OLCA communiqué on the violence unleashed by Carabineros against citizens
Massive anti-dam demonstration in Patagonia, brutally repressed by Carabineros.
– Overwhelmed by the democratic expression of citizens in the streets, Hinzpeter must resign.
Between 30,000 and 40,000 self-organized young people gathered at Plaza Italia and marched toward La Moneda in high spirits, intent on peacefully protesting in defense of Patagonia and expressing great anger toward Piñera and his government. People were aware of past repression, but the call for a Chile without HidroAysén proved stronger.
The march began, and part of the column was diverted down Av. Portugal in search of alternative routes to continue toward La Moneda — but at least half of the massive mobilization was left trapped on the Alameda between Portugal and Plaza Italia. After a long period in which a wall of Carabineros Special Forces blocked the way, they launched a brutal attack with tear gas, water cannons, and gas canisters both from the front of the march and from the Plaza Italia end. This caused a massive trap, with many people experiencing near-asphyxiation, others beaten, and many more on the ground — trampled by the crowd desperately trying to escape a situation turning into hell. It was a moment of collective hysteria provoked by police forces.
Despite this repressive action, thousands managed to reach La Moneda, where after a while they were again dispersed by police brutality — with a helicopter hovering above the area as a means of intimidation, illuminating from the air. Just like in '73.
As OLCA, we denounce the brutal and desperate action of the Piñera government against an exemplary, peaceful, and massive mobilization — one that reflects the genuine expression of a democratic society that is increasingly convinced that environmental awareness and the exercise of rights must be actively manifested.
The brutality with which these demonstrations are being repressed reveals an authority that politically has no more tools or arguments at its disposal other than direct violence against citizens.
We therefore maintain that Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter is responsible for this repressive policy that endangers citizens. Hinzpeter's repression reveals his anti-democratic vocation and his willingness to use all the violence of state agents against defenseless citizens — in favor of narrow business interests. Hinzpeter must resign now, because we want no more police violence in the streets against peaceful demonstrations.
We call on citizens to join mobilizations across the country — especially on May 21 — expressing rejection of the approval of the Patagonia Dams and demanding the right to demonstrate in democracy.
Free rivers in Patagonia. No to HidroAysén. Observatorio Latinoamericano de Conflictos Ambientales – OLCA Santiago, May 13, 2011.
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