Chiapas: New threats against members of the Believing People in Simojovel after their fifth pilgrimage demanding security and peace

Pilgrimage in Simojovel, October 2014 (@Koman Ilel)

In a communique published on 29 October, members of the Believing People from the parish of San Antonio de Padua in Simojovel denounced that after the pilgrimage they held on 18 October to demand greater security in the region, they repeatedly warned with death-threats and threats of kidnapping on the part of the authorities and arms- and drug-traffickers who operate in the city.  The threats are directed at Father Marcelo Peréz Peréz, as well as at other members of the parish council.

The members of the Believing People expressed however that they would continue demanding justice and security in the region.  “We cannot be indifferent in light of the situation experienced by the people of Simojovel.”  They noted: “We ask ourselves about what is happening in Simojovel, if this is the fifth pilgrimage of the Believing People involving more than 12,000 persons, why have no firm decisions been made by the state and federal governments to return peace to Simojovel.  What are they awaiting?  Another massacre?  That the priest be killed?  That ten members of the parish council and representatives of the Believing People be killed?  Are they hoping that the 2015 elections will take place with another wave of violence?”

For more information (in Spanish):

DESPUES DEL 18 DE OCTUBRE EN SIMOJOVEL, EL PUEBLO CREYENTE ESTÁ EN MAS PELIGRO (Pueblo Creyente, 29 de octubre de 2014)

Denuncian nuevas amenazas contra clérigos y religiosos de Simojovel en Chiapas (Proceso, 30 de noviembre de 2014)

For more information from SIPAZ (in English):

Chiapas: Believing People organize fourth pilgrimage in Simojovel (20 July 2014)

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)