FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Ernie Schibli, Public Education Coordinator
Tel.: (514) 933-6797
Home: (514) 481-6544
Email: ernie@s-j-c.net

Social Justice Committee condemns brutal murder of 14 year-old daughter of indigenous community supporters in Guatemala, calls upon Guatemalan government to bring those responsible to justice.

Montreal- 30 May 2006 - The Social Justice Committee is launching an action alert condemning the brutal murder of the 14 year-old daughter of indigenous community supporters in eastern Guatemala, calling upon the Guatemalan government to carry out investigations and prosecute those responsible. The SJC also condemns the recent assassination of four human rights activists, noting that these acts of violence, committed in the last two months against members of organizations promoting women, peasants and indigenous people’s rights, have not yet been the subject of any official investigation.

The SJC points out that on May 20th, 14 year-old Sandra Teresa Coc Xol was shot to death just a few meters from an education center run by Association Ak’ Tenamit, a non-profit organization supporting Q’eqchi’ communities in eastern Guatemala. Sandra’s parents both work with Association Ak’ Tenamit (her father is Operations Director and once served as President of the Board of Directors), leading organization members to believe that her murder was committed in order to terrorize community support groups in the region.

This most recent wave of political violence takes place against a backdrop of increased repression and social unrest throughout Guatemala. As grassroots organizations and popular opposition movements gain strength in the country, with increased calls for the government to address social injustices emanating from its land and mining policies, Guatemalans are becoming increasingly subjected to acts of violence and terror.

“The Guatemalan government must guarantee the respect for the fundamental rights of its citizens by ensuring the protection of human rights defenders and members of social and political movements,” said Ernie Schibli, SJC public education coordinator.

The Social Justice Committee continues to raise public awareness about human rights issues in Guatemala and supports the Guatemalan people’s ongoing struggle against impunity.