Chiapas: Partner of Leader of “El Machete” Self-Defense Group Murdered in Pantelho

Peoples’ Self-Defense «El Machete» (@Regeneracion)

On March 1^st, armed men murdered Petrona Lopez Perez, partner of a commander of the Self-Defense Group “El Machete” from Pantelho, when she was traveling in a vehicle near the town of San Jose El Carmen, at the exit from Pantelho to San Cristobal de Las Casas.

According to testimonies, as a result of the events, members of “El Machete” closed the entrances and exits of the capital, where tension prevails.

It should be remembered that the El Machete group appeared in Pantelho in July 2021 seeking to remove members of organized crime (“Los Herrera”) from the municipality, whom they have accused of being responsible for the murder or disappearance of some 200 people.

For more information in Spanish:

Asesinan a Petrona López, integrante de autodefensas “El Machete” (La Jornada, 2 de marzo de 2023)

Emboscan y matan a integrante de grupo de autodefensa “El Machete” en Pantelhó, Chiapas (El Universal, 1ero de marzo de 2023)

Asesinan a cónyuge del comandante del grupo de autodefensa «El Machete» en Chiapas (El Imparcial, 2 de marzo de 2023)

For more information from SIPAZ:

Chiapas: President of Pantelho Municipal Council Arrested for Alleged Participation in Disappearance of 19 People (25 June, 2022)

Chiapas: Renewed Tensions in Pantelho Result in Occupation of Chiapas State Congress by Members of “El Machete” (May 20, 2022)

Chiapas: State Congress of Chiapas Ousts Pantelho Mayor, Raquel Trujillo Morales (November 12, 2021)

Chiapas: El Machete Releases Letter (October 19, 2021)