Summer got off to a great start with the BTS AGM in late June. This year our invited guest was Franklin Valenzuela from the Mataquescuintla, Jalapa youth organization JODVID (Youth Organized in Defense of Life). From June 18- 26, Franklin traveled and met with numerous solidarity, university and civil society groups to inform Canadians about [...]
Ancestral Authorities face trial for defending Mother Earth
Since July 6 I have had the opportunity to accompany the trial of seven men, including several indigenous Maya Q’anjob’al authorities, who are facing charges related to their resistance to mining and hydro-electric projects in their territory. They are not the first people to be criminalized for their resistance to large scale “mega” projects that [...]
Conviction: Former military officials convicted of crimes against humanity in sexual slavery trial – ordered to pay damages to victims
Read about the Sepur Zarco trial here. Yes, there was genocide and sexual violence in Guatemala! Si hubo genocidio y violencia sexual en Guatemala! Former military officials convicted of crimes against humanity in sexual slavery trial – ordered to pay damages to victims. March 2, 2016 – Guatemala City By Lisa Rankin On Friday, February [...]
Sepur Zarco Trial Day 13: “Obedience does not release responsibilities.”
Read more about other days at trial here. Sepur Zarco Trial Day 13: “Obedience does not release responsibilities.” By Kristine Johnston Guatemala City – Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Today began with a video testimony from Augustín Chen, a male survivor. His story began in 1982, the year he said the soldiers began to arrive from [...]
Sepur Zarco Trial Day 12: “I came here to tell what happened to me so that it wouldn’t be repeated. I don’t want this for the future.”
read about other days at the trial here. Sepur Zarco Trial Day 12: “I came here to tell what happened to me so that it wouldn’t be repeated. I don’t want this for the future.” By Kristine Johnston Guatemala City, Tuesday, February 16, 2016 Today began with an expert witness, Aresenio García Cores, who talked [...]
