Success: Indigenous Rights Activist Released

Target: Governor Eruviel Ávila

Goal: Applaud the release of Ildefonso Zamora who was jailed for nine months based on allegedly fabricated evidence.

Indigenous rights activist Ildefonso Zamora has been released from jail in Mexico State after a federal judge dismissed charges laid against him as baseless, stating that his case represented a violation of the guarantee to a fair trial. Human rights and environmental advocacy groups such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International as well as petitions such as this one played a vital role in maintaining both the political pressure and public scrutiny necessary to secure Mr. Zamora’s release.

An advocate for the preservation of ancestral indigenous lands in the face of illegal logging, Ildefonso Zamora was charged with burglary in November 2015. The charges were based upon eyewitness testimony, however this testimony appeared to be fabricated, with witnesses duplicating words and phrases, and naming 12 suspects in identical order.

Mr. Zamora was reportedly neither informed of any investigation nor afforded enough time to prepare a defense. His release represents a victory for indigenous, political, and human rights in Mexico. Sign our petition and applaud the release of Ildefonso Zamora.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Governor Ávila,

I was pleased to hear of the release of Ildefonso Zamora. I believe his release represents a step forward in indigenous and human rights in Mexico State. However, because of the machinations of a few special interests, a man lost nine months of his life. Those responsible for his prosecution must face consequences for their actions. I urge you to do everything in your power to ensure this matter is investigated and those responsible are brought to justice.

Furthermore, the ancestral lands of San Juan Atzingo must be protected from illegal logging. There is a long history of harassment and violence against activists such as Ildefonso Zamora and no indication of an end to the violence. As you must know, in cases such as these the violence tends to escalate rather than subside. Indigenous rights activists deserve protection, and those responsible for the violence against them must be brought to justice.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Barnellbe