ACTION ALERT: Call the Salvadoran Courts to demand a fair, impartial trial today!
On Monday, September 20th, the final hearing for four people accused of the June 2009 murder of anti-mining activist Marcelo Rivera will begin.
The NationalRoundtable Against Metallic Mining in El Salvador (the Mesa)will be mobilizing a presence outside the courtroom on Monday andTuesday to insist on a fair, unbiased trial of these allegedperpetrators of Marcelo's assassination. Thus far, there have been noconvictions for the 3 assassinations of anti-mining activists or forany of the death threats, kidnappings and other violent actsexperienced by members of the mining resistance in Cabañas.
In a past injustice this March, Oscar Menjívar, who community membersconsider to be a paid promoter for Pacific Rim Mining, was absolved of any charges in the attempted murder of Ramiro Rivera after a judge sleptthrough the proceedings. (For more information on Menjívar's trial) and the struggle against Pacific Rim's gold mine, visit www.cispes.org.
In a past injustice this March, Oscar Menjívar, who community membersconsider to be a paid promoter for Pacific Rim Mining, was absolved of any charges in the attempted murder of Ramiro Rivera after a judge sleptthrough the proceedings. (For more information on Menjívar's trial) and the struggle against Pacific Rim's gold mine, visit www.cispes.org .
The Mesa has called on international solidarity organization to take action and ask for justice for all Salvadorans,not just those with economic and political power. It is critical that the intellectual authors of this crime, including those who likely hiredthe hit men, also be investigated as part of this process. Join the Mesa's call against impunity and ask the judge to ensure that the trial starting Monday be legitimate, fair and impartial!
TAKE ACTION!
Our goal is to send 500 faxes to the lead judge, Licenciado Saúl Rufino Paz Rivas on Monday and Tuesday!
Please copy and paste the following text and fax it to 011-503-2298-1348
Click here to tell us that you took action! Thisinformation will be very important to demonstrate that the international community is paying attention to this case, and standing in solidarity with family of Marcelo Rivera and the Salvadoran social movement!
20 de septiembre 2010
Estimado Lic. Saúl Rufino Paz Rivas
Tribunal Especializado B de Sentencia
Teléfono/fax: 011-503-2298-1348
Estimado Señor Lic. Rufino Paz Rivas,
Quiero expresar mi preocupación profunda por la situación de violencia en contra de los y las ambientalistas del departamento de Cabañas. Estoy pendiente del caso de desaparición forzada, torturas y asesinato de Gustavo Marcelo Rivera y la audiencia de vista pública que empieza el lunes 20 de septiembre.
Le solicito a usted que haya un juicio justo que tome en cuenta toda la evidencia presentada por las partes en este caso. Para demostrar que el sistema de justicia en El Salvador está realmente comprometido a una aplicación justa de la ley y a la erradicación de la impunidad, es necesario que el tribunal garantice un juicio imparcial en las audiencias finales. No es solo una cuestión de justicia para la familia de Gustavo Marcelo Rivera; también será una fuerte señal a los autores materiales e intelectuales de este crimen y de la campaña de violencia en contra de los y las ambientalistas de Cabañas que no pueden seguir sin consecuencias.
Yo estaré pendiente de este caso, junto a la comunidad internacional.Ya es hora que la justicia fuere un derecho de todos y todas en El Salvador y no un privilegio solo de los sectores con poder económico y político.
Atentamente,
(Su nombre, ciudad, país)
"I am a CISPES supporter because continuing to fight for social justice and a more people-centered country means continuing the dream and sacrifice of thousands of my fellow Salvadorans who died for that vision.” - Padre Carlos, New York City
