Mapuche political prisoners on an 82-days hunger strike in Concepcion, Lebu and Valdivia jails decided to end their protest on October 1st after the government admitted the offences they are accused of do not constitute acts of terrorism. The written agreement states "the government will desist from all accusations of terrorism and will redefine the charges under the common penal law ". The accord also establishes that the government "will continue to promote the reform of the Code of Military Justice so that civilians are tried by ordinary courts" and will work towards the reform of the Antiterrorist Act.

According to statements in Radio Mapuche by Natividad Llanquileo, spokeswoman of the Mapuche strikers, the political prisoners who decided to end the hunger strike believe there is a framework agreement to start further talks with the Chilean government.

11 prisoners still on strike

Although most of Mapuche political prisoners abandoned the hunger strike, 10 strikers in Angol prison and a minor are still refusing to consume any food. According to their lawyer the government promises are not enough to guarantee the withdrawal of terrorism charges. Furthermore, the minor declared the demands made to the National Service of Minors -such as the proposals addressing the condition of Mapuche childhood- have not been met.
The Chilean public prosecutor pointed out that "dropping incriminations against Mapuches might constitute a crime".

Further information:

• News on the hunger strike on Mapuche media Azkintuwe and Mapuexpress