Global Action for Release of Indigenous Zapatista Supporters in Mexico https://nacla.org/node/6958

On April 24, the New York based Movement for Justice in El Barrio (MJB) will launch several days of global action calling for the release of five indigenous Zapatista supporters, who are being held by the Mexican police in the state of Chiapas. The “Bachajón 5,” as they are called, were arrested on February 3 when approximately 300 state police raided a meeting of indigenous Zapatista supporters in San Sebastian Bachajón, Chiapas. One hundred and seventeen people were arrested. After intense international pressure, all were released but the “Bachajón 5,” who are facing serious charges; one is accused of murder, one of attempted murder, and all five are accused of “crimes against the peace.

Human rights organizations have called the arrests, intimidation and imprisonment a fabricated conflict to strip the community, particularly the Zapatistas, of their territorial rights.“The State did not intervene to prevent confrontations. Instead, it planned a strategy for territorial control in the zone,” the Center for Human Rights Fray Bartholome de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico told reporter Kristin Bricker. “Territory is an essential element of a dignified life and the clear exercise of indigenous peoples’ collective rights run contrary to the business interests that the federal and state government have promised to private investors. Projects that benefit Mexican and foreign investors and cause poverty and death for residents.”