English version follow

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
Bristol, 31 Agosto, 2000

Refugiado Politico Mapuche Muere en el Exilio

Enlace Mapuche Internacional, tiene el triste pesar de informar el fallecimiento de don Florentino Segundo Catrilaf, miembro de la comunidad Mapuche residentes en Europa, fallecio el 19 de de agosto, tenia 80 años de edad. Un servicio funerario se efectuara el proximo viernes 1º de Septiembre a las 9:00 am, en South Bristol Crematorium, Bridgewater Road, Bedmister, Bristol.

Florentino nacio en una comunidad Mapuche situada en la provincia de Chubut, Argentina.

Condiciones de extrema represion por las fuerzas armadas de ocupacion, hizo que a su temprana edad, su padre lo trasladara al lado -hoy chileno- del territorio ancestral de la nacion Mapuche, encontrando refugio en la comunidad rural Huilipan de Santa Maria de Llaima, comuna de Melipeuco, IX Region, Chile.

Florentino fue un prominente miembro de su comunidad, fiel al legado de sus ancestros, lucho por un futuro de justicia y libertad para su pueblo. En la decada del 60 y principios del 70 participo, junto a otros mapuche, en la recuperacion de tierras que permanecian y aun permanecen ilegalmente en manos de los latifundistas locales.

Su entrega por la causa de su pueblo, hizo que fuera catalogado enemigo, por los enemigos del pueblo Mapuche.

Inmediatamente despues del Golpe de Estado en 1973, Chile, fue herido a bala, detenido y encarcelado por los militares. Durante su encarcelamiento fue objeto de un brutal catalogo de torturas, que lo dejo afectado fisica y psicologicamente para el resto de su vida.

Eventualmente, en 1978, su condena fue conmutada por la del exilio, arribando a Inglaterra como refugiado politico. Se establecio en Bristol donde se integro a la pequeña comunidad Mapuche y de chilenos de esta ciudad. Sus cenizas seran llavada a Chile para darle sepultura de acuerdo a la tradicion de su Pueblo.

=====================

PRESS RELEASE Bristol, 31 August 2000

Mapuche political refugee died in Exile.

Mapuche Internationl Link wishes sadly to inform you that Florentino Segundo Catrilaf, a member of the Mapuche community resident in Britain, died on the 19th of August. He was 80 years old. His funeral sevice will take place on Friday the 1st of September at 9.00 am, in South Bristol Crematorium, Bridgewater Road, Bedminster, Bristol.

Florentino was born in a Mapuche community in the Province of Chubut, Argentina.

Conditions of extreme repression by the occupation forces of the Argentinean army, forced his father to flee with him at an early age to the Chilean side of the Mapuche territory. He found refuge in the rural community of Huilipan of Santa Maria de Llaima in the municipality of Melipeuco, IX Region, Chile.

Florentino was a prominent member of his community. Faithful to the legacy of his ancestors, he fought for a future of justice and freedom for his people. In the sixties and early seventies he actively participated in the reclamation of lands previously taken by force by the local landowners.

His commitment to the cause of his people singled him out as an enemy of the enemies of the Mapuche people.

Immediately after the military coup in 1973 in Chile, he was shot and wounded, arrested, and imprisoned by the military. During his imprisonment he was subjected to a catalogue of brutal torture which left him physically and psychologically scarred for life.

Eventually, in 1978, his 20 year sentence was commuted to exile and he moved to England as a political refugee. He settled in Bristol where he became integrated into the Mapuche and Chilean communities. His ashes will be taken to Chile where they will be buried in the tradition of his ancestors.

===============================
Mapuche International Link
Enlace Mapuche Internacional
6 Lodge Street,
Bristol. BS1 5LR,
England.
Tel/Fax +44-117-927 9391
e-mail: MAPULINK@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/mapulink
===============================