Judge Pombo determined this Thursday the extinction of the criminal action for usurpation initiated by private parties, including Emanuel Ginobili, against seven members of the Lof Paicil. The pre-trial hearing concluded with the judge Pombode Vicente declaring the prescription of the criminal action. The Mapuche community celebrated the ruling with joy expressing "marici wew, we will win ten times".
In a conversation with ANRed, Florentino "Tino" Nahuel, the werkén of the community, shared his emotion regarding the resolution. He emphasized that receiving the news was a true triumph of ancestral land rights, especially after facing numerous adversities in the legal process. Nahuel mentioned that the judge's decision was unexpected but extremely gratifying for the community.
The ruling of the Neuquén court had a significant impact by determining the prescription of the charges of usurpation, thus preventing the initiation of the trial. The Lof Paicil Antriao, located in Villa La Angostura, has fought for years to recover its ancestral lands, including a campsite. Tino Nahuel highlighted that the community did not interrupt the possession of the land and considers that the dismissal sets an important precedent in the province.
Despite the joy for the favorable outcome, Nahuel pointed out that the fight continues, as they face ongoing complaints from other private parties. Additionally, he mentioned the importance of concretizing the implementation of law 26.160 and the delivery of relevant documentation by the State to support their rights.
The court's resolution in favor of the Lof Paicil Antriao coincides with protests from the Mapuche Confederation of Neuquén in the Vaca Muerta region, in a tense context ahead of the upcoming visit of the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich. Community members have expressed their position through slogans and demonstrations in the streets.
In Nahuel's words, the dismissal marks a precedent in Neuquén and represents significant progress for the rights of indigenous communities. The spokesperson hopes that justice will consider indigenous rights and respect the rights established in the National Constitution in future similar cases. The community's lawyer, Luis Virgilio Sánchez, contributed to the legal argument that led to the extinction of the criminal action.
