The Neuquén justice system dismissed on Thursday the seven Mapuche individuals accused of alleged usurpation of some land acquired by former basketball player Emanuel Ginóbili in Villa La Angostura. The athlete had purchased several lots on the slopes of Cerro Belvedere nearly two decades ago, unaware that there was an ancestral claim by the Lof Paichil Antriao community.
Through his lawyers, Ginóbili accused the seven Mapuche individuals of 'usurpation', while they claim that Ginóbili was 'defrauded'. However, Judge Ignacio Pombo decided to dismiss the accused due to the extinguishment of the criminal offense and ordered to continue the lawsuit through civil court.
According to the defense of the Mapuche individuals, led by lawyer Luis Virgilio Sánchez, the lands acquired by Ginóbili along the Correntoso River for a hotel project were ceded by the community during the last military dictatorship under forced signature.
Ginóbili, 47 years old, is one of the most distinguished Argentine athletes in history: he played in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs for 16 seasons, won four titles, and also obtained the gold medal with the Argentine national team at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
