I would be interested in hearing from NativeNet subscribers as to the
interest of its membership in receiving these kinds of bulletins when they
deal with indigenous people who have become political prisoners.
--Gary (gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us) ]
<< Amnesty International Electronic Urgent Action >>
(Paper reprints authorized. Electronic redistributors
must request permission from AIUSA UA Office by email or
by calling (303)440-0913, 9-5 M-F.)
=====
UA 431/91 Fear of "Disappearance" and Death Threats 10 December 1991
GUATEMALA: Diego Domingo MARTIN and family
Amnesty International is seriously concerned for the safety of Diego
Domingo Martin, an indigenous leader, who was reportedly abducted on 8
November 1991 in the municipality of La Democracia, Huehuetenango. Amnesty
International is also concerned that the family of Diego Domingo Martin
were threatened, after denouncing his abduction.
At 9.00pm on 8 November 1991, five armed masked men in plain clothes, went
to the home of Diego Martin's father-in-law in the municipality of La
Democracia, Huehuetenango department. Diego Martin was taken from the house
with his hands tied and only partially dressed. His relatives recognized
the commander of the Patrullas de Autodefensa Civil (PAC), Civil Defence
Patrols [civilian agents of the armed forces], in La Democracia as one of
the abductors. Relatives also stated that Diego Martin had been accused by
the PAC of "being a member of the guerrillas".
The family subsequently denounced the abduction to the National Police and
to the Procurador Auxiliar de Derechos Humanos (Auxiliary Procurator for
Human Rights) of Huehuetenango. Relatives of Diego Martin reported that
when they went to the Auxiliary Procurator's office in Huehuetenango, the
Secretary at the office asked why they were making a denunciation when
their relative was a "guerrilla". Relatives also stated that the Secretary
also intimated that if they denounced the facts of the abduction, they too
may suffer the same fate as Diego Martin. Relatives also reported recently
receiving threats from the PAC. Amnesty International is concerned that
Diego Martin may have "disappeared" and also for the safety of his
relatives.
BACKGROUND
Indigenous leaders and villagers have been the target of human rights
violations over the past two decades in Guatemala. Thousands have been
seized, mutilated and shot dead. Those accused by the authorities as
"guerrillas" and detained by military and police, or those acting under
their orders have been "disappeared" -- their families and friends cannot
find out what has happened to them.
President Jorge Serrano Elias came to power in January 1991. During his
presidential campaign he had pledged to ensure protection of human rights.
However, Amnesty International remains seriously concerned at the
continuing occurrence of human rights violations, including killings, death
threats, torture and "disappearances". As in past years, the choice of
victim and the manner in which the abuses have been carried out suggest the
involvement of members of the security forces.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Telegrams/telexes/faxes/airmail letters:
- expressing concern at the forcible abduction of Diego Domingo Martin by
armed men, one of whom was believed to have been an agent of the armed
forces;
- urging the authorities to clarify his whereabouts and legal situation;
- asking for assurances that his physical integrity be respected;
- asking for guarantees for the safety of the relatives of Diego Domingo
Martin.
APPEALS TO: [Salutation]
S.E. Jorge Serrano Elias [Sr. Presidente/Dear President]
Presidente de la
Republica de Guatemala (Faxes: 011 502 2 537472; 011 502 2 519702)
Palacio Nacional (Telexes: 305 5331 CAPRES GU)
Guatemala, Guatemala (Telegrams: Presidente Serrano, Guatemala, Guatemala)
Lic. Fernando Hurtado Prem [Senor Ministro/Dear Minister]
Ministro de Gobernacion (Minister of the Interior)
Despacho Ministerial
Oficina No. 8, Primer Nivel (Faxes: 011 502 2 518105)
Palacio Nacional (Telegrams: Ministro Gobernacion, Guatemala, Guatemala)
Guatemala, Guatemala (Telexes: 305 5085 MINGOB GU)
Gral. Jose Garcia Samayoa [Senor Ministro/Dear Minister]
Ministro de Defensa (Minister of Defence)
Ministerio de Defensa (Faxes: 011 502 2 537472)
Palacio Nacional (Telegrams:Ministro Defensa Mendoza, Guatemala, Guatemala)
Guatemala, Guatemala (Telexes: 301 5361 COMGUA GU)
Cnel. Sergio Arnoldo Camargo Muralles [Sr. Comandante/Dear Commander]
Comandante (Commander)
Base Militar No.19
Huehuetenango,Huehuetenango
Guatemala (Telegrams: Comandante Muralles, Huehuetenango, Guatemala)
COPIES TO:
Senor Acisclo Valladares
Procurador General de la Nacion
Procuraduria General de la Nacion
18 Calle 10-36
Zona 1, Guatemala
Guatemala
Lic. Ramiro de Leon Carpio
Procurador de Derechos Humanos
Avenida Simeon Canas 10-61
Zona 2,
Guatemala, Guatemala
Union Sindical de Trabajadores de Guatemala (UNSITRAGUA)
11 Calle 8-14, 3er Nivel
Edificio Tecun, Of 34
Zona 1, Guatemala
Guatemala
Diario Siglo XXI
7a Avenida 11-79
Edificio Galerias Espana, 6o piso
Zona 9, Guatemala, Guatemala
Ambassador Juan Jose Caso-Fanjul
Embassy of Guatemala
2220 R St NW
Washington DC 20008
PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the Colorado office between
9:00 am and 6:00 pm, Mountain Time, weekdays only, if sending appeals after
January 21, 1992.
===
Telexes, telegrams, and faxes can be sent through a number
of electronic communications systems reachable by PC, such
as MCI Mail, Easylink, Peacenet, CompuServe, and Worldlink.
You can find this information in the UA intro on your system
or receive a copy from the UA office.
If you would like general information about AIUSA activities
and membership, contact our national office at 322 8th Ave.,
NYC, NY 10001 (212) 807-8400.
UAs are available from AIUSA on many information services,
through a planned distribution system of direct deliveries
from AI and from UAN-approved redistributions by interested
volunteers.