(Información de los eventos está disponible abajo en español)
On May 10, people around the world will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the conviction of Ríos Montt for genocide perpetuated against the Maya Ixil people during Guatemala’s internal armed conflict. The sentence was delivered by Judge Yassmín Barrios, of the High Risk Crimes Court “A”, and convicted Montt to 80 years in prison for genocide and war crimes. Continue reading
La Puya protesters continue fighting, despite police intimidation
Community members at La Puya
Last week, members of the army and the police (PNC) visited San Jose de Golfo to try to break the La Puya resistance movement so that the mining company, KCA, could continue construction of the El Tambor mine that would severely contaminate the community’s water supply. The protesters believe President Otto Perez Molina is directly involved in the deployment of troops and police. A KCA spokesman denied contacting the PNC, but confirmed that he had been in communication with the Pérez Molina administration.
Support La Puya by asking KCA CEO Dan Kappes and the Ministry of the Interior in Guatemala to respect the rights of community members. Continue reading
Children from La Puya play at the movement’s two-year anniversary
Members of the peaceful resistance at La Puya are facing threats and intimidation once more from mining company Kappes, Cassiday and Associates (KCA). Yesterday, a new KCA subcontractor, Transmac, attempted to bring heavy machinery into the mining site. Due to community pressure, Transmac eventually removed the mining equipment, but a strong police presence has grown and remains around San Jose del Golfo. For updates, check our blog and Facebook page. Continue reading
Guatemala Human Rights Commission 