Subject: Chiapas: Community Human Rights Defender Threated
Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 19:02:40 -0500


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January 18, 2002
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

                "Community Human Rights Defender Threatened"
                         by Estacion Libre

During the last eight months Ramon Diaz from the Community Human Rights 
Defenders Network (La Red de Defensores) received several threats ranging 
from incarceration to death. He lives on the ejido of Emiliano Zapata in the 
municipality of Tila, the northern part of Chiapas. Ramon has been actively 
involved in the denunciation of human rights abuses in this region.

Threats began as a result of his work with La Red de Defensores Comunitarios 
and support he has provided to displaced people from other communities. 
Ramon provided shelter for a displaced family on his land, frustrating some 
community members of different political affiliation.  On December 8, 2001 
unidentified members of the community attempted to burn down his home.  This 
attempt failed when family members surprised the assailants and quickly 
extinguished the fire.  Ramon stated that the reason behind this attempt is 
that other community members don't want a human rights defender on their 
ejido.  But, Ramon stands firm in his conviction stating: "I will continue 
my work as a [human rights] defender..."  He and his family continue to live 
under this stressful situation, fearing for their lives and freedom.  He has 
been accused of making false accusations in his denunciations and has been 
threatened to be jailed by some authorities and have his computer and video 
camara taken away.

The Community Human Rights Defenders Network is asking for continued 
national and international attention to Ramon's situation in order to deter 
any violations of his human rights.  If you have any questions or would like 
to know more about the Red de Defensores you can contact them (preferably in 
Spanish) at: reddedefensores-AT-sancristobal.com.mx

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Information was gathered from a Human Rights observation visit to the 
community of Emiliano Zapata on January 17, 2002 organized by the Chiapas 
Community Defenders Network and Estacion Libre.

Estacion Libre is a people of color organization based in San Cristobal de 
las Casas, Chiapas working to build stronger links between indigenous
communities and communities of color in the US and Canada. You can contact 
us at e-libre-AT-tao.ca

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information, visit www.zapatistas.de.vu





































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