In the Mapuche community of Pillañ Mawuiza, located in Corcovado, Chubut, Victoria Nuñez was detained. Before arriving in this territory, Victoria lived in the city of Ituzaingó and acknowledges having had ignorance about the Mapuche people. However, upon settling in the community, her perception changed, and she began to understand the importance of safeguarding life in its diversity, as proposed by Mapuche culture.
During Victoria's detention at the Esquel police station, a disproportionate treatment by the security forces was evidenced. Despite the lack of clear grounds against her, she has been accused of co-authoring an arson attack and illicit association, with possible sentences of up to 15 years in prison. Victoria highlights the importance of making her situation visible, as she believes that the persecution she faces not only affects her but seeks to attack anyone who supports the right to exist of indigenous peoples.
Victoria has been linked to the defense of rights and environmental protection, which has been used against her to incriminate her. Despite the lack of substantial evidence, she has been the target of a defamation campaign that has led to her being stigmatized as a terrorist. Through the solidarity of various feminisms and socio-environmental activism, a campaign for her acquittal has been promoted, seeking to highlight the irregularities and prejudices present in her case.
In the judicial process, evidence has been presented that dismisses Victoria's participation in the criminal acts she is accused of. However, the lack of financial resources to strengthen her defense has been an obstacle in her struggle to prove her innocence. Despite the adversities, Victoria continues to advocate for her freedom and for the respect of the rights of indigenous peoples. Her case reflects a larger issue of persecution and stigmatization towards those who defend territories and cultural diversity.
