Three Mapuche natives guard their territoriesaround the little town of Temucuicui, Chile Photo: AFP
The model for the "Mapuche nation" he foresees in the central southern region of Chile is based on the autonomous rule enjoyed by Basques and Catalans in Spain.
But the hurdles he faces are numerous, including governmental opposition that extends to imprisoning him and other militants, and a division among the Mapuche Indian communities about strategy.
"Recovering our land will cost us sweat, blood and tears," Llaitul said.
The 41-year-old leader of the radical indigenous Auroca Malleco Coordination was one of nine militants imprisoned after a 2008 attack against a state prosecutor and police.
Chile charged several of them under anti-terrorist legislation dating from its 1973 to 1990 military dictatorship, which permitted lengthy preventative detention.
Source:
