D.P.P. to Proceed with Prosecution Santa Cruz 13

Pablo Mis

Also discussed during today’s gathering was the Director of Public Prosecution’s decision to proceed with legal action against the Santa Cruz Thirteen.  They were arrested and detained last year for unlawfully imprisoning Rupert Myles who is occupying a portion of land at the ancient Maya city of Uxbenka.  Mis provided an update to that situation.

Isani Cayetano

“With regards to the Director of Public Prosecutions preparing to go ahead with the prosecution of the Santa Cruz Thirteen, can you share with us an update coming out of that meeting today?”

On the Phone: Pablo Mis, Program Coordinator, MLA

“Certainly.  I think two things to highlight on that issue.  One was the affirmation again by the assembly of Alcaldes that it is a political prosecution against our leaders and an act to try to intimidate us as we engage the government on some practical issues that we believe were essential to be addressed.  And the next important point on that matter is that we are very concerned that there are numerous delays being made with respect to bringing forward a hearing on the matter.  We are very concerned that certain families’ lives have been put on hold as a result of this.  You will note that Maya families are very dependent on them, each day they can have them working the land to make their livelihoods.  That is the point of concern that we have expressed at the last hearing, that we want to see case roll out as soon as possible and that our leaders are given fair access to the justice system.”