Autonomous Authorities in La Garrucha denounce paramilitary attack on San Manuel

The Junta de Buen Gobierno of La Garrucha Caracol has issued a statement denouncing the attack on San Manuel by the Aric paramilitary groups which led to the kidnap and torture of eight Zapatistas.

The autonomous authorities stated that on the 26th August members of their community were attacked by 150 people armed with sticks and machetes. Following this on the 1st September eight Zapatistas were kidnapped and held for 26 hours. The communique states that during this time they were brutally tortured. It also explains that the attackers were assisted and armed by members OPDICC, a paramilitary group with links to the army and government.

The statement goes on to denounce the police and government for complicity in these abuses explaining 35 police officers along with police helicopters were present during the 1st September attack.

See www.edinchiapas.org.uk/node/253 for more details.