Chiapas: Believing People organize fourth pilgrimage in Simojovel

Photo (@Chiapas Denuncia Pública)

On Saturday 12 July, the Believing People of Simojovel carried out a fourth “Pilgrimage for peace.”  Thousands of persons marched to highlight the increase in violence in the municipality due to alcoholism, drug-trafficking, prostitution, and arms trading, and to denounce the death-threats received by the priest Marcelo Pérez and other members of the Council of Parishes of San Antonio de Padua.  On the same occasion, they accused municipal authorities of being corrupt and of favoring this situation which undermines peace and security for the people of Simojovel.  In a communique, the Believing People declared that “Amidst these death-threats, we cannot be silent or be indifferent; we cannot simply cross our arms while seeing so much suffering caused by the corruption of the authorities.”

Furthermore, they publicly demanded that the corresponding authorities re-establish peace and tranquility for the people by closing places for drug and alcohol sales, prostitution centers, and repressing the traffic in weapons.  In this way, they specified that “We demand security for our people; enough of violating our rights.  We demand liberty and justice.”  They added: “This is our action so that peace be restored in this community.  We will not tire; if we see that there is no result, we will take other measures in the coming days and months.  The people must continue raising their voice.”

For more information (in Spanish):

Ante amenazas de muerte no podemos callar: Pueblo Creyente de Simojovel (Chiapas Denuncia Pública, 12 de julio de 2014)

En Chiapas el Pueblo Creyente peregrina por la Paz (Frayba, 12 de julio de 2014)

Peregrinan por la paz en Simojovel (Cuarto Poder, 13 de julio de 2014)

En Simojovel, Chiapas la delincuencia manda, controla y amenaza(Proceso, 12 de julio de 2014)

For more information from SIPAZ (in English):

Chiapas: Urgent Action concerning threats to Marcelo Pérez, priest of Simojovel (28 June 2014)

Chiapas: Pilgrimage in Simojovel for the closure of “cantinas” and the end of violence; parish priest receives threats (June 13, 2014)

Chiapas: Believing People holds pilgrimage in Simojovel to denounce the increase in violence in the municipality (October 26, 2013)