Chiapas: 3 years since the forcible displacement of the families from Banavil

Press-conference, 4 December 2014 @ SIPAZ

On 4 December 2014, 3 years were commemorated since the attacks in the Banavil community, Tenejapa municipality, Chiapas, as prosecuted by members of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).  In a press-conference, the Zapatista-sympathizing families mentioned the attack with firearms which led to the displacement of 13 persons “who have lost everything and are prevented with death-threats from returning.”  The attack caused the death of Pedro Méndez López, while six others were injured, and Alonso López Luna forcibly disappeared.  Furthermore, two arbitrary arrests were carried out of Lorenzo López Girón, son of the disappeared who was injured by gunfire and then accused of assault and battery, as well as Francisco Santiz López, Zapatista support base (BAEZLN), who was actually located elsewhere during the attack.  Subsequently, both were released, with Francisco’s case won thanks to the work of a special campaign involving international-solidarity actions.

The press-bulletin indicates that “due to these grave human-rights violations, we continue to demand justice and punishment of those responsible for the attacks.  It is necessary to clarify the truth regarding the forcible disappearance of Mr. Alonso López Luna, and that he be returned to us with life.  Furthermore, we demand compensation for the damages incurred, owing to the plundering of our possessions and lands in the community; an expeditious return to the homes for the displaced, who now live in vulnerable situations in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, lacking access to healthcare and housing, and without options for work under dignified conditions.”

Following the press-conference, representatives of the Simojovel parish celebrated a ceremony and prayer with the displaced families to express their support and alleviate their pain.  This case of the displaced families from Banavil has been included within the Campaign Faces of Looting, “Our Lands, Our Rights.  No to Forcible Displacement.”

For more information (in Spanish):

Tres años de impunidad por desplazamiento forzado de indígenas tseltales de Banavil. Situación evidenciada como una grave violación a los derechos humanos en la Campaña Rostros del Despojo (Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas, 4 de diciembre de 2014)

Tres años buscando justicia ante un gobierno con poca voluntad: Familias desplazadas de Banavil (Chiapas Denuncia Pública, 4 de diciembre de 2014)

Tres años de impunidad por desplazamiento forzado de indígenas tseltales de Banavil (Rostros del Despojo, 4 de diciembre de 2014)

Tres años buscando justicia ante un gobierno con poca voluntad: Familias desplazadas de Banavil (Rostros del Despojo, 4 de diciembre de 2014)

Fotos del acompañamiento por organizaciones civiles y representantes del pueblo creyente en rezo para desplazadas y desplazados de Banavil(Rostros del Despojo, 4 de diciembre de 2014)

For more information from SIPAZ (in English):

Chiapas: Those displaced from Banavil continue demanding justice (16 September 2014)

Chiapas: Denunciation from and announcement of action on part of the displaced from Banavil and the Aurora Ermita ejido(10 April 2014)

Chiapas: Two years after the attack in Banavil, displacement and forced disappearance live on,” CDHFBC (9 December 2013)

Chiapas: Public denunciation from those displaced from Banavil (16 September 2013)

Chiapas: The displaced of Banavil, Tenejapa in “precarious and inhumane conditions” (8 April 2013)