How Washington's War on Terror Has Become a War on Human Rights Defenders in Central America
How Washington's War on Terror Has Become a War on Human Rights Defenders in Central America
Tuesday, 20 January 2015 09:45
By Jeff Abbott, Truthout | News Analysis
Daniel Pascual doesn't come across as a "terrorist." The 42-year-old Kiche Maya and current president of the Comite Unidad Campesino (CUC) has been at the forefront of the movement to defend indigenous rights in Guatemala for decades, but according to a lawsuit filed in court against him by the Pro-Patriot League, "terrorism" is also among his actions.
On October 7, 2014, Pascual was accused of acts of "terrorism," "coercion," and for "Crimes Against the Constitution of Guatemala," as well as the draconian charge of "intending to commit a crime." These charges were brought against him for his continued support of the 12 Kaqchikel Communities of San Juan Sacatepezuez that are resisting the construction of the Progreso Cement factory within the indigenous community, an hour outside of the capital.
"This is an attack on the defenders of human rights," said Daniel Pascual, in a press conference. "This is not just a violation against human rights, it is an obstacle to the work we are doing in this country towards democracy and justice."
The charges were brought against Pascual by the far-right Pro-Patriot League, an organization with connections to the government, military and business interests in Guatemala. They state that their mission is to bring the "rule of law," to Guatemala so every individual can pursue "their comparative advantage."
More:
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/28588-how-washington-s-war-on-terror-becomes-a-war-on-human-rights-defenders-in-central-America
= new reply since forum marked as read
So, I guess one could call this 'Progress.' 
