Violent Attack at Funeral of Machi Millaray Huichalaf’s Husband: Injuries and Death Threats Reported

Original article: Denuncian violento ataque en funeral del esposo de la machi Millaray Huichalaf: heridos y amenazas de muerte A heartfelt farewell turned into a violent confrontation, as Mapuche Williche communities reported an incident that reflects deeper conflicts beyond a simple dispute. On April 15, the family of Jaime Javier Uribe Montiel, husband of the Machi Millaray Huichalaf, arrived at the ancestral cemetery of Maihue in the Río Bueno municipality to conduct the funeral service. However, according to a public statement, the funeral procession was intercepted and attacked, resulting in injuries and threats amid the grieving process.

From that moment, the conflict escalated from a mere burial dispute to a reflection of long-standing territorial, political, and cultural tensions. Attack at Machi Millaray Huichalaf’s Funeral: Blockade, Assaults, and Injuries Footage circulated by Mapuche Williche communities shows part of the moment when the funeral procession was confronted upon attempting to enter the ancestral cemetery of Maihue. The video captures struggles, heated exchanges, and the moment when the recorder’s phone is struck.

From funeral to violence in Maihue. Mapuche Williche communities reported that the funeral procession for the husband of Machi Millaray Huichalaf was attacked while attempting to enter the ancestral cemetery. They allege there were injuries, death threats, and a blockade of… pic.

twitter. com/03XnKgHr8S — El Ciudadano (@El_Ciudadano) April 16, 2026 The images further corroborate the accounts detailed by the communities in their public statement. According to the communities, access to the cemetery was blocked before the ceremony could take place: «the funeral procession was obstructed by a group of approximately 20 individuals who prevented entry to the cemetery with vehicles.

» This blockade quickly transitioned into violence. As claims suggest, some members of the group were hooded, appeared to be intoxicated, and were armed with sticks, metal rods, axes, and even a chainsaw: «Several of these individuals were hooded, visibly intoxicated, and wielded sticks, rods, chainsaws, and axes. « The consequences, according to the statement, were severe.

Reports indicate multiple injuries, with some individuals sustaining serious wounds: «resulting in several individuals injured, including severe injuries with open cranioencephalic trauma in three relatives of the deceased. » Simultaneously, the communities allege that direct threats were made during the attack: «the aggressors uttered direct death threats against family members, ancestral authorities, and attendees, intensifying an atmosphere of terror and vulnerability. » All of this transpired in front of children and elderly members who accompanied the funeral.

The communities have shared recordings of the incident, which are included in the public statement available at the end of this article. Burial Completed, but the Conflict Remains Unresolved Despite the violence, the family ultimately managed to lay Jaime Javier Uribe Montiel to rest in the ancestral cemetery of Maihue. However, rather than closing this episode, the situation has ignited fresh tensions.

This is especially concerning as, according to the allegation, threats continued even after the burial: «they threatened to desecrate Jaime Uribe’s grave should his remains be interred in the cemetery, endangering not only the safety of the living but also the respect and protection owed to his remains and the sacred space. » In simpler terms, the conflict transcends mere access to the site; it concerns potential future actions. For the communities, this poses a direct risk to a place they regard as sacred.

Prior Warnings and Authorities Questioned Another aspect underscored by the communities is that the events were neither isolated nor unexpected: «These acts of violence are not spontaneous,» they asserted. According to the statement, signs had already emerged in the days leading up to the burial indicating it would be obstructed. In response, the family claims to have reached out to regional authorities to avert an escalation of the conflict.

However, they maintain that there was no timely response: «there was no response whatsoever from the authorities. « For the organizations, this lack of institutional action contributed to the situation escalating to the reported incidents. A Broader Conflict: Territory, Projects, and Internal Divisions Beyond this specific episode, the document contextualizes the events within a larger territorial conflict in the Maihue-Carimallin area.

The communities argue that the tensions arise not only from internal divisions but also from external interventions related to hydroelectric projects on the Pilmaiquén River. In this context, they also allege that a narrative seeks to undermine those who oppose these initiatives, including Machi Millaray Huichalaf: «violence is perpetrated by groups financed by Statkraft. They were the ones who, hooded and armed, assaulted a grieving family and ancestral authorities who merely sought to exercise their right to peacefully bury a loved one.

» Allegations of Coordination and Presence of External Actors The statement also highlights possible levels of coordination in the events. Among the elements mentioned is the presence of a lawyer at the scene: «It is particularly revealing that attorney Branislav Marelic, who represents this group of individuals and is financed by Statkraft, arrived at the scene. His presence at the cemetery was not coincidental: Marelic arrived clearly informed about what was going to happen and prepared to act in defense of the aggressors.

This indicates that the attack was planned and had prior legal and logistical support. » According to the communities, such situations reinforce the notion that the conflict is not merely a spontaneous reaction but rather reflects more structured dynamics within the territory. More Than Just a Specific Conflict: Cultural and Social Impacts Alongside the physical violence, organizations warn of the deterioration of social fabric in the area.

They particularly highlight the presence of narratives that have, as they point out, contributed to escalating confrontations: «hate and racism discourse targeted against how Mapuche Williche culture is lived and expressed, particularly aimed at stigmatizing and discrediting Machi Millaray Huichalaf in her role as an ancestral authority. These narratives, supported by funding from Statkraft, have created a hostile climate that now manifests in open physical aggressions against her, her family, and the communities that support her. » This situation notably impacts the communities and their authorities, such as Machi Millaray Huichalaf, a pivotal figure within the territory.

Demands and Ongoing Developments In response to the events, the communities drafted a series of demands, including calls for an investigation of the events, sanctions for those responsible, and protection measures for the family and the cemetery. They also requested intervention from human rights organizations, in a context that they assert remains uncertain. Although the burial has been completed, the conflict is far from resolved.

With ongoing threats, territorial tensions, and mutual accusations, the situation continues to unfold. Against this backdrop, the events in Maihue present an unsettling image: even during a moment like a funeral, where respect and containment are expected, conflict managed to take precedence. This highlights that in this territory, disputes are not only political but also intrude into the most intimate aspects of community life.