Chile police clash with Mapuche Indians

Chilean police have taken action against Mapuche Indians, who were holding a demonstration south of Santiago to protest the planned construction of an airport on their territory.

The clashes between the indigenous protesters and the police took place on Friday in different parts of the Araucaria region, south of the Chilean capital Santiago, the Associated Press reported.

Police used tear gas against the Mapuche protesters, who blocked a highway in the region.

The skirmishes have continued through the night in some places, and reports say two police officers have suffered minor injuries.

The Mapuche Indians say the central and regional governments never consult them over the use of their lands.

http://signalfire.org/