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Política
y Derechos Humanos
Politique
et droits de la personne
Politics
and Human Rights
Tlahui-Politic No. 3, I/1997
Temores por la seguridad
y libertad de diez profesores de la comunidad de Temalacalzingo, municipio
de Olinalá, Guerrero, México
Caso MEX 020697
El Secretariado Internacional de la OMCT solicita su intervención urgente en relación a la siguiente situación en México
México, a 2 de Junio de 1997
Breve descripción
El Secretariado Internacional ha recibido informes sumamente preocupantes,
provenientes de diversas fuentes, acerca de la evolución de los
derechos humanos en México, específicamente en el Estado
de Guerrero. Según esos informes, existen serios temores por la
seguridad y libertad de los Profesores Esmaregdo Ceferino VILLA, Florencio
Andrés CASTAÑEDA, Juan VILLA HERNÁNDEZ, Fortunato
CEFERINO, José VÁZQUEZ ROSENDO, Ramos Reyes GUERRERO, Isaac
MENOR HERNÁNDEZ, Roberto VÁZQUEZ TRINIDAD, Santiago RIVERA
CEFERINO y Raymundo VILLA HERNÁNDEZ, de la comunidad de Temalacalzingo,
municipio de Olinalá, Guerrero.
Los profesores antes mencionados se encuentran en la Ciudad de México,
desde hace un mes, participando en una manifestación en demanda
de mejores condiciones de vida y de trabajo. Los informes afirman que esas
personas son buscadas por elementos del ejército mexicano y de la
policía, en razón de su participación activa en la
lucha magisterial. Esto hace temer que sean detenidos, torturados o desaparecidos
al regresar a sus labores en las comunidades indígenas, debido a
que las fuerzas públicas mantienen en estado de sitio las poblaciones
y han detenido de manera ilegal a campesinos e indígenas acusándolos
de ser miembros del Ejército popular revolucionario (EPR).
Acción solicitada
Dirigirse a las autoridades de México instándolas a:
i. adoptar las medidas necesarias y apropiadas para garantizar en toda
circunstancia el respeto de la integridad física y psíquica
de los señores Esmaregdo Ceferino VILLA, Florencio Andrés
CASTAÑEDA, Juan VILLA HERNÁNDEZ, Fortunato CEFERINO, José
VÁZQUEZ ROSENDO, Ramos Reyes GUERRERO, Isaac MENOR HERNÁNDEZ,
Roberto VÁZQUEZ TRINIDAD, Santiago RIVERA CEFERINO y Raymundo VILLA
HERNÁNDEZ;
ii. ejercer las actuaciones en su poder para hacer cesar las amenazas
y otros actos de violencia en contra de los miembros y trabajadores de
la educación;
iii. garantizar el pleno respeto de los derechos humanos y las libertades
fundamentales en ese país, conforme a las leyes nacionales y las
normas internacionales.
Regresar
al índice de Tlahui-Politic No. 3, I/1997
Deterioration of human
rights in the State of Guerrero, Mexico
Case MEX 020697
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention
in the following situation in Mexico
Geneva, 2nd June 1997
Brief description of the situation
The International Secretariat has received extremely grave reports from
various sources over the deterioration of human rights in Mexico, particularly
in the State of Guerrero. According to these reports there are strong grounds
reasons to fear for the safety and freedom of the following professors:
Esmaregdo Ceferino VILLA, Florencio Andrés CASTAÑEDA, Juan
VILLA HERNANDEZ, Fortunato CEFERINO, José VASQUEZ ROCENDO, Ramos
Reyes GUERRERO, Isaac MENOR HERNANDEZ, Roberto VASQUEZ TRINIDAD, Santiago
RIVERA CEFERINO and Raymundo VILLA HERNANDEZ, from the community of Temalacalzingo,
municipality of Olinalá, Guerrero.
The above-mentioned professors have been in Mexico City and have been
demanding improved living and working conditions for the past month. The
reports suggest that these persons are wanted by elements of the Mexican
army and the police because of their active participation in the teachers'
struggle. The fact raise grave concerns that they may be detained, tortured
or made to disappear when returning to their work in the indigenous communities.
The authorities continue to maintain a state of siege in the indigenous
communities villages and have illegally detained indigenous peasants, accusing
them of being members of the EPR (Popular Evolutionary Army).
Action requested Write to the Mexican authorities urging
them to:
i. adopt all necessary measures in order to guarantee in all circumstances
respect for the physical and psychological integrity of: Esmaregdo Ceferino
VILLA, Florencio Andrés CASTAÑEDA, Juan VILLA HERNANDEZ,
Fortunato CEFERINO, José VASQUEZ ROCENDO, Ramos Reyes GUERRERO,
Isaac MENOR HERNANDEZ, Roberto VASQUEZ TRINIDAD, Santiago RIVERA CEFERINO
and Raymundo VILLA HERNANDEZ,
ii. take all steps in their power in order to put an end to the threats
and other acts of violence against members and workers in the field of
education;
iii. guarantee the full respect of human rights and fundamental liberties
in the country in accordance with national laws and international standards.
Return to Tlahui-Politic No. 3, I/1997
The assassination of Mr Celerino Jiménez
Almaraz
Case MEX 290497
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention
in the following situation in Mexico
Geneva, 29th April 1997
Brief description of the situation
The National Independent Committee, affiliated to the FEDEFAM, a member
of the network, has expressed its grave concern over the death of Mr CELERINO
JIMENEZ ALMARAZ, a Zapoteco aged 25 years.
On April 24th 1997 at 2.a.m., over 50 members of the Oaxaca Judicial
police arrived at the community of Santa Maria Jalatengo, San Mateo Rio
Hondo, District of Miahuatlan. All were dressed in black and some had their
heads covered. They forced doors and windows and broke into the premises
beating up those who were inside, including Mr CELERINO JIMENEZ ALMAREZ
whom they dragged outside and stripped naked. Shots were heard as they
took him away and apparently he was hit since there was a trail of blood
and vomit along the way they had dragged him.
The Oaxaca Attorney General's Office PGJE reported that Mr CELERINO
JIMENEZ ALMAREZ had died while being taken to Pochutla to receive medical
attention care. However there is the possibility that he was executed.
According to the testimony of Maria Estela Garcia, wife of the victim,
the reasons for the violent arrest and death are not known since there
was no warrant of arrest nor any interrogation concerning any criminal
act.
Action requested
Please write to the Mexican authorities urging them to:
i. Carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the presumed summary execution
of Mr CELERINO JIMENEZ ALMAZAR in order to identify those responsible and
apply to them the civil, penal and/or administrative sanctions provided
by law
ii. Ensure the right of the victim's family to appropriate redress
iii. Put an end to violence and other grave violations committed against
the indigenous population
iv. Guarantee the full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms
throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international
standards.
Return to Tlahui-Politic No. 3, I/1997
The respect of the physical and psychological
integrity of Dr. Gerardo González Figueroa
Case MEX 130597
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention
in the following situation in Mexico
Geneva, 13th May 1997
Brief description of the situation
The National Independent Committee, affiliated to the FEDEFAM, an organisation
which is a member of the network, has expressed its grave concern over
the life and safety of Dr. Gerardo GONZALEZ FIGUEROA, a physician, member
of the Co-ordination of Non governmental Organisations for Peace (CONPAZ).
On May 7th 1997, WM radio read a communiqué from CONPAZ signed
by Dr. Gerardo GONZALEZ FIGUEROA concerning the recent expulsion of international
observers of the human rights situation in Mexico.
A few minutes after the end of the reading of the communiqué,
Dr. Gerardo GONZALEZ FIGUEROA received several telephone calls threatening
him and his children.
Action requested
Please write to the Mexican authorities urging them to:
i. Adopt all necessary and appropriate measures to guarantee in all
circumstances the respect of the physical and psychological integrity of
Dr. Gerardo GONZALEZ FIGUEROA and his family
ii. Take every possible action to put an end to the threats and other
acts of violence against members and leaders of human rights organisations
iii. Guarantee the full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms
in the country in accordance with national laws and international standards.
Return to Tlahui-Politic No. 3, I/1997
The presumed summary execution of Rogelio Gabriel
Morones
Case MEX 060597
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention
in the following situation in Mexico
Geneva, May 7th 1997
Brief description of the situation
The International Secretariat has been informed of various acts which
constitute grave violations of human rights in Mexico.
1. According to the Independent National Committee, affiliated to the
FEDEFAM, an organisation member of the network, on May 5th 1997 police
agents violently detained JOSE DE MOLINA (a singer well known for his solidarity
with all indigenous, peasant and social sectors), DARIO AGUILAR and MARTIN
HERNANDEZ. They were taken to the commissariat of Xochimilco. It is not
known if they are still being detained and the reasons behind their detention
remain unknown.
Moreover, since the same 5th of May up to the date of this appeal, agents
of the police and of the army have targeted and harassed many teachers
engaged in a demonstration demanding the recognition of their rights, (especially
an increase in salary and better social benefits) as well as the release
of some 80 professors and other political prisoners and an end to militarisation.
The teachers, from Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacan, Tlaxcala, Mexico and
sections 9,10 and 11 of the Federal District, members of the National Co-ordination
of Educational Workers (CNTE) carried out a march to the capital of approximately
500 kilometers. At present they are stationed in front of the offices of
the Ministry of Education as a permanent protest.
According to the same reports the authorities have issued or are about
to issue orders of detention against various persons, presumed to be leaders
or activists of teachers' organisations or other social sectors.
2. According to the same organisation (CNI), the Organisation of Ethnic
Peoples of Veracruz, has reported that a member of the Otomi indigenous
community, ROGELIO GABRIEL MORONES was apparently summarily executed on
April 16th 1997. During this event a peasant, BALDOMERO MENDOZA, was injured.
Both men were from the community of Plan del Encimal, municipality of Ixhuatlan
de Madero, Veracruz.
At the time of the event, both men were on their way to the offices
of the Governor, Sr. Patricio Chirinos Calero. The Governor summoned them
in order to attempt to resolve problems of the land from which they had
been violently evicted on September 8th 1994. During the eviction Rolando
and Atanacio Hernandez Hernandez, both indigenous persons were killed.
The members of the Organisation of Ethnic Peoples fear for the life
of other indigenous persons. The roads along which they have to travel
are apparently guarded by heavily armed persons (their faces covered).
It is believed that these armed men are under the control of the cattle
rancher Tranquilino Hernandez Reyna.
Action requested
Please write to the Mexican authorities urging them
to:
i. Guarantee in all circumstances the respect of the physical and psychological
integrity of JOSE DE MOLINA, DARIO AGUILAR and MARTIN HERNANDEZ and order
their immediate release( If they are still being detained) in the absence
of valid judicial charges or, if such charges exist, bring them before
a competent and impartial civil court which will rule on the case according
to due process of law;
ii. Carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the presumed
summary execution of ROGELIO GABRIEL MORONES, in order to identify and
bring to trial those responsible and impose upon them the penal, civil
and/or administrative sanctions provided by law;
iii. Ensure appropriate medical assistance for BALDOMERO MENDOZA and
guarantee his physical and psychological integrity as well as that of the
other residents of the indigenous community of Plan del Encinal;
iv. Ensure the right of the family of ROGELIO GABARIEL MORONES to an
adequate compensation and reparation;
v. Put an end to the violence and other grave violations committed against
the indigenous population;
vi. Guarantee the full respect of human rights and fundamental liberties
in the country in accordance with national laws and international standards.
Return to Tlahui-Politic No. 3, I/1997
Violence against the members and leaders of
the PRODH and other human rights bodies
Case MEX120597
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention
in the following situation in Mexico
Geneva, 12th May 1997
Brief description of the situation
The PRODH centre (Centro Miguel Agustin Pro Juarez) member of the network
has expressed its concern for the safety of the PRODH members, particularly
David FERNANDEZ, Rafael ALVAREZ , Alfredo CASTILLO, Victor BRENES and Aldo
RABIELA as well as various international observers.
Recently the National Migration Institute (Secretariat of the Ministry
for Home Affairs ) ordered various foreign observers from different European
countries to leave the country claiming that they were engaging in activities
incompatible with their tourist status.
On May 5th, eight of the 12 European tourists arrived at the PRODH centre
from San Cristobal de Las Casas de Chiapas who were in the process of leaving
the country. They were being forced to leave for participating as observers
in peace activities .
Since that time members of the PRODH have been subjected to constant
surveillance on the part of some 20 armed persons belonging to a non-identified
police or security unit. They maintain their watch in the vicinity of the
offices of PRODH organization and move about in seven vehicles.
On May 6th the surveillance was intensified and extended to ALDO RABIELA
from the Visitadurias area who was followed in the street. He is under
permanent surveillance. The same night three members of PRODH were followed
leaving the office and during their journey on the underground metro.
On May 7th surveillance was reinforced and an individual was spotted
filming with a camera directed at the offices of the Centre.
On May 8th 20 individuals making no attempt to hide, observed, recorded
and surveyed the movements of persons entering and leaving the centre.
The became even more obvious after the arrival at the centre of RICCARDO
VITALE, an Italian and one of the expulsed international observers. The
PRODH then asked the Italian Embassy for support in connection with the
protection of Sr. VITALE and his transfer to the international airport.
In view of this situation DAVID FERNANDEZ, director of the centre communicated
with the Attorney General's office for the Federal District. Dr. Carlos
Quintana, the Assistant Legal Procurator, told him that the matter did
not fall within the competence of his office and he feared a confrontation
and therefore could not offer him help.
On the 9th of May, in spite of continuous surveillance no police corporation
had admitted responsibility for this operation which is constantly directed
against the members of the PRODH centre. A complaint has been lodged with
the Human Rights Commission of the Federal District and the matter has
been brought to the attention of the public.
Up to this dated of this appeal, surveillance is continuing of the offices
of the PRODH and of its members: DAVID FERNANDEZ director, RAFAEL ALVAREZ,
ALFREDO CASTILLO and ALDO RABIELA, all three from Vistaduria and Victor
BRENES (coordinator for the juridical area).
The foreign observers in the process of being expelled include: PIA
RUDOLPH (Germany), PROSKE HEIKE (Germany), GABRIELE ULRIKE (Germany), RICCARDO
VITALE (Italy), DANIEL REVILLAS (Spain), JUAN MANUEL GRADO (Spain), FREDERIC
BEDU (France), NATALIE VUERTH (France). Three others persons, non-identified,
are in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.
Action requested
Write to the Mexican authorities expressing concern at such events and
urging them to:
i. Guarantee in all circumstances the respect of the physical
and psychological integrity of the members of the PRODH, and of the international
observers mentioned above who are in the country;
ii. Take all the steps in their power in order to put an end to the
threats and acts which could of violence against the members and leaders
of the PRODH and other human rights bodies;
iii. Put an end to the expulsion of international human rights observers
and provide appropriate conditions to enable them to make their contribution
to the promotion and defense of human rights in that country;
iv. Guarantee the full respect of human right and fundamental liberties
in the country in accordance with national laws and international standards.
Return to Tlahui-Politic No. 3, I/1997
The Arrest of the priest José Luis Serra
and of Angel Calderón
Case MEX 190597
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention
in connection with the following situation in Mexico
Geneva 19th May 1997
Brief description of the situation
Reports from various sources, including the Miguel Agustin Pro Juarez
Centre (PRODH) member of the network, give rise to grave concern for the
life and safety of the Jesuit priest, José Luis SERRA, and Angel
CALDERON, leader of the Popular Front of Southwest Veracruz Organizations
(FREPOSEV) and Fernando FLORES MADRID, leader of the Democratic Peasants'
Union, recently detained in Chihuahua.
1. According to reports received, after the trans-isthmus road was blocked
on May 12th 1997 in the Jaltipan-Minatitlan sector, Veracruz, by Nahuatl
peasants from Pajapan II and supported by peasants from other Veracruz
municipalities, the Government Secretary Miguel Angel Yunes threatened
to issue warrants for the arrest of the priest José Luis SERRA and
of Angel CALDERON. He accused them, falsely, of "manipulating"
the events and being their "intellectual authors".
Yunes Linares threatened them saying that "they would pay for this
very dearly" and that they "should not go crying to the Jesuits"
etc. Such threats also give rise to concern for the safety of the residents
of Pajapan II, their authorities and other leaders of the FREPOSEV and
the Indigenous Agrarian Zapatista Movement (MAIZ-Veracruz), organisers
and participants in the protest particularly from possible reprisals.
The reason for the blocking of the highway, which was carried out peacefully,
was the constant delaying of various authorities in legalising the transfer
of land to the Pajapan and a wish to protest at the persistently negative
attitude of the State Government in dealing with the social and economic
demands of the residents.
Although as a result of this action it became possible to reach agreement
with some of the authorities, over certain claims, the population and the
local organizations fear a repressive reaction on the part of the government
against the organizations mentioned above and the Jesuits working in the
region.
2. A wave of accusations and persecution against regional leaders of
the Democratic Peasants Union and in particular Fernando FLORES MADRID,
in charge of agrarian questions led to his recent arrest. He was detained
on May 12th , with the use of force, taken to the State penitentiary and
there detained on the orders of the judge of the seventh criminal court.
Fernando FLORES MADRID is handling land grants cases for 118 families
residing in the Nuevo Palanganas , municipality of Casas Grandes and 28
other families residing in El. Garabato, under the jurisdiction of the
village of Arturo Gamiz, municipality of Madera.
Action requested
Write to the Mexican authorities expressing concern over these events
and urging them to:
i. Guarantee in all circumstances the respect of the physical and psychological
integrity of the Jesuit priest, José LUIS SERRA, as well as of Angel
CALDERON, Fernando FLORES MADRID and the other leaders and members of the
organisations mentioned above;
ii. Ensure the immediate release of Fernando FLORES MADRID in the absence
of valid legal charges or, if such charges exist, bring him before a competent
and impartial civil court which will rule on the case in accordance with
due process;
iii. Take every measure in their power in order to prevent and forestall
any form of intimidation, detention or act of violence against the residents
of the communities mentioned above or the members and leaders of the various
organisations;
iv. Guarantee the full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
throughout the count in accordance with national laws and international
standards.
Return to Tlahui-Politic No. 3, I/1997
Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code number of
this appeal in your reply.
Ben Schonveld
Projects Manager
OMCT-SOS-Torture
Fax 4122 733 1051
Ph 4122 733 3140
OMCT is: l'Organisation Mondiale contre la Torture
The World Organisation Against Torture
OMCT@IPROLINK.CH
http://www.omct.org/
Index. Tlahui-Politic No. 3
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