Another plea for justice.

When I first arrived in South America I was lucky to be able to take part in a political action that I didn´t know much about until I was interviewed by some English speaking guys making a documentary about the injustices that still reign deep in Chile (where I was encouraged to wax lyrical about our own "sorry" state of indigenous affairs).

The photos here in Santiago, near Los Heroes Train Station, are of that indigenous rally demanding the release of political prisoners arrested for opposing mining on indig. land. The rally was held also in solidarity with the hunger strike that the four prisoners had just begun.

Now it´s really REALLY important for people to pressure Chile´s government and embassies to listen to reason.

Read on:

MAPUCHE POLITICAL PRISONERS IN RISK OF DYING AFTER 56 DAYS OF HUNGER STRIKE. They need our support.

Patricia Troncoso, Juan Marileo, Jaime Marileo y Juan Huenulao are four MAPUCHE people who have completed 55 days in total hunger strike in Chile with the objective of achieving a review of the judgement under which they were sentenced to 10 years and one day plus the payment of US $791,000 (423 million Chilean pesos) in compensation to the multinational “Miminco” forestry (logging) company. Their lives are now in danger. The four were convicted in a mockery court (using masked witnesses, distorted voices, etc) accused of terrorism under a legislation brought about decades ago by the Pinochet dictatorship and now used by the current “democratic” administration in Chile. They were accused of terrorism for demonstrating against the theft of Mapuche land by multinational forestry companies which have illegally confiscated huge extents of Mapuche territories. Today, a campaign is been organised around the world in order to save their lives and demand the immediate end of the persecution against this indigenous nation. We will join this campaign with actions in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The Chilean government has let off the thief and murderer Augusto Pinochet in impunity but incarcerates the Mapuche for defending their land.

FREE MAPUCHE POLITICAL PRISONERS IN CHILE NOW!

HANDS OFF MAPUCHE LAND!

Show your Solidarity this Monday 8, 12 noon at the steps of Australia´s Melbourne Parliament House, Spring St. City.

Join us in this demand, thanks in solidarity

ALSO:

Please find time to take action to support the Chile Indigenous People-MAPUCHE- in hunger strike by taking actions, sending letters, faxes and/or e-mails to the Chilean authorities and international human rights organisations. Many of these atrocities have their roots in the expropriation of ancestral indigenous lands by forestry multinational plantation companies, large land owners and the Chilean State; please support the Mapuche people in their struggle. You can send you own letter (addresses and suggestions below)

If you are interested in make interviews, get more information or get involved in supporting this campaign please call 9481 2273 or 0402 754818,

thanks In Solidarity

Chilean Popular & indigenous Networkchilenet@bigpond.comredchilena@bigpond.com

We suggest writing letters to the Chilean embassy and consulates in your country. To find out the contact details for the Chilean Embassies in your country visit: http://www.minrel.cl/pages/misiones/index.html To send letters to the Chilean Embassy in Australia please addressed it to:

To Her Excellency Michelle Bachellet Jeria
President of the Republic of Chile
Palacio del La Moneda,
Santiago,
Chile
PH: (+562) 690 40 20;
Fax: (+562) 699 03 94

Chilean Embassy and Consulates in Australia addresses

Embassy of Chile in Australia
Ambassador Mr. Cristobal Valdes
P.O. BOX 69
RED HILL ACT 2603
PH: (61-2) 6286 2430, fax: (61-2) 6286 1289
E-mail: chilemb@embachile-australia.com

Consulate General of Chile in Melbourne
Mr. Ignacio Concha
Level 13, 390 St Kilda Road
Melbourne 3004
PH: 9866 4041
E-mail: cgmelbourne@chile.com.au

Consulate General of Chile in Sydney
18th floor, AXA centre
44 Market Street
Sydney NSW 2000
PH: (61-2) 9299 2533
Fax: (61-2) 9299 2868
E-mail: cgsydney@rivernet.com.au

Chilean and International Organisations write to:

Permanent Mission of before the United Nations in Geneva:
58, Rue de Moillebeau 1211,
Geneva,
Postal Code 332.
Fax:+4122.734.52.97 Ph: +4122.919.88.00
E-mail: mission.chile@ties.itu.int