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Original article: Chiloé: Denuncian agresión racista y amenazas de muerte contra Lonko Clementina Lepío

Organizations Voice Concern Over Assault and Threats Against Lonko Clementina Lepío from Chiloé

Social and community organizations have expressed their deep concern following the assault endured by Lonko Clementina Lepío Melipichun, an ancestral authority of the Fundo Alto de Gamboa community in Castro, Chiloé. The incident occurred on the afternoon of June 20, when the leader and members of her community were engaged in religious and spiritual activities as part of the Wiñoy Tripantu celebrations.

According to reports from individuals close to the community, at approximately 3:00 PM, an unknown man confronted Lonko Lepío and her companions as they conducted traditional commemorative activities. The assailant hurled insults, racist remarks, and death threats, with witnesses describing the encounter as particularly violent.

In response to the incident, Lonko Lepío and her companions called for the police. Law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene and subsequently instructed the victims to proceed to the Castro police station to file statements. The procedure also included gathering testimonies from witnesses who observed the events.

As a result of the assault, the traditional authority required medical attention at an emergency service. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to gather details to fully understand what transpired and to identify any potential liabilities.

Unofficial sources have suggested that the alleged assailant could be a former police officer who has since been detained. However, this information has not yet been confirmed by official authorities.

In a public statement, the organization Insular Women for Water reported that they have made the details of the incident available to the police and that protective mechanisms outlined in the Escazú Agreement have been activated.

Furthermore, the women’s network highlighted that these events occur within a context of escalating territorial conflict associated with energy projects in the area. They expressed solidarity with Lonko Clementina Lepío Melipichun, reaffirming «the importance of safeguarding the integrity of those who defend territory, nature, and collective rights.» They also called for raising awareness about the incident to strengthen networks of solidarity and mutual support.

Clementina Lepío Melipichún is a widely recognized traditional authority in Chiloé, known for her active role in defending territorial, cultural, and environmental rights within the Mapuche Huilliche territory in southern Chile.

La entrada Chiloé: Racist Assault and Death Threats Reported Against Lonko Clementina Lepío se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.