Dialogue between the Zapatistas (EZLN) and the Mexican government is currently at a standstill due to government intransigence and manipulation on some basic demands. Last December, the Zapatistas demanded the following three things in order to reinitiate peace talks stalled since 1996:

1) military withdrawal from 7 key bases in the conflict zone, 2) congressional ratification of the San Andres Accords 3) the release of all Zapatista prisoners.

Contrary to popular perception, the government has not fulfilled these three demands.

Even though military forces withdrew from the 7 bases, they have relocated to other areas in the conflict zone. Government created paramilitary groups have simultaneously intensified violent activity against EZLN bases of support. In addition, the recently passed indigenous law directly undermines indigenous autonomy by subjecting land and cultural sovereignty to national rule.

La Voz de Cerro Hueco was created in 1996 in response to the unjust imprisonment of Zapatista bases of support. While most political prisoners have been released during the last three months, 9 remain incarcerated despite being falsely charged and unfairly tried. International support has been and is key to a government so highly concerned about its image. These prisoners and their families have faced extensive physical and psychological abuse at the hands of government authorities and deserve to be reunited with their families and communities.

We urge you to:

FAX JAM LOCAL CONSULATES with messages demanding the liberation of the final 9 Zapatista prisoners

ORGANISE ACTIONS/DEMONSTRATIONS at Mexican Consulates and Embassies

SEND LETTERS OF SUPPORT TO ZAPATISTA PRISONERS

You can do this either on email to the Voz de Cerro Hueco on  bajlum_vozcerrohueco@hotmail.com

or via letters addressed to: Aberlardo Mendez Arcos, Calle Central Sur 1274, Barrio San Francisco, CP 29000 Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico.

Aberlardo will deliver messages personally to prisoners in Chiapas and Tabasco, and will make sure messages reach prisoners in Queretaro. Please write in Spanish if possible.

The names and locations of prisoners are as follows:

Salvador Lopez Gonzales, Alejandro Mendez Diaz and Gustavo Estreda Gomez are in Cereso Uno, Cerro Hueco, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas

Rafael Lopez Santiz is in Cereso Cinco, San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

Francisco Perez Vazquez and Angel Concepcion Perez Vazquez are in Carcel de Tacotalpa, Tabasco

Carrillo Vazquez Lopez in Cereso de Villa Hermosa, Tabasco

Sergio Geronimo Sanchez Saenz and Anselmo Robles Sanchez are imprisoned in Queretaro.


If you are going to be in Mexico soon, please contact Abelardo about visiting them in prison.

Zapata Vive! La Lucha Sigue!