the Mapuches. I urge you to please respect the Mapuche traditional lands and not evict the Mapuche people from their ancestral land.

I also strongly object to the imprisonment of Antonio Salazar, Desiderio Calfinahuel, Placido Caitruz and Roberto Nancucheo under charges of land seizure and urge you to please release them immediately.

Sincerely