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From: "NISGUA" <nisgua@igc.org> Subject: ACT NOW! New Acts of Intimidation against the GAM Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 12:09:10 -0400 **Urgent Action List** Dear Friends, As the different political parties forge alliances, violence continues to be directed at social activists and human rights organizations. Although it would be difficult to connect the recent threats and assasinations with specific "campagin promises," advocates for truth, justice, and human rights are clearly the ones targeted. Recent acts of intimidation against the Mutual Support Group (GAM) are part of a long term strategy to destabilize the popular movement's increasing organization and energy. Let us not lose energy or hope but use this information to take more concientious action. Please let NISGUA know when you have responded to this Urgent Action. In peace Matthew Kennis National Organizer Ph:202 518 7638 Fax:202 223 8221 nisgua@igc.org **************************************************************************** *********************************** ACT NOW! NEW ACTS OF INTIMIDATION AGAINST THE GAM On the occasion of its 19th anniversary, the Guatemalan human rights organization Mutual Support Group (GAM) suffered new acts of intimidation, proving that those who have resorted to acts of terror remain dedicated to intimdating anyone who opposes their interests. On June 4, 2003, at 4 p.m., while GAM was commemorating 19 years of working with the families of the disappeared, a group of armed men repeatedly fired guns into the air in front of a GAM office, located in zone 12 of Guatemala City. Authorities denounced the act, but sent no security officials to begin an investigation. No investigation nor any sign of investigation has since occurred. On June 10, 2003, a GAM vehicle was stolen from the same installation that had witnessed violence the week before. The vehicle was used in various programs that serve the families of disappeared persons. Background In the first six months of 2003 in Guatemala, key witnesses in human rights cases have been threatened, indigenous organizers assaulted, and countless other acts of intimidation and violence perpetrated. Recently, a young journalist from CERIGUA and a representative of the human rights Ombudsman's office (PDH) have been assasinated. The recent threats against GAM are part of a 15-month long campaign of terror directed against social activists throughout the country. These clandestine groups have proven that they are organized and adept at killing, terrorizing, and evading investigation. The government appears incapable or unwilling to bring these criminals to justice. On 13 March 2003, the government took the first steps in establishing an international commission to investigate threats against human rights activists, the activities of illegal armed groups, and Guatemala's clandestine security apparatus. The commission will be known as the Comisión para la Investigación de Cuerpos Illegales y Aparatos Clandestinos de Seguridad (CICIACS), (Commission to Investigate Illegal Armed Groups and Clandestine Security Apparatus). Together with other human rights organizations, GAM is demanding that the government support this initiative to combat ongoing impunity. ACTION: Please direct letters and faxes: ?Demanding an immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation of these criminal acts of intimidation; ?Expressing concern for the safety of members of the GAM; ?Reminding the authorities that their ability to effectively dismantle the clandestine bodies behind these attacks on human rights defenders is crucial to a full implementation of the peace accords; ? Ensuring the creation of the Comission to Investigate Illegal Bodies and Clandestine Security Apparatuses (CICIACS); ? Urging the government to collaborate fully with the work of CICIACS and guarantee its independence APPEALS TO: President of the Republic of Guatemala: Lic. Alfonso Portillo Cabrera Presidente de la Republica de Guatemala 6a. Avenida 'A' 4-41, Zona 1 Ciudad de Guatemala, GUATEMALA Fax: 011 502 239 0090 (please keep trying) Salutation: Dear President/Senor Presidente Attorney General: Lic. Carlos David de Leon Argueta Fiscal General de la Republica Fiscalia General del Ministerio Publico 8a. Avenida 10-57, Tercer nivel, Zona 1 Ciudad de Guatemala, GUATEMALA Fax: 011 502 221 2718 Salutation: Dear Attorney General/Senor Fiscal General Minister of Foreign Affairs: Canciller Edgar Gutiérrez Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores 2ª Avenida 4-47, Zona 10, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala Fax: 011 502 340 0100 Salutation: Dear Foreign Minister/Señor Canciller Human Rights Procurator: Lic. Sergio Morales Procurador de Derechos Humanos Procuraduría de los Derechos Humanos 12 Avenida 12-72, Zona 1 Ciudad de Guatemala 01001, GUATEMALA Fax: 011 502 230 0874 (if someone answers, please say "fax, por favor") COPIES TO: Grupo de Apoyo Mutuo 8a. Calle 3-11, Zona 1 Pasaje Fénix, apartamento 15, Ofic. 5 Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala Fax: 011 502 251 9037 Newspaper: Diario Prensa Libre 13 Calle 9-31, Zona l Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala Fax: 011 502 251 8768/ 230 2193/ 230 2257 Ambassador Antonio Arenales Forno Embassy of Guatemala 2220 R St. NW Washington DC 20008 Fax: 1 202 745 1908 |