Environmental Human Rights: News & Updates

Obdulio Angulo Zamora, Hermes Angulo Zamora and Simeón Olave Angulo, all members of the Naya River Community Council in southwest Colombia were disappeared. Another community leader, Iber Angulo Zamora, was kidnapped on May 3.

Assassination of Hugo Albeiro George Pérez, member of the Association of Victims and Those Affected by Megaprojects (ASVAM) outside of Ituango, Antioquia Department. ASVAM is one of 15 organizations affiliated with Living Rivers of Antioquia (MRVA) opposing the Hidroituango hydroelectric project, under construction on the Cauca River. His nephew, Domar Egidio Zapata George, was also killed in the attack.

Assassanation of human rights lawyer Carlos Hernández by unidentified assailants on April 10 at his office in Tela municipality. Carlos Hernández had been legally defending Arnaldo Chacónis, the mayor of Arizona municipality, who is supporting the organized resistance against the Río Jimalito hydroelectric project, being constructed by Generación Eléctrica (INGELSA)

Brutal murder of environmental defender Luis Fernando Ayala, age 16, in Santa Bárbara Department. He was reported missing on February 19. His mutilated body was found on February 20 with his hands missing and multiple signs of torture.

unjust criminalization of María Magdalena Cuc Choc, environmental and indigenous land rights defender in Izabal Dept., involved in a land dispute between her Chabil’ Ch’och’ indigenous community and an investment company held by a former president and former government officials

killing of two members of indigenous community police force (CRAC-PC) by unknown attackers in Cacahuatepec, Guerrero; subsequent crackdown on the community by state and federal police and the army, killing three CRAC-PC members, detaining 30 CRAC-PC members, along with environmental defenders Marco Antonio Suástegi Muñoz and Vicente Suástegi Muñoz of CECOP (Council of Communal Lands and Communities Opposing the La Parota Dam).

continued unjust criminalization of Juan Eduardo Caal Suram, a member of the Artisanal Fishermen’s Guild (GPA), which has been calling for government action to resolve the contamination of Lake Izabal in El Estor, Izabal Department, polluted by the Guatemalan Nickel Company.

unjust and arbitrary detention of indigenous and environmental rights defender Juan Eduardo Caal Suram, a member of the Artisanal Fishermen’s Guild (GPA), which has been calling for government action to resolve the contamination of Lake Izabal in El Estor, Izabal Department, polluted by nickel mining.

excessive use of force by police to break up a peaceful protest of neighbors blocking the installation of high voltage power lines (to service a sugar refinery) over their homes in Villa de San Francisco, Francisco Morazán Department, and unjust detention of seven protesters: Jorge Aguilar, president of CAPIRHO (Popular and Independent Environmentalist Committee for Water and Other Resources), Cristian Marisol Hernández Pineda (member of Boulevard Neighbors), Julio Zúniga, Rodolfo Quezada, Mario González, Juan Camilo Palma, Maicol Aguilar