Supreme Courts issue rulings in Chile and Argentina

In Chile, the Supreme Court upheld a ruling from the Concepción Court of Appeals that rejected a protection action filed by the Mapuche Lanalwe Dayinko Organization. The legal challenge was directed against administrative authorities following the eviction and destruction of a community ruka (traditional dwelling) on the shores of Lake Lanalhue in Contulmo.

The organization argued that the destruction, carried out by police and military forces in October 2025, violated cultural and spiritual rights, as the structure was located near a site of religious significance. They also cited violations of due process and international instruments, including ILO Convention 169. The court's decision maintains the administrative restitution of the public land.

In Argentina, the Supreme Court rejected a complaint filed by former labor judge Gustavo Guerra Labayén. The court dismissed the appeal on technical grounds, noting it failed to meet specific formatting requirements regarding length and font size.

Guerra Labayén was removed from his position in September 2024 by the Council of the Magistracy for “mal desempeño de la función” (misconduct), resulting in a five-year ban from judicial roles. His defense had argued that his impeachment violated guarantees of impartiality and independence, but the Supreme Court found the appeal lacked sufficient legal merit.