Kidnap, torture and threatens against human rights defenders
On May 15, four hooded individuals in a van kidnapped the labour and human rights defender, José Enrique Morales Montaño, a member of the Workers' Support Centre (CAT). He was kidnapped during 17 hours and tortured. The kidnappers repeatedly held a gun to his head and threatened to kill him. At approximately 5am on the next morning, he was left on the Puebla-Veracruz highway. The kidnappers stole his mobile phone and rucksack. The death threats continued during the morning, this time against Blanca Velásquez, CAT director.
Tri-National Solidarity Alliance (TNSA) and Global Union Federations, including UNI Global Union through its regional section UNI Americas, and many labor and social organizations in Mexico and other countries have launched a campaign denouncing these facts and in solidarity with those affected. It has included the diffusion of the news in Puebla through websites and social networks as well as by sending letters to the authorities, expressing concern about the climate of terror that hangs over the human rights defenders and their lives.
Among the recipients of the letters mentioned, are Alejandro Poiré Romero, Secretary of the Interior; Marisela Morales Ibáñez, General Attorney of the Republic; Fernando Manzanilla Prieto, General Secretary of Puebla; Raúl Plascencia Villanueva, President of the National Human Rights Commission; Omeheira López Reyna, Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (SEGOB); Minister Adolfo López Badillo, President of the Human Rights Commission of the State of Puebla. All authorities that have responsibility in the matter.
The letter demands to ensure the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders application, in particular what refers to the protection of the right to promote and to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms at all levels (Art. 1). At the same time to guarantee the protection of everyone against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred (Art. 12.2).
(In related files you can find the letter sent by UNI Americas)