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Acoforag calls Huenchumilla's statements "aberrant" after he said CAM is "not" a terrorist group

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• The senator claimed that the criminal group has used "political violence." Victim associations lamented his characterization of the organization, which has claimed responsibility for over 240 attacks since 1997.

During an event for La Araucanía gubernatorial candidate and former Conadi director Luis Penchuleo (FA), Senator Francisco Huenchumilla (DC) refused to label the Arauco Malleco Coordinator (CAM)—led by Héctor Llaitul—as an organized crime group.

When asked if it is a terrorist organization, the co-president of the Commission for Peace and Understanding stated: "No. It is a group of Mapuche people who used a method different from democracy because they stopped believing in the State."

The former regional governor of La Araucanía argued that, in his view, "organized crime refers to mafias dedicated to extortion, killing people (...), operating in other countries and arriving here, like the Tren de Aragua, for example. That’s what’s happening with contract killings, kidnappings, extortion, the buying of institutions, and corruption."

He added: "CAM is a Mapuche organization that used the methodology of confronting the State through political violence, but that is not organized crime."

"Disconnection and Indifference"

Alejo Apraiz, president of the Association of Victims of Rural Violence (Avvru), said Huenchumilla is trying to "find an explanation for CAM’s actions, but we shouldn’t hide the sun with a finger."

"Without a doubt, it is a terrorist organization that exists to instill fear in a segment of society," he accused, calling the senator’s remarks "unfortunate and misguided."

Apraiz noted that during Avvru’s presentation before the Commission for Peace, "the senator strongly agreed with defending victims (...). It’s hard to understand why he made these statements now."

René Muñoz, manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors—a frequent target of CAM’s arson attacks—called the congressman’s words "aberrant" and lamented that CAM and its actions are "treated lightly," even attempting to "cleanse the image of this criminal organization."

Similarly, Patricio Santibáñez, president of the La Araucanía Multiguild Association, questioned "Senator Huenchumilla’s persistent defense of groups like CAM," warning that it "could confuse public opinion about where his preferences or sympathies lie."

Meanwhile, Roberto Heise of the Agricultural Development Society noted that, with two months left before the Commission for Peace releases its conclusions, it "faces the challenge of meeting the expectations of many humble people because, if they are not met, frustration will follow, and then violence—in a cycle we already know in the southern macrozone."

Carmen Gloria Aravena (Rep), senator for La Araucanía and Peace Commissioner, lamented that Huenchumilla "seeks to justify" attacks claimed by CAM.

"Claiming that burning properties, armed attacks on innocent people, and abuses against workers and legitimate property owners are acts justified by a political cause is synonymous with disconnection,"
"indifference, and failing to understand the damage CAM has inflicted on southern residents for over 20 years," she added.

Source: subscription edition ofEl Mercurio