Araucanía: Prosecutor Garrido acknowledges that despite decrease in reports, radical organizations are still operating

The regional prosecutor of La Araucanía, Roberto Garrido, acknowledged that there are radical groups in the region that have not been dismantled and continue to operate.

Similarly, the criminal prosecutor asserted that radical groups are using the concept of "political prisoner" to justify the commission of serious crimes and pressure the justice system.

These statements were made by the regional prosecutor of La Araucanía, Roberto Garrido, in his 2025 Public Account delivered to the community at Cerro Ñielol in Temuco, where he stated that, although crimes linked to so-called rural violence have seen a significant decrease, they will continue working because there are still radical groups that have not been dismantled and continue to operate in the area.

During 2025, the Public Prosecutor's Office in La Araucanía received 226 reports, a 6% decrease compared to the previous year and a 77% decrease compared to the peak recorded in 2021.

"Political Prisoners"

Attacks in La Araucanía have been attributed to organizations such as the Arauco Malleco Coordinator (CAM), Weichán Auka Mapu (WAM), Mapuche National Liberation (LMN), and Mapuche Malleco Resistance (RMM).

The regional prosecutor also acknowledged that one of the most complex cases to investigate was the murder of the three police officers (carabineros) in Cañete, Biobío Region, whose oral trial begins next January 19th.

In his speech, regional prosecutor Roberto Garrido referred to the use that radical groups have made of the concept "political prisoner," stating that "in a world where the persecution of ideas still persists, attempting to call someone who steals a car and then mutilates their victim a 'political prisoner' not only distorts the meaning of that concept but also constitutes a lack of respect for the memory of those who have fought to build a more inclusive and democratic society."

The Regional Ministerial Secretary (Seremi) of Public Security of La Araucanía, Israel Campusano, asserted that in the context of so-called rural violence, political prisoners do not exist.

According to the figures presented in the Public Account, during 2025 there were 93 people convicted for crimes linked to rural violence in La Araucanía, there are 38 defendants in preventive detention, and progress was made on 22 indictments, where individuals will be brought to oral trial.

Source:BiobioChile