Truck drivers demand the government to activate Mepco due to a sharp rise in diesel prices; former ambassador Pakarati sues the Foreign Ministry for discrimination, and condemns a man for sexual abuse against 13 women from the deaf community

Chilean truck drivers have demanded the government activate the Mepco mechanism to mitigate a sharp increase in diesel prices, which will rise by $97.4 per liter this Thursday. Meanwhile, former ambassador María José Pakarati has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a man named José Pablo Peñafiel was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing 13 women from the deaf community. These developments occurred amid ongoing reports of damage caused by recent weather events in northern Chile, with 580 people affected and over 1,100 individuals seeking shelter. The call from truckers comes as diesel prices continue to climb, prompting concerns over the economic impact on transportation costs and inflation. The Mepco system, designed to stabilize fuel prices during periods of volatility, had previously been activated in response to similar crises. Trucking associations argue that without intervention, the rising cost of diesel could further strain supply chains and push up consumer prices. The government has yet to respond formally to these demands, though officials have acknowledged the situation under review. Pakarati’s legal action centers around allegations of systemic bias within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which she claims failed to provide adequate support and protection during her tenure as ambassador. She alleges that her requests for assistance were routinely dismissed or delayed, leading to professional and personal challenges. The case has drawn attention from human rights groups and political figures who have called for transparency in how diplomatic personnel are treated. The Ministry has not commented publicly on the allegations, but internal reviews are reportedly underway. In another major legal decision, José Pablo Peñafiel received a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting 13 women belonging to the deaf community. The trial revealed that the accused exploited his position and the communication barriers faced by members of the deaf population to carry out the attacks. The victims, many of whom were unable to fully articulate their experiences due to language differences, relied heavily on interpreters and forensic evidence to build the case against him. The court emphasized the need for greater protections for vulnerable communities and stricter enforcement of laws against sexual violence. Separately, the National Service of Emergency Prevention and Response (Senapred) confirmed that 580 people were affected by recent weather-related incidents in northern Chile. Over 1,100 individuals have sought refuge in emergency shelters, with local authorities working to provide food, water, and medical care. The region has experienced severe flooding and landslides, disrupting infrastructure and displacing families. Rescue teams continue to assess the extent of the damage, while officials warn that more rain is expected in the coming days, potentially worsening conditions. The recent events highlight multiple pressing issues facing Chile, ranging from economic policy to social justice and public safety. Truck drivers, diplomats, and victims of crime all find themselves navigating complex systems that, according to some, fail to meet their needs. As the country grapples with these challenges, the government faces mounting pressure to address the underlying causes of instability and ensure that all citizens receive equitable treatment and protection.