Trees honour victims of Chilean dictatorship

The event was part of the global campaign to create a worldwide forest with a tree representing each of the 4,197 people who 'disappeared' during the Chile dicatorship.

The new trees in Sanctuary Street, opposite Lant Street's Gladstone pub, have been named in memory of four indigenous Mapuches detained in June 1974: José Julio Llaulen Antilao (aged 39) and brothers Oscar Rumualdo Yaufulem Mañil (18), Ceferino Antilao Yaufulem Mañil (23) and Miguel Eduardo Yaufulem Mañil (25).

The planting was organised with the co-operation of Southwark Council by Ecomemoria which works with local groups across the world paying testimony to the 'disappeared'.

Simon Hughes MP, who unveiled one of the trees plaques, recalled being a student lawyer in the 1970s and joining protests against the Pinochet regime.

Also present was Dan Jones representing Amnesty International.

A reception attended by exiles and Southwark friends followed at El Vergel, the Chilean café, in Lant Street.

More trees in Ecomemoria's 'virtual forest' can be found at St George's Circus and Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park