Investigation needed into shootings of members of Mexican indigenous community
22 October 2010
The shooting dead of a man and woman in Mexico by an armed group with alleged ties to the authorities must be investigated, Amnesty International said today (22 October).
Teresa Ramirez Sánchez and Serafin Ubaldo Zurita were killed when gunmen ambushed a gathering of the indigenous Triqui community in the state of Oaxaca on 16 October.
Two other men and a woman, whose names are withheld for their protection, survived the attack. One remains in hospital.
"This attack heightens the need for the authorities to protect the survivors, but also to take immediate steps to restore rule of law and protect human rights in this troubled part of southern Mexico," said Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland.
"Armed groups have been operating in the area with impunity for many years. The authorities must act to restore the law, starting with a prompt and thorough investigation into these latest killings."
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights this month called on the Mexican authorities to protect the communities.
"This attack heightens the need for the authorities to protect the survivors, but also to take immediate steps to restore rule of law and protect human rights in this troubled part of southern Mexico," said Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland.
"Armed groups have been operating in the area with impunity for many years. The authorities must act to restore the law, starting with a prompt and thorough investigation into these latest killings."
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights this month called on the Mexican authorities to protect the communities.
History of conflict
The five victims of the most recent attack were members of a political group known as the Independent Movement for Triqui Unity and Struggle (MULTI).
The MULTI, supported by 700 Triqui people, established the autonomous indigenous municipality of San Juan Copala on 1 January 2007.
In September 2010, armed members of two other Triqui indigenous people’s organizations, known as UBISORT and MULT, took over San Juan Copala and occupied the town.
The MULTI, supported by 700 Triqui people, established the autonomous indigenous municipality of San Juan Copala on 1 January 2007.
In September 2010, armed members of two other Triqui indigenous people’s organizations, known as UBISORT and MULT, took over San Juan Copala and occupied the town.
All residents identified as belonging to MULTI fled the town and relocated to neighbouring areas.
The town was laid siege to for almost a year, with armed groups surrounding the community and firing into the streets on a daily basis to intimidate local residents, many of whom had supported the MULTI.
The town was laid siege to for almost a year, with armed groups surrounding the community and firing into the streets on a daily basis to intimidate local residents, many of whom had supported the MULTI.
During the siege food, water and medical supplies were cut off.
On 27 April 2010, armed men belonging to UBISORT ambushed a humanitarian convoy near San Juan Copala, killing two human rights defenders.
On 27 April 2010, armed men belonging to UBISORT ambushed a humanitarian convoy near San Juan Copala, killing two human rights defenders.
Last month, armed men attacked and wounded two indigenous women from San Juan Copala. No one has been brought to justice for these crimes.
For many years, armed groups, some believed to have links with local and state authorities, have harassed and killed Triqui indigenous people because of their perceived affiliation with local indigenous organizations.
For many years, armed groups, some believed to have links with local and state authorities, have harassed and killed Triqui indigenous people because of their perceived affiliation with local indigenous organizations.
Amnesty International believe that state and federal authorities have taken insufficient action to dismantle the armed groups
The organisation is calling on the authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the latest crimes.
Find out more about Amnesty International’s work on human rights in Mexico
