1. The Latin American Commission for the Rights and Freedoms of Workers and Populations, (CLADEHLT), a member of the network, has expressed particular concern over continued threats made to RUBEN ESCALANTE BOLAÑOS, Secretary for conflicts and labour in the Social Communication and Journalism Workers' Union of the Radio paper El Debate.

On April 11th, after covering a demonstration by the Teachers' Union, he was approached by an unknown person who warned him that April 25th would be "a key date" for him. That same day his wife was stopped at the Santa Luis market in zone 6 of the capital by 4 armed individuals who inquired about Sr. ESCALANTE but whom went away because of the presence of many people. She also received other intimidating messages by telephone.

2. On March 7th last Jose Pedro LOPEZ ROSALES , belonging to the Social Communication Union and the Parliamentary Chroniclers Union, disappeared in unexplained circumstances. After a long search his body was found on April 4th at the Verbena Cemetery in Zone 7 of the capital. He was shot in the Chest.The body showed signs of torture inflicted.

Write to the Guatemalan authorities expressing grave concern at these events and urging them to:

i. Guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of RUBEN ESCALANTE BOLAÑOS RUBEN and members of his family;

ii. Carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the assassination of Sr. José Pedro LOPEZ ROSALES, identify those responsible and impose upon them the civil, penal and/or administrative sanctions provided by law;

iii. Ensure the right of the victim's family to receive adequate compensation and reparation;

iv. Take every measure in their power to put an end to threats and acts of violence against members and leaders of various trade union and peoples' sectors and organizations;

v. Guarantee the full respect of human rights and fundamental liberties throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international standards.