Organisations are concerned about an alleged pattern of persecution, intimidation, harassment, and revictimization against defenders by the Chilean Investigative Police in Mapuche Williche territory in the context of the resumption of the indigenous consultation process regarding archaeological findings at the Los Lagos Hydroelectric Project, owned by the Norwegian company Statkraft.

Since April, the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) has been conducting a large-scale operation in Mapuche Williche territory, which led to the arbitrary detention of Felipe Trunci González, a member of the Aylla Rewe of the Ngen Mapu Kintuantü and a well-known defender from the commune of Puyehue. It is alleged that authorities have requested DNA samples and that Felipe had no access to legal counsel and was transferred without a court order and without being formally charged before the Guarantee Judge to the Forensic Medical Service.

In May, Jaime Javier Uribe Montiel, partner of Machi Millaray Huichalaf —Mapuche spiritual authority and defender of the Pilmaiquén River— was detained by Chilean police officers while accompanying the Machi on a healing journey through the country. The arrest occurred during a police checkpoint on the road to Temuco and, according to witnesses, was carried out without a warrant and with no prior warning.

We invited Statkraft to comment on the allegations and their response is available.