Major Setback for Prosecutors in Temuco: Court Acquits Lonko Guillermo Ñirripil of Extortion and Intimidation Charges

Original article: Duro revés para Fiscalía en Temuco: Tribunal absuelve a lonko Guillermo Ñirripil en juicio por extorsión y robo con intimidación

The Oral Criminal Court in Temuco delivered a significant blow to the prosecution by acquitting Lonko Guillermo Ñirripil Cheuquepán of the charges of intimidation and two counts of extortion, for which the Public Prosecutor’s Office had sought a 22-year prison sentence.

However, the verdict issued on Thursday, July 9, found the lonko guilty of «threats,» a decision that the 21 Mapuche communities backing him deemed «unjust» and part of a strategy to keep him imprisoned.

Over a hundred members from Mapuche communities in Lautaro, Curacautín, Victoria, Lonquimay, and Perquenco gathered outside the courthouse to hear the verdict following seven days of trial, which marked a historic moment with the testimony in Mapuzungun from Lonko Florentino Curican during the defense’s witness presentation.

Family spokesperson Valeria Ñirripil Lincopi expressed mixed feelings: «Today, the trial against Lonko Guillermo Ñirripil concluded with the verdict that he is innocent of the two accusations he faced for robbery, intimidation, and extortion. Fortunately, his innocence regarding the charges of extortion and robbery with intimidation was demonstrated, but the court still wishes to keep him imprisoned due to threats. I want to thank everyone who came and participated in this process. Chaltumay.»

Communities Accuse Institutional Racism and Political Persecution Behind the Trial

The representatives denounced that the prosecution, under the leadership of prosecutor Miguel Ángel Velásquez Droguett, revived accusations that could have been made years ago, in a clear attempt to criminalize the ancestral authority.

The strategy of the Public Prosecutor’s Office involved «recycling» the same evidence from the previous trial—where the lonko is already serving a five-year sentence—to label him as a «habitual extortionist.»

The communities pointed out that the accusation was based on statements from business owners of estates, ignoring previous dialogue agreements between the parties and conflict resolution mechanisms protected by ILO Convention 169.

Additionally, they explained the background of what they called injustice against the lonko, stating that two narratives were constructed and are currently being used against him.

The first stems from a purchase agreement for land through Conadi, where the owner voluntarily agreed to sell his land in April 2022, but later broke his promise and reported the lonko for alleged theft of minor tools and «extortion,» claims that were categorically dismantled during the trial.

The second, according to the communities with a series of witnesses, comes from the forestry company Sefomec, which destroyed fences and caused the death of community livestock, paying a compensation to the lonko for damages but in 2024 distorted the voluntary agreement and filed a criminal complaint to recover its money and clear its image, they stated.

Historic Testimony in Mapuzungun

A landmark event occurred on Tuesday, July 7, when Lonko Florentino Curican from the Pewenche territory of Lonquimay testified as a defense witness in Mapuzungun, with translation by the Mapuche Public Defense and the Prosecutor’s Office.

This marked a significant milestone in years of persecution against ancestral authorities, enshrined in ILO Convention 169 and national laws.

Since Wednesday, July 1, the 21 Mapuche communities have maintained an uninterrupted vigil outside the courthouse, facing sub-zero temperatures and heavy rains to support their authority.

Common cooking pots, morning prayers (llellipün) on the day of the verdict, and a vibrant ayekan of support reflected an organized territorial presence that defied cold, rain, and adversity.

The defense of the lonko was led by Public Defender lawyer Luis Acuña, who, along with his team, including Mapuche defender Valentina Pozas, managed to discredit the accusations of theft and extortion, although he could not prevent the conviction for threats.

During the trial, human rights observers were present and will issue a report identifying at least three urgent issues: institutional abandonment, racial discrimination, and arbitrary criminalization.

Following the verdict announcement, a gathering took place in the vicinity of the courthouse, where communities had maintained their vigil throughout the trial, and the defense explained the implications of the ruling. Additionally, lonkos and leaders from various territories contributed to the discussion.

The final sentence will be revealed on July 20, at which point the penalty the lonko will serve for the threat charge will be disclosed. Meanwhile, the communities reaffirmed their unwavering support for this traditional authority and warned that they will remain mobilized until Guillermo Ñirripil regains his full freedom.

«Guillermo Ñirripil is not alone. The communities stand with him, today and always,» concluded spokesperson Valeria Ñirripil Lincopi.

We will continue to provide updates.