URGENT ACTION
JULY 23, 1992
CAMPESINOS ATTACKED ON LA PLAZA CENTRAL
On Tuesday, July 21, 1992, at 4:45PM the Guatemalan Police
reportedly kicked, clubbed and used tear gas to evict more than
500 families from the plaza in front of the National Palace.
These men, women and children, from Cajola, Quetzaltenango were
legally and peacefully demonstrating to regain control of the
land which had been systematically taken from them. Please see
Urgent Action communication of June 19, 1992 for background
information of the "Pampas del Horizonte" land to the residents
of Cajola.
These Cajola villagers were attempting to peacefully
occupy the square following a march, which had been authorized.
National Police in riot gear reportedly denied the campesinos
access as they approached the plaza. Lic. Maria Eugenia de
Sierra, Assistant Human Rights Procurator, intervened after
verifying the validity of the authorization of the march. The
demonstrators were allowed to proceed.
As the march reached the Central Park, riot police
attacked the demonstrators, beating anyone in their path. Old
people and children were reportedly brutally kicked and beaten
with clubs. Teargas was also fired directly into the crowd.
Many of he injured were taken to the Emergency Room of the
General Hospital. Others were reportedly arrested by police.
Although GHRC/USA recognizes the law enforcement duties of
the security forces, it is deeply concerned at reports that
individuals have been injured as a result of the apparent
arbitrary use of excessive force by police personnel during the
demonstration.
Interior Minister Fernando Hurtado Prem, responsible for
the police in Guatemala, resigned on July 23, 1992 following
widespread denouncement of the police action.
Recommended Action: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express
and airmail letters:
- expressing concern at the reported excessive use of force
by riot police belonging to the National Police against
peaceful demonstrators;
- denouncing violations of human rights of defenseless
people;
- calling for a prompt and just solution to the demands of
recovering legitimate "Pampas del Horizonte" land.
Please send your messages to:
President of the Republic
Ing. Jorge Serrano El!as
Presidente de la Rep#blica
Palacio Naiconal
Guatemala, Guatemala
FAX: (5022) 536472, 519702
MInister of Defense
Ministro de la Defensa
Gral. Jos Domingo Garc!a Samayoa
Palacio Nacional, Ciudad de Guatemala
Guatemala, Guatemala
FAX: (5022) 512026
Telexes: 5331 CAPRES GU
Head of the National Police
Lic. Jose Maria Melendez
Director General de la Policia Nacional
6 Avenida 13-71
Zona 1, Guatemala
FAX:5022 27521
Minister of the Interior
Ministro de Gobernaci"n
Despacho Ministerial, Oficina 8
Palacio Nacional
Guatemala, Guatemala
FAX: (5022) 518105