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Prosecutor's Office Reports 17% Increase in Violent Incidents So Far This Year in La Araucanía

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The prosecutor of La Araucanía, Roberto Garrido, reported thatviolent incidents in the region have increased by 17% this year compared to 2022. This figure comes amid criticism ofthe shortcomings of the State of Exception in the Southern Macrozone one year after the measure was decreed.

The then Minister of the Interior, Izkia Siches, was the one who announced the measure from La Moneda, allowing the deployment of military personnel—albeit a limited deployment that was always criticized by local lawmakers, mostly from the opposition.

A year has passed, and the attacks continue, which is why UDI lawmakers are now demanding a State of Siege.

Violent incidents have increased by 17% this year

The analysis of the measure varies among authorities, productive guilds, police, the Prosecutor's Office, and the military.

But the numbers speak for themselves.Prosecutor Roberto Garrido confirmed the increase in high-profile rural violent incidents this year, acknowledging that many of them are in reaction to police operations.

"The figures have not changed substantially, but there is a slight increase of 17% in the most violent incidents, associated with high-profile events", added the prosecutor.

The president of the Association of Forestry Contractors, René Muñoz, urged authorities to take a further step and grant real powers to the military.

For RN deputy Miguel Mellado, this is a watered-down State of Exception, claiming that the military andpolice are "stationed" on Route 5 South.

The only pro-government deputy in La Araucanía, Ericka Ñanco, stated that theState of Exception has contributed to fueling racism against the Mapuche people, as communities tend to be blamed for criminal acts.

Despite the State of Exception, the series of violent incidents continues, even escalating in the province of Malleco. This has led some lawmakers to request the declaration of a State of Siege, which the government has not accepted.

Source:www.biobiochile.cl