The crisis in Chiapas, Mexico, is entering a new phase as the government seeks to extricate itself from the worldwide scrutiny following the massacre of 45 women, children and men at Acteal last Dec. 22.
The newest tactic involves expelling foreigners who meet with the indigenous peoples, or who express support for them, or who merely witness the injustices against them and report it to the world.
Foreign volunteers, especially those who look obviously European, have worked through various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to minister to the poor and oppressed. They have also witnessed and reported acts of injustice. Those in control are naturally upset that problems are being exposed by these “outside agitators.” The solution, apparently, is to remove the outsiders, not correct the injustices.
During the past month there have been at least four expulsions and numerous incidents of foreigner harassment. In one, the French priest known as Padre Miguel, who had lived in Chenalho for 32 years and who had ministered to those at Acteal, was summarily expelled after he publicly expressed the view that the massacre was planned by the government to destroy Zapatista support bases.
Many other examples have been reported by NGOs in Chiapas. The point is, the campaign is too organized and widespread to have been undertaken by local governmental officials without some direction or at least acquiescence by those above them.
I would hope Americans of good will would contact their representatives and Mexican authorities to see that Padre Miguel may return to those who have come to love him and that the current practices are stopped. Sometimes the only protection the poor and indigenous people in Chiapas have is the fact that foreigners are present. Oppression cannot and will not flourish in daylight. Something must be done.
