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Mapuche political prisoners win hunger strike in indigenous struggle in Chile,

Summary

In 2012, four Mapuche political prisoners in Chile conducted a 60-day hunger strike to demand the overturning of their convictions and greater autonomy for the Mapuche people. The campaign gained widespread solidarity from Mapuche communities and international human rights organizations. On 24 October, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned the sentences of two of the strikers due to lack of evidence, leading to the end of the hunger strike. While the immediate goal was achieved, the broader struggle for Mapuche territorial rights continues [source: nv-database].

Tactics used

Tactics used

Background

The Mapuche people of south-central Chile have long resisted Spanish colonization and continue to demand autonomy and land rights. In December 2011, police arrested two Mapuche men, Daniel Levinao and Paulino Levipán, charging them with attempted murder of police officers and possession of firearms, which they denied. On 13 August 2012, they were sentenced to over 10 years in prison, leading to widespread belief among Mapuche that they were political prisoners.

What happened

Mapuche political prisoners win hunger strike in indigenous struggle in Chile,

Mapuche political prisoners win hunger strike in indigenous struggle in Chile, — Marcelo Urra (CC BY-SA 2.0). Source: mapuche-political-prisoners-win-hunger-strike-indigenous-struggle-chile-2012.jpg

On 27 August 2012, the two convicted men, joined by two other Mapuche prisoners (Eric and Rodrigo Montoya), began a hunger strike to have their convictions overturned and to demand increased autonomy and territorial rights for the Mapuche people [source: nv-database]. The campaign quickly gained support: on 2 September, the Mapuche organization Meli Wixan Mapu announced a solidarity march, and on 20 September, leader Calfurray Trecanao declared the Mapuche nation stood behind the strikers [source: nv-database]. Police repression was common; on 25 September, spokesperson Daniel Melinao was arrested for disturbing the peace but released the next day [source: nv-database]. On 29 September, a representative of the Ethical Commission Against Torture visited the strikers, and Mapuche held a mass prayer demonstration in the prison [source: nv-database]. On 2 October, hundreds marched in Temuco in solidarity after 37 days of the strike [source: nv-database]. On 4 October, the courts reviewed the case, with a decision expected at month’s end [source: nv-database]. On 6 October, another mass prayer was held outside Temuco prison, and hundreds marched from Collipulli to Angol prison to visit the strikers, taking turns due to space limits [source: nv-database]. On 10 October, the strikers were moved to the hospital due to critical conditions [source: nv-database]. When the government threatened force-feeding, the strikers warned they would sew their mouths shut, and Amnesty International warned that force-feeding could violate human rights [source: nv-database]. On 18 October, the strikers were returned to prison, and a European Parliament representative sent a letter to the Chilean government urging a humane solution [source: nv-database]. On 24 October, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned the 10-year sentences of Levipán and Levinao for attempted murder due to lack of evidence, though Levinao’s firearms charge was upheld; Levipán was freed immediately [source: nv-database]. On 25 October, the four strikers ended their hunger strike [source: nv-database].

Key people & organizations

  • Daniel Levinao Montoya
  • Paulino Levipán Coyan
  • Eric Montoya
  • Rodrigo Montoya
  • Meli Wixan Mapu
  • Autonomous Community Temucuicui
  • Ethical Commission Against Torture
  • Amnesty International
  • Underrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization

Outcome

Verdict: partial.

The strikers achieved their immediate goal of having the convictions overturned for two of the prisoners, and the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision was a clear victory on that demand. However, the broader goals of increased autonomy and territorial rights for the Mapuche people were not met, and the struggle continues through other means. [source: nv-database]

Lessons

  • A hunger strike can generate intense moral pressure and media attention, especially when combined with broad community solidarity and international advocacy.
  • Building alliances with human rights organizations and international bodies can increase leverage against a government.
  • Sustained nonviolent action over many weeks can force judicial review and lead to legal victories even against a repressive state.

Sources

Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.

Sources & verification

  • nv-database — grounding: primary — license: link-only
  • Rewritten: 2026-07-04 via worker_casestudies_v2.py

Last verified: 2026-07-04