Chilean bishops work to help force-fed indigenous hunger striker

Published: 2008-01-24

SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) -- Chilean Catholic bishops are working to resolve a situation in which an imprisoned Mapuche woman, convicted of arson under the country's anti-terrorist legislation, is being force-fed intravenously after more than 100 days on a hunger strike. The woman, 38-year-old Patricia Troncoso Robles, wants prison benefits for herself and other Mapuche activists convicted under legislation enacted during the 1973-90 dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. She has served half of her 10-year sentence. At serious risk of death after losing some 60 pounds, Troncoso was transferred in late January to a hospital in Chillan, despite medical recommendations to have her transported to the capital, Santiago. Authorities did not notify or consult her family before they moved her. Church officials said Jan. 23 that Troncoso lies strapped to a bed and is being fed intravenously against her will. She is allowed visits only from church officials.

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