Report alleges state terrorism against protesters in Oaxaca

Posted: February 26, 2007
by: Rick Kearns / Indian Country Today

OAXACA, Mexico - The violence and repression leveled against the primarily indigenous protesters in Oaxaca last year was premeditated, according to findings recently issued by an international human rights commission. (The state of Oaxaca is home to more than 600,000 indigenous people of several different tribes.)

The International Civil Commission for Human Rights Observation released its preliminary conclusions and recommendations on Oaxaca in a report in late January. The 20-member team conducted more than 420 interviews since the conflict erupted in May 2006. These gatherings included sessions with protesters - both in and out of prison - families of disappeared citizens, civilians, military, police, government officials, jurists, lawyers, doctors, health care workers, indigenous leaders, journalists, and local and national human rights observers. Their final report will be delivered to the Mexican Legislature and other governmental institutions throughout Europe and Latin America on March 1 ...


''In the Central Valleys and in the Mixtec, Isthmus, Southern Sierra, Coastal and Triqui Regions of Oaxaca, there has been an increased military presence, as well as the appearances of armed civilian groups. In some cases these groups are under the commands of local political bosses and municipal presidents <such as the unpopular prefect Ulises Ruiz, who has been the object of several large demonstrations by people who demand his resignation or dismissal.> They have assaulted, assassinated, kidnapped, harassed and issued death threats among the population (including towards women and children). These actions have resulted in the displacement by entire communities, entailing social fissures and family disintegration.'' ...

''Characteristic effects and symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and social trauma have been detected. The most prevalent include permanent re-experiencing of traumatic events, sudden sleep interruptions, fear of particular sounds and voices, fear of being alone, psychological reactions to both external and internal stimuli, hypersensitivity to feeling watched and a fear of persecution. There are also general perceptions of random or unjust treatment, of defenselessness and loss of control over certain situations and over peoples' own lives. We attest to victims' inability to fully verbalize all of their lived experiences.'' ...

http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096414552
http://cciodh.pangea.org