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Original article: Cárcel de Angol: Denuncian violenta represalia de Gendarmería contra vocero mapuche Nicolás Ángel Marillán tras visita del INDH

A serious situation has emerged in recent hours, reported by the families of Mapuche prisoners detained at Angol Prison, who accused the Gendarmerie of a violent retaliation against leaders and spokespersons from Module E of the facility.

The incident occurred two days after a visit by the National Institute of Human Rights (INDH), during which Mapuche community members were able to speak with the INDH lawyer, share their situation, and formally report the various issues they experience in this location.

According to the allegations, the events took place in the morning, «when everyone was quietly having breakfast and not doing anything wrong, high-ranking Gendarmerie officials, including captains, violently and aggressively entered Module E, which attracted significant attention due to their aggressive demeanor and the rank of the personnel involved.»

These officials, the complaints state, «acted with total arrogance, aggression, and marked racism towards the incarcerated Mapuche community members,» conducting a selective raid that only targeted the spaces of the leaders and spokespersons of the module, «making it clear from the beginning that their actions were aimed exclusively at those who have a voice, represent others, and defend the rights of all,» noted the complainants.

«During this arbitrary and abusive action, they took brother Nicolás Ángel Marillán, who serves as the module’s spokesperson. He was dragged out in handcuffs and treated in a mocking, humiliating, and degrading manner by these officials, without any reason or justification,» the families of the community members added.

Following this, Marillán was placed in a punishment cell outside Module E and was directly threatened with never returning to his module with his companions. As of late this afternoon, nothing was known about his whereabouts or condition, keeping him in total defenselessness and isolation,» the accusation highlights.

«We denounce that this action aims clearly at the total disarticulation of the spokespersons and leaders of the module, punishing and separating those who fulfill the role of representing and asserting the rights of all. We want to make it clear and report to all of you: this is not a coincidence, it is a direct and calculated retaliation,» the families asserted.

INDH Visit

The violent action by the Gendarmerie occurred two days after the visit from the National Institute of Human Rights, whose lawyer was able to hear directly from the Mapuche community members about the conditions they face and the formal complaints regarding their suffering in this facility.

«As a result of those conversations, having raised their voices and exposed their reality to the human rights agency, they are now direct victims of persecution, harassment, and punishment by state agents, sheltered under the high command at this prison,» alerted the Mapuche community.

«It must be made clear to all the people: when we demand our rights as Mapuche, we are silenced, persecuted, and punished. That is the reality inside. Raising our voices, demanding respect, defending what is ours, or reporting to human rights organizations is met with violence, isolation, and mistreatment,» they added.

In this same context, concerns were reiterated about the inhumane conditions in which Nicolás Ángel Marillán is being held by the Gendarmerie: «He is in a punishment cell with a wet floor, a customary practice within this prison that totally violates human rights, causing illnesses and physical harm solely for the purpose of punishment.»

«What was done to him and what was done today to everyone is proof that there is no respect for dignity, nor for the person, nor for our identity. What they seek is to silence us, divide us, and make us pay for remaining firm in who we are,» the families emphasized.

Given all of this, an «urgent and direct» appeal was made to the INDH: «You were here two days ago, you heard the truth and received the complaints. What is happening today is a direct response to that visit.»

«We ask you to intervene immediately, to assess the situation of the Mapuche community members in Angol Prison, and to take necessary actions, including a protective measure to stop this persecution, remove our companion from that inhumane place, and put an end to the daily arbitrariness and mistreatment,» demanded the complainants.

«We also call on all communities, organizations, families, and supporters: be vigilant, spread the word about what is happening, because this is part of the constant pressure they exert to silence us. We demand the immediate return of our companion Nicolás Ángel Marillán to Module E, without punishment, without further abuses, and an end to this persecution for defending our rights,» concluded the Mapuche community.

We will continue to provide updates.

La entrada Angol Prison: Allegations of Violent Retaliation by Gendarmerie Against Mapuche Spokesperson Nicolás Ángel Marillán Following INDH Visit se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.