Guatemala: Peasant leader and his children murdered in Zacapa

On February 6, 2007 the peasant leader Israel Carías Ortiz and his children Robin Aroldo Ramírez, 11 years old, and Luswin Alexis Ramírez, 9 years old, were murdered at around 10:30, when they were going from Zacapa to the community of Los Achiotes. Israel Carías Ortiz was a local leader in the Committee of the Peasant Union (CUC) and in the Peasant Association for Development “Los Achiotes” (ACIDEA). The assassinations are considered to be related to the land conflict over the estate Potrero de Aceituna, located in the village of Los Achiotes, municipality of Zacapa.

In the light of this situation, an international action is needed to urge the Government of Guatemala to investigate the crime, ensure protection to the community and peasants leaders and search for a solution to the agrarian conflict. Please, write a letter to the Vice President of Guatemala, with copy to the attorney general and to the Committee of the Peasant Union.