Argentina Minister Resigns in Protest Over Detention of Indigenous Leaders Protesting Evictions
Female leaders from the indigenous Mapuche nation were detained last Tuesday by Argentinian security forces as they clashed over their community's occupation of private and public lands MARIO QUILODRAN/AFP via Getty Images

Female leaders from the Indigenous Mapuche nation were detained last Tuesday by Argentinian security forces as they clashed over their community's occupation of private and public lands. Their arrest drew criticism from many, including Argentina's Minister for Women, Gender and Diversity, Elizabeth Gomez, who decided to resign in protest regarding those detentions.

In a recent interview, Gomez described the detention of the seven Indigenous women, including one spiritual leader, as concerning. The former Minister for Women, Gender, and Diversity was a strong advocate for advancing rights for women and Indigenous minorities.

CNN reported that Argentina President Alberto Fernandez has accepted Gomez's resignation. She resigned the day after she made those comments.

Elizabeth Gomez's Resignation Letter Contained Harsh Words Against Argentinian Government

According to a report by the Buenos Aires Times, Gomez's resignation letter was "indeclinable" and was worded harshly when she presented it to President Alberto Fernandez. She slammed the harsh treatment of Mapuche women and children.

In her letter of resignation, she stated that the behavior of security forces, as well as their treatment of the Indigenous members of the Mapuche nation, were "incompatible" with her values. She also described their actions as a "serious" violation of human rights.

"Personally, I believe these actions crossed a line, and as a consequence, I must step aside so that another person may take on the important responsibility to lead this Ministry," she stated in her resignation letter, which was released by the state news agency, Telam. "A line has been crossed, so I have to step aside," she added.

Many in the Fernandez administration lamented Gomez's resignation, including Public Works Minister Gabriel Katopodis. He stated that the government lost a "very capable official" in Gomez.

Security Operation Led to Mapuche People Getting Evicted From Villa Mascardi

Argentinian Federal Police conducted an operation to clear lands within the Rio Negro province of members of the Lof Lafken Winkul Mapu Indigenous community. According to government sources, they occupied these areas to demonstrate for better treatment of Indigenous people. This is all part of the Mapuche people's struggle for recognition of their language and cultural heritage.

The operation, organized by Security Minister Anibal Fernandez, led to the arrest of 12 Mapuche individuals, including seven women and five children.

However, according to Merco Press, the government claimed that radical groups such as the Mapuche Ancestral Resistance (RAM), led by fugitive rebel Facundo Jones-Huala, have taken over Villa Mascardi. Former Security Minister and current PRO Chairwoman Patricia Bullrich said that Jones-Huala was hiding in the area. Jones-Huala is also wanted in Chile.

The Mapuche nation spanned large swathes of territory in Patagonia, including territories belonging to either Argentina or Chile. However, they found their territories continually shrinking as cattle ranchers and shepherds encroach on the lands their ancestors dwelled in.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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