Violence in Guatemala continues

Tragically the little reported violence in Guatemala continues unabated. Following the recent killing of MSICG activist Victor Galvez two more leaders of the labour, indigenous and campesino movement have been killed - Miguel Chacaj Jax and Pedro Ramirez De La Cruz.

Both had already received numerous death threats due to work defending land rights and promoting agrarian reform and rural development. In Guatemala a small elite remains determined to retain both economic and political control of the country and elements of this group appear committed to using any means at their disposal including use of security forces and more clandestine groups to eliminate any who stand in their way.

Despite this the Guatemalan people still continue to fight for their most basic rights. Trade unionists and others are standing up to be counted and deserve all the support we can give them.

Sam Gurney