TheNewsMexico.com
November 25, 2001
By Janet Leslie Schwartz

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, Chiapas - Almost four years after the Acteal massacre, members of the Las Abejas organization are protesting this week's release of six prisoners they consider to be responsible for the murder of 45 men, women and children.

Members of the Catholic pacifist organization protested against the decision taken by Federal Judge Felipe Consuelo Soto, and said there is great concern in the community over the possibility of another attack by paramilitary groups.

"We know they are releasing those responsible for the Acteal massacre, those who forced us to leave our homes, who stole our belongings, and burned down our homes. Today, just as in the past, we continue to hear rumors of possible violence," stated a document issued by the Las Abejas group.

"Those who participated in the terrible killings in Acteal on December 22, 1997, could do this again. The lack of justice could lead to other massacres in our communities," the document read.

The group also criticized the lack of action on the part of the federal and state government, charging that one year into the Vicente Fox administration, they have seen "no real improvement" in their quality of life.

"A month after returning to our community, we see no improvement. We cannot say that peace exists in the region," they said.

In an interview, Chiapas Governor Pablo Salazar Mendiguchia said the release of the prisoners falls under federal jurisdiction, but made clear his administration is not supportive of the decision.

The Federal Attorney General's (PGR) office filed an appeal of the court decision on Thursday, and Salazar said his government will work closely with the PGR to reverse the ruling court's ruling.