christic@igc.org (06/28/91)
/* Written 12:30 pm Jun 23, 1991 by ghrc in cdp:carnet.alerts */ /* ---------- "Fear of "disappearance"" ---------- */ HUMAN RIGHTS ALERT June 21, 1991 Fear of "disappearance" The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA has received the following information concerning Felipe Lopez Mendoza. Felipe Lopez Mendoza, a member of CERJ for approximately two years, was last seen by neighbors around 5:PM on Tuesday, June 18, in canton Xesic, Santa Cruz, El Quiche. Apparently on his way to work, he was seen walking with two unidentified men dressed in civilian clothes. According to the reports received, family members have searched unsuccessfully for Felipe in the hospitals and jails of the area. His whereabouts are unknown. The Council of Ethnic Communities (CERJ) filed a writ of "exhibicion personal" on behalf of Lopez Mendoza before Guatemalan authorities in Santa Cruz del Quiche and Guatemala City. There are fears that he has been abducted and may be "disappeared". RECOMMENDED ACTION: telgrams/telephone calls/faxes/telexes/express and airmail letters: - expressing concern at the apparent abduction and possible "disappearance" of Felipe Lopez Mendoza. - request that the apparent abduction of Felipe Lopez Mendoza be investigated and urge the authorities to account for his whereabouts. - request the release of Felipe Lopez Mendoza unless charged with a recognizably criminal offense, and that those responsible for the abductions be brought to justice. - ask for the protection of all CERJ members and an end to the forced participation in the civil patrols as prescribed by the Guatemalan constitution. APPEALS TO: President Jorge Serrano Elias National Palace Guatemala City, Guatemala Fax no: 011-502-519-702 Telex: 305 5331 CAPRESGU Ambassador Juan Caso Fanjul Embassy of Guatemala 2220 R Street NW Copies to: Washington DC 20008 Your members of Phone no: 202-745-4952 Congress