14 May URGENT ACTION – ESCALATING PERSECUTION AND VIOLENCE AGAINST MAPUCHE WILLICHE HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
New arbitrary detention and harassment of Machi Millaray Huichalaf, her family, and community
Mexico City, Mexico and Temuco, Chile – May 12, 2025
On Monday, May 12, 2025, 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.
The events took place around 4:30 p.m. on the highway to Temuco during what appeared to be a routine operation. However, officers acted without presenting any judicial order and transported Jaime to the city of Lautaro against his will. The arrest —witnessed and documented by bystanders— left Machi Millaray and her minor son stranded on the roadside after officers confiscated the keys to the family vehicle. Jaime was released the following day but remains subject to judicial proceedings.
According to available information, the apparent reason for the detention is linked to allegations of trespassing on private property during a ceremonial act held near the Chirre River.
This incident is the latest in a series of recent detentions, harassment, and raids, including the arbitrary detention of Felipe Trunci González, a member of the Aylla Rewe of the Ngen Mapu Kintuantü, on April 25. These events appear to form part of a systematic pattern of criminalization and violence against defenders in the context of opposition to projects led by the Norwegian state-owned company Statkraft, whose pressure to begin operations at the Los Lagos Hydroelectric Plant has intensified —despite the lack of free, prior, and informed consent from the affected communities and in disregard of their rights and spiritual practices.
In recent weeks, the General Manager of Statkraft Chile has publicly expressed frustration over what she described as excessive delays in the project’s launch due to permit requirements, while denying any responsibility on the part of the company. These statements contribute to a climate of delegitimization of the Mapuche Williche communities’ human rights defense, further enabling the current wave of criminalization.
There have also been unofficial reports suggesting that the company intends to fast-track the closure of the Indigenous consultation process in order to proceed with filling the reservoir before the end of the summer. Although this has not been officially confirmed, it has raised serious concerns among the communities, especially in light of the escalating territorial tensions. Communities have also denounced irregularities and a lack of transparency in the handling of the consultation process related to archaeological findings in the area.
We demand:
1. An end to all unfounded accusations against members of the Aylla Rewe.
2. Immediate and comprehensive protection for territorial defenders and their families.
3. An end to judicial, police, and media persecution of Aylla Rewe members and Mapuche Williche communities.
4. An immediate, impartial, and public investigation into the arbitrary detentions and police abuses.
5. Urgent action by the UN Special Rapporteurs on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and on Human Rights Defenders to intervene with the Chilean State.
6. That Statkraft be held to its human rights due diligence obligations and cease all actions that increase tension or risk in the territory.
Signatory organizations:
Initiative for Transnational Justice (IJT)
Project for Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ProDESC)