ACCIÓN DIRECTA EN CONSULADO MEXICANO DE NUEVA YORK POR LA LIBERTAD DE PATISHTÁN Y SÁNTIZ LÓPEZ

– Miembros migrantes mexicanos de Movimiento por Justicia del Barrio exigen al
Cónsul la liberación de Patishtán y Sántiz López

Hoy siendo el penúltimo día de la “Semana de Lucha Mundial por la Libertad de Patishtán y Sántiz López: A Tumbar las Paredes del Calabozo,” integrantes mexicanos de Movimiento por Justicia del Barrio, La Otra Campaña Nueva York irrumpimos en el Consulado General de
México en la Ciudad de Nueva York para hacer nuestra exigencia de la liberación inmediata de nuestros compañeros Alberto Patishtán Gómez y Francisco Sántiz López.

Después de pasar por la manada de guardias que se ha hecho rasgo común
del Consulado en Nueva York, logramos entrar al espacio principal del sitio y exigimos junt@s que saliera el consul inmediatamente a escuchar nuestras justas demandas.

Al principio se negaban los empleados antendernos, diciendo que el
Cónsul se encontraba fuera de la oficina y que no se podía reunir con más de una persona a la vez. Nosotr@s, como organización sin lideres, insistimos que era necesario que hablara con tod@s nosotr@s porque, además de tener el derecho de estar alli, trabajamos de modo
colectivo, sin jerarquías algunas. Obviamente para los malos gobiernos, esa es una práctica muy extranjera.

Luego luego varios funcionarios y guardias salieron de manera agresiva y empezaron a hostigarnos. Ellos trataron varias veces de sacarnos a fuerza, hasta físicamente, acusándonos de haber provocado un
disturbio, por lo que, según ellos, no podían seguir con su trabajo. Sus quejas y frustración con nuestra presencia se aumentaron, y a pesar de la lluvia fría que caía a borbotones cerraron la entrada y no
dejaron pasar a la gente. Fue entonces cuando un empleado furioso nos agarro a algun@s, y trató de corrernos sin razón
alguna.

Todo esto sucedió ante una precencia bastante grande de paisanas y
paisanos a quienes les dimos volantes con información sobre los casos
de Patishtán y Sántiz López.

Así pasó ese conflicto fugaz entre ellos y nosotr@s. Pero al final de cuentas, después de tanto insistir de nuestra parte y de manternos firmes, ni sus excusas debiles ni su agresión física pudieron con
nosotr@s.

Poco después llegó el Consul, vestido de traje y corbata, y le leímos nuestra carta que denunció el encarcelamiento injusto de nuestros compañeros Alberto y Francisco y las condiciones económicas y políticas que promueven la represión política, especialmente en contra de los pueblos originarios de nuestro país. Atrás de él se desdobló una manta grande que claramente repetió nuestra demanda: “¡Justicia y
Libertad para Alberto y Francisco!”

Todo el mundo nos escuchó en ese momento, y ante un silencio profundo,
hicimos eco al digno llamamiento originando desde Chiapas por la liberación de nuestros dos presos.

Seguiremos difundiendo la verdad y esperanza, seguiremos luchando como
pueblos dignos desde abajo y a la izquierda para que pronto salgan libres Patishtán y Sántiz López. La solidaridad entre los pueblos dignos siempre será nuestra fuerza.

Today being the penultimate day of the “Week of Worldwide Struggle for the Liberation of Patishtán and Sántiz López: Bringing Down the Prison Walls,” mexican members of Movement for Justice in El Barrio, The Other Campaign New York stormed the General Consulate of Mexico in New York City to demand the immediate release of our compañeros Alberto Patishtán Gómez and Francisco Sántiz López.

After passing through the pack of security guards, which has become a common feature of New York’s Mexican Consulate, we managed to enter the main space, where we insisted to speak face-to-face with the Consul and have him listen to our just demands.

Initially the employees refused to attend to us, and stated that the Consul was not in the office today and that, even if he were, it was not possible to meet with more than one person at a time. As a leaderless organization, we insisted that it was necessary for him to address us as a group, since in addition to it being our right to be present, we work collectively and without hierarchies. Obviously this is a practice that is completely foreign to the bad governments.

Shortly thereafter several employees and security guards came out aggressively and began to harass us. Repeatedly, they attempted to remove us by force, in some cases physically, due to our alleged disturbance, which they claimed, prevented them from continuing their work. Their complaints and frustration with us mounted. At one point, they shut down the front entrance and did not allow people to enter, despite the cold pouring rain. At this point, one furious employee attempted to grab a few of us and run us off without reason.

All of this took place before numerous Mexican immigrants–to whom we handed out fliers with information concerning Patishtán and Sántiz López and the national and international struggle to free them.

This is how the fleeting conflict between us transpired. Ultimately, after much insistence on our part and remaining firm, we outlasted their flimsy excuses and physical aggression.

Once the consul arrived, we read him a letter we wrote that denounced the unjust incarceration of our compañeros Alberto and Francisco and the economic and political conditions that promote political repression, especially against indigenous peoples, in our country. As a backdrop, a large banner was held behind him, which reiterated our demand: “Justice and Freedom for Alberto and Francisco!”

We held the attention of everyone in the room at that moment, and during this deep silence, we echoed the dignified call from Chiapas to release our two prisoners.

We will continue disseminating the truth and hope. We will continue fighting as dignified people, from below and to the left, so that Patishtán and Sántiz López may be freed. Dignified communities standing in solidarity with each other will always be our strength.

Fiesta por la Libertad y Resistencia, Manchester 28 de abril 2012

El 28 de abril del 2012 en un popular café de Manchester, en el Reino Unido, se celebro la resistencia y lucha de las comunidades Zapatistas. Y en particular se demando la inmediata liberacion de los companeros Alberto Patishtan y Francisco Santiz Lopez presos politicos Zapatistas. Desde las 5 de la tarde el café se comenzo a llenar de color y sonido, adornos mexicanos y musica latina fueron los encargados de enmarcar el evento. Al punto de las 7:30, amigos e invitados comenzaron a llenar el lugar. Por espacio de 4 horas, mas de 60 personas, de las mas variadas edades, lenguas y origenes, hablaron y convivieron con un solo interes, apoyar y conocer mas de la lucha Zapatista.

Para dar la bienvenida, en la entrada del lugar habia una mesita informativa con volantes, links a medios de informacion alternativos, habia cds y dvds a la venta. Ahi tambien se recibian las donaciones destinadas a viajar muchos kilometros y llegar a los Zapatistas. Dos observadores de derechos humanos ingleses que recien habian regresado de visitar las comunidades Zapatistas ofrecieron una detallada descripcion de los logros obtenidos en 18 anos de Resistencia, las agresiones y dificultades que enfrentan los Zapatistas en su lucha diaria. Casi al final de la noche se realizo una rifa que animo la reunion, los numeros caprichosos hicieron feliz a una de las presentes otorgandole el premio mayor, donado por la cooperativa Unicorn. Y asi, entre risas y baile, muchos grupitos de personas tan diversas, discutieron quienes son, que hacen y que buscan los Zapatistas. Por una noche, solo por unas horas la fria ciudad de Manchester se lleno de calor y esperanza, de que algun dia Alberto Pathistan y Francisco Santiz caminen de nuevo libres.

Como parte de la “SEMANA DE LUCHA MUNDIAL POR LA LIBERTAD DE PATISHTÁN Y SÁNTIZ LÓPEZ: A TUMBAR LAS PAREDES DEL CALABOZO” y dentro del espacio del Foro de Madrid en el Mayo Global, “Desmontando mentiras, construyendo soluciones”, celebrado en esta ciudad los días 19 y 20 de mayo, se ha reclamado la libertad del profesor Alberto Patishtán y de Francisco Sántiz, base de apoyo zapatista, así como de tod@s l@s pres@s políticos y de conciencia.

El acto, realizado en el madrileño Parque del Retiro, junto al Palacio de Cristal, ha contado con la participación de la Solfónica (orquesta sinfónica y coro del Movimiento 15M de Madrid), que ha interpretado varias piezas musicales de carácter reivindicativo y de lucha.

Se han desplegado unas pancartas y se ha leído el comunicado que más abajo reproducimos que, además, se ha repartido entre los asistentes.

Tras el emotivo acto, hemos finalizado reivindicando la libertad de los presos al grito de

¡Zapata vive, la lucha sigue!

Texto leído:

POR LA LIBERTAD DE L@S PRES@S POLÍTIC@S EN CHIAPAS Y MEXICO
“SEMANA DE LUCHA MUNDIAL POR LA LIBERTAD DE PATISHTÁN Y SÁNTIZ LÓPEZ: A TUMBAR LAS PAREDES DEL CALABOZO”

En Chiapas y el resto de México permanecen en prisión luchadores indígenas y campesinos presos de conciencia.

El encarcelamiento injusto de los presos políticos Alberto Patishtán Gómez, adherente a La Otra Campaña, y Francisco Sántiz López, Base de Apoyo Zapatista desde 1992, son casos muy graves.

Acusaciones falsas e irregularidades jurídicas, suman todos los esfuerzos deshumanizadores de los tres niveles de gobierno, tales como el represor presidente Felipe Calderón y el represor gobernador Juan Sabines, contra Alberto Patishtán Gómez y Francisco Sántiz López.

Alberto Patishtán Gómez, chiapaneco del municipio El Bosque nacido el 19 de abril de 1971, fue privado de su libertad el 19 de junio de 2000 de manera arbitraria por crímenes que no cometió. Se le sentenció a 60 años de prisión por estar muy activo políticamente en su comunidad y denunciar la corrupción de los políticos y instituciones políticas. A pesar de las condiciones pésimas y de sus problemas de salud, el compañero Alberto no se ha rendido y sigue luchando desde el interior. Conocido como el Profesor Patishtán, Alberto era maestro en una escuela primaria pública en su municipio natal y durante estos últimos 12 años ha seguido siendo un luchador ejemplar, siendo adherente a La Otra Campaña desde que se difundió la Sexta Declaración de la Selva Lacandona.

Asimismo, desde diciembre del 2011, Francisco Sántiz López, Base de Apoyo Zapatista desde 1992, está encarcelado injustamente con acusaciones falsas de haber dirigido un enfrentamiento, ocurrido en la comunidad de Banavil del municipio de Tenejapa, en el que murió de un priísta. El componente racista y político es obvio, pues como explica la Junta de Buen Gobierno de Oventic, “La fabricación de delitos contra nuestro compañero viene desde Los Pinos, con el fin de destruir la resistencia de las comunidades zapatistas; están tratando de impedir a toda costa la construcción de la autonomía de los pueblos originarios, es parte del plan de guerra de baja intensidad contra nuestras comunidades en resistencia.” Recientemente, el 22 de marzo de este año, nuestro compañero Francisco estaba a punto de salir de la cárcel, cuando se le acuso por otro delito falso. Por eso, sigue siendo preso político actualmente, aunque se ha comprobado con testigos que Francisco Sántiz no estaba en el sitio durante los hechos y cuando el Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas ha publicado una investigación señalando los nombres de los responsables del asesinato.

Exigimos al presidente Felipe Calderón y al gobernador Juan Sabines, que liberen de inmediato a Alberto Patishtán Gómez y Francisco Santiz López.

¡LIBERTAD, LIBERTAD A LOS PRESOS POR LUCHAR!
¡QUE VIVAN ALBERTO PATISHTÁN GÓMEZ y FRANCISCO SÁNTIZ LÓPEZ!
¡A TUMBAR LAS PAREDES DE INJUSTICIA!

Today, May 19th 2012, as part of “the Week of Worldwide Struggle for the Liberation of Patishtán and Sántiz López: bringing down the prison walls‏”, and also to mark “the National and International Day of Solidarity with the Zapatistas”, the Dorset Chiapas Solidarity group, part of the UK Zapatista Solidarity Network, held a film screening and discussion. The films enabled those attending to share the words of the Shack Dwellers Movement of South Africa, the Landless Movement of Brazil (MST), the JBG of Oventik and the families of the 2 prisoners.

The films, produced and distributed by the Movement for Justice in el Barrio (MJB), from the Other Campaign in New York, showed how our compañer@s in struggle from all parts of the world are joining their voices to the cry for the liberty of Alberto Patishtán Gomez and Francisco Sántiz López. The MJB and Frayba are spreading this message worldwide.

A spokesperson for the group said: “These indigenous men are both political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, detained unjustly for crimes they did not commit, and which ample testimony proves they could not have committed. Their imprisonment is the result of their commitment to the struggle for freedom, justice and democracy, and their unjust sentencing fills us with pain and rage.

However, we are continually inspired by the dignified example of the work and resistance of our brothers and sisters the Zapatista bases of support, of the EZLN, and of the adherents to the Other Campaign and the Zezta International.”

The group has written to the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, demanding that he release the prisoners immediately.

They also reaffirmed their solidarity and fellowship with the Zapatista communities in resistance, and through this message send their affectionate greetings and rebel love and solidarity to all the compas who are working for a world where all the worlds will fit.

Estos días los muros tuvieron una pequeña fuga que nos regaló una breve visita a Barcelona.

Des del penal de máxima seguridad de Sinaloa llegó Alberto Patishtan, preso político chiapaneco a punto de cumplir 12 años encerrado, acusado de un delito que nunca cometió. También nos visitó Nataniel Hernández, en el exilio porque se encuentra bajo proceso por ejercer su trabajo como defensor de derechos humanos en el centro de ddhh Digna Ochoa de Tonalá.

Sabemos que no son los únicos en una situación parecida, la criminalización de la protesta social y el hostigamiento hacia defensores de derechos humanos parece ser algo común en México.

Estos días Barcelona celebraba una asamblea permanente de tres días coincidiendo con el aniversario del 15M, el movimiento que ha llevado a las plazas de ciudades y pueblos el debate y propuestas sobre el mundo que queremos y el cómo lo queremos. No hay respuestas a todo, aunque sí algunas certezas… y sabemos que el camino que tenemos que recorrer es largo. Como se pudo leer en las plazas y ya habíamos escuchado antes, “vamos lentos porque vamos lejos”.

Patishtán y Nataniel nos acompañaron en varias charlas-debate, compartiendo experiencias y propuestas sobre educación, sanidad, vivienda, movimientos sociales, política, autoorganización… Platicamos con la joven plataforma “reraguarda en moviment”, que aglutina a los querellantes y represaliados de las últimas “grandes actuaciones” de las fuerzas represivas de acá; Nos acompañaron en el grito de “Laura libertad”, la compañera de CGT que dos días después abandonaba la cárcel tras 23 noches encerrada, acusada por una simple acción simbólica de denuncia frente a la Bolsa de Barcelona. El dolor duele igual en todos lados, la represión apesta igual en todos lados, pero el buen sabor de las cosas bien hechas también es el mismo en ambos lados del océano.

Por ahí les contamos en sendas cartas personales todo lo que vimos y escuchamos juntos.

Va con esta nota y las fotos un poquito de aire para todos los presos políticos y exiliados, y una pizca de la esperanza que se respira por Barcelona des de que las personas tomaron de nuevo las calles y las plazas.

Un abrazo solidario,
l’Adhesiva, espai de trobada i acció
Grupo de apoyo a la Zona Costa

A la comunidad internacional
De colectivos zapatistas
Sexta internacional
Comision Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
Amnistia Internacional
Iglesias
Organizaciones independientes y otros

Preso Politico de la “Voz del Amate” Alberto Patishtan Gomez, adherente de la otra campaña del EZLN, desde este penal federal, cefereso No.8, Guasave, Sinaloa, México, me permito enviarles mis saludos combativos, deseandoles a todos exitos en sus luchas y que Dios siempre los guie a todos.

Compañeros (as) de la misma causa de la misma esperanza y del mismo amor a la Verdadera Justicia; es un gusto para mi escribirles unas cuantas palabras, mi intensión es decirles que estoy muy agradecido por sus cobijamientos de apoyos de solidaridad de mi causa, la cual les doy las gracias a todos por sus multiples acciones y creame que sus palabras no solo las he oido, sino más bien las he esuchado y esto a quedado impregnado hacía mi espiritu que me hace llevar la verdad siempre todos, como veran los gobiernos mexicanos han querido y quieren callarme separandome de mis abogados, amigos y familia del injusto traslado mas en respuesta de esto quiero decir que mienstras exista la injusticia ni muerto puedo callar, por que morir es vivir hacia los demas, bien compañeros esto es todo, tengan mucho animo que no estan solos, sigan adelante el pueblo los necesita, yo aquí orare por ustedes.

Dios les bendiga a todos, disculpen por no centrar mis letras al margen es por mi enfermedad que padezco mis ojos. Gracias

Fraternalmente

La Voz del Amate
Alberto Patishtán

“Morir o vivir por la verdad y la Justicia”

Desde el Norte de Méxco, cefereso no. 8 de Guasave Sinaloa a 11 de abril 2012

A la Opinión Publica
A los Medios de Comunicación estatal, nacional e internacional
A los Medios Amternativos
A la Sexta Internacional
A los Adherentes de La Otra Campaña del EZLN
A las organizaciones independientes
A los Defensores de los Derechos Humanos ONGS:

“La Voz del Amate” Alberto Patishtán Gómez, adherente de la otra campaña, recluido en cefereso no. 8 Guasave Sinaloa, México

En los centros federales de readaptación del país, urge la presencia de los defensores de los Derechos Humanos para que observen y hagan constatar los malos tratos de los internos, en lo especial necesita Guasabe, aquí las autoridades encargadas del CEFERESO hacen caso omiso de nuestros reclamos por pedir actividad.

A 6 meses de constancia de mi traslado injusto y otros casi al año, las autoridades mencionados nos han sometido en el encierro de los 7 dias de la semana con el derecho de tener solo 3 hrs. simplemente, con eso nos siguen torturando psicológicamente y han generado diferentes enfermedades, de toda esta denuncia pido, espero y esperamos que el Presidente de la republica Felipe Calderon Hinojosa tome cartas en el asunto, y sean respetadas nuestros derechos, asi tambien exigo mi libertad inmediata, como tambien de la Voz del Amate y solidarios de la Voz del Amate.

Por ultimo invito al pueblo de México oprimido a sumerse a nuestro reclamos del respeto de los Derechos Humanos y de la libertad y justicia.

Fraternalmente

La Voz del Amate, Alberto Patishtán Gómez

“Morir o vivir por la Verdad y la Justicia”

Desde el norte del pais, cefereso no. 8 Guasave, Sinaloa a 25 de abril del 2012To the international community of Zapatista collectives
Sixth International
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Amnesty International
Churches
Independent organizations and others

I, Alberto Patishtan Gomez, Political Prisoner of “the Voice of el Amate” (“La Voz del Amate”), adherent to the Other Campaign of the EZLN, from this federal prison CEFERESO No.8, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, would like to send you my combative greetings, wishing all of of you success in your struggles and hoping that God will always guide you all.

Compañer@s from the same cause, with the same hopes and the same love for True Justice; it is a pleasure for me to write a few words to you, my intention is to say that I am very grateful for your protective support and solidarity with my cause; I thank everyone for their many actions; believe me that your words have not only been heard, but even more, those who hear have been impregnated with the spirit which helps me always to bring the truth to everyone; as you can see the Mexican governments have wanted and still want to silence me, and to separate me from my lawyers, friends and family through my unjust transfer; in response to this I want to say that as long as there is injustice, not even death can silence me, for to die is to live through others; well, compañer@s, this is all my word, have much encouragement that you are not alone, move forward for the people need you, I will pray for you here.

God bless all of you, forgive me for not writing clearly because of my eye disease. Thank you.

Fraternally

The Voice of el Amate

Alberto Patishtán

“To die or to live for truth and justice”

From Northern Mexico, CEFERESO no. 8, Guasave, Sinaloa, April 11, 2012

To Public Opinion
To the state, national and international Media
To the Alternative Media
To the Sixth International
To Adherents to the Other Campaign of the EZLN
To independent organizations
To the Human Rights Defender NGOs:

From: “the Voice of el Amate” (“La Voz del Amate”), Alberto Patishtán Gomez, adherent to the other campaign, held in CEFERESO no. 8, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico

In the federal rehabilitation centres in this country, there is an urgent need for Human Rights defenders to observe and record the ill-treatment of the inmates; however, there is a special need for this in Guasabe, because here the authorities of CEFERESO ignore our requests for activities.
For the period of six months since my unjust transfer, and for others here for almost a year, the authorities referred to have subjected us to [solitary] confinement for seven days a week, with the right to have only three hours [outside our cells]; in this way they are torturing us psychologically and this is generating different illnesses; concerning all these complaints, I ask, hope and expect that the President of the Republic, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa will take action on the matter, and that our rights will be respected; I also demand my immediate release and also [the release of] those from the Voice of el Amate and Solidarity with the Voice of el Amate.

Finally, I invite the oppressed people of Mexico to join our demands for the respect of human rights and of liberty and justice.

Fraternally

The Voice of el Amate
Alberto Patishtán Gomez

“To die or to live for truth and justice”

From Northern Mexico, CEFERESO no. 8, Guasave, Sinaloa, April 25, 2012

by Andalusia Knoll

Article published in NACLA: https://nacla.org/article/21st-century-solidarity-video-messages-and-other-campaign

Three of the videos referred to in the article can be found below.

On July 23, the Mexican government released the Bachajón 4, political prisoners from the southern state of Chiapas, who had been unjustly detained for over five months for defending their communal land from government-sponsored eco-tourist development. Their liberation was celebrated by indigenous groups across Mexico, international supporters, as well as by members of the Other Campaign, a Zapatista-aligned network launched in 2006 to unite those fighting from below and outside the electoral system. What is most unique about this story, however, is the role that international organizing and multimedia tactics played in the release of the political prisoners, and the fact that the campaign was largely led by a Zapatista-affiliated immigrant-based organization in Harlem, New York—Movement for Justice in El Barrio (MJB).

San Sebastián Bachajón is a Zapatista-aligned indigenous community in the heart of resource-rich Chiapas. For two years community residents had fought off multimillion-dollar government sponsored “eco-tourism” projects aimed at developing and exploiting the nearby Agua Azul waterfall, which is located on the San Sebastián Bachajón ejido, or communal land. These development projects came as part of the U.S.-backed Project Mesoamerica, formerly known as Plan Puebla Panama, which promotes militarization and megaprojects including superhighways, dams, and open-pit mines across Mexico and Central America.

As a community in resistance to what they call “the bad government” San Sebastián Bachajón strives for autonomy and implements economic strategies to fulfill that goal. The highway that crosses their land is highly trafficked by tourists traveling to and from the Mayan ruins of Palenque. To help alleviate poverty in their community, they installed a community-run tollboth. According to community members, the tollbooth has helped them to finance remedies for the sick, and build a community church.

Since the Zapatista uprising in 1994, Mexican political parties, regardless of who is in office, have attempted to co-opt members of autonomous indigenous communities by offering them much needed building supplies, food, and other resources in exchange for their political support. This has created divisions between those striving for economic and territorial autonomy and those cooperating with the government. In February 2011, tensions mounted when supporters of Mexico’s powerful Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) attempted to take over the tollbooth as a strategy to counter Bachajón’s autonomy by severing one of its lifelines. An ensuing confrontation resulted in the arrest of 117 Bachajón community members. Most were quickly released, but officials accused 10 people of shooting and killing a government supporter. They were held for months, and throughout their imprisonment they maintained their innocence. According to the Chiapas-based Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas Human Rights Center (FRAYBA), the detained did not have proper legal representation and lacked interpretation from Spanish to their native language, Tzeltal. FRAYBA also stated that it believed the PRI attack was orchestrated by the state government of Chiapas.1

San Sebastián Bachajón asked for support from Other Campaign member organizations and international allies. New York’s Movement for Justice in El Barrio answered the call. Coordinating with groups in over a dozen countries on four continents, they declared a national day of action for Bachajón on March 7, 2011, a little over one month after the imprisonment. People in San Sebastián Bachajón then produced a video message to the MJB that starts deep in the Lacandón Jungle.

“We do not want to give up our [territory] because it is where we work to cultivate food for our children,” says Amalia, a Bachajón community member speaking in Tzeltal. She continues talking about the sacredness of their natural resources like the Agua Azul waterfall.

“We thank all the organizations that have opened their hearts to us and are struggling with us to recognize the problems that we face as an indigenous community,” says Juan, another member of the Bachajón community speaking directly to the camera.

Within weeks, the Chiapas State Attorney General’s Office, which was holding the detainees, responded by releasing half of the 10 prisoners. This first message was just the beginning. In early April 2011, MJB coordinated five days of global action for the Bachajón prisoners. MJB members protested in New York City for two days at the Mexican Consulate, and Canadian supporters protested outside the consulate in Montreal.

The Chiapas police responded to the days of action with repression. According to an MJB press release, on April 9, 2011, 800 police and military descended on the community, violently displacing community members.

“It is clear that these acts of aggression were provoked by the organized resistance of the people of Bachajón and by the national and international pressure,” the press release read the following day. “We must not rest until our five brothers are in complete freedom.”2

MJB called for another round of global action. Over the coming months, MJB and the Bachajón community would produce three more videos. They were translated into English and French and shared both on the Internet and during coordinated actions in France and Canada. In a following video message, MJB members spoke directly to those in Bachajón about the difficulties they face as Mexican immigrants in New York, fighting displacement from their homes and neighborhood, and their struggle to maintain their cultural identity.

By July, the international pressure had grown too strong. The Mexican government dropped the charges, releasing one political prisoner in early July and the remaining four—the Bachajón 4—in late July.

At a press conference in San Cristóbal de las Casas, following their release former political prisoner Domingo Pérez Álvaro said the Mexican government continues to repress them for their defending the earth, natural resources, and their ejido.

“As organization members we defend what has been left by our ancestors and great grandparents. But the government wants to dissolve our organization. They don’t want to see indigenous communities unified in defense of their land,” added Álvaro.

Conflicts over land and natural resources between indigenous communities and government forces is an age-old story that has been played on repeat across the Americas for the past 500 years. In Chiapas, these conflicts have surfaced with increasing frequency since 1994, when the indigenous Zapatista Army for National Liberation rose up to declare its autonomy and resistance to the neoliberal projects that it viewed as its death. To repress the Zapatistas the government has employed numerous paramilitary operations and encouraged the incursion of political parties, especially the PRI, to attempt to buy off members of indigenous communities.

“Today’s war is for the land,” wrote Uruguayan journalist Raúl Zibechi in a letter sent in May 2011 in solidarity with those in Bachajón. “To appropriate the life that it provides for and reproduces. Therefore, indigenous peoples and campesinos are the primary obstacles that must be done away with. Ever since capital decided that everything is a commodity for doing business and accumulating more capital, no space on earth remains—not even the slightest corner—that can free itself from this ambition.”3

The conflict that San Sebastián Bachajón suffered with the PRI is not new, but the role of multimedia and international organizing in the release of the Bachajón prisoners is. For these organizations, this style of organizing has largely emerged since the Zapatistas launched the Other Campaign in 2006. Fed up with the oligarchic Mexican political system, the Other Campaign called on Mexican supporters to oppose the 2006 presidential elections and instead focus on organizing around their own local collective struggles. Subcomandante Marcos and thousands of supporters traversed 32 Mexican states listening to community concerns and uniting, as the Zapatista’s 6th Declaration from the Lacandón Jungle states, “resistance groups [to] learn about the struggles they face in their communities and rally support against the neoliberal and capitalistic federal political system.”

Since then, the Other Campaign has served as a common ideological platform that helps mobilize support around certain campaigns in Mexico and in Mexican immigrant communities abroad. Groups around the world have embraced the spirit of the 6th Declaration, and stood in solidarity with the Other Campaign members.

MJB, founded in 2005, quickly joined the Other Campaign from abroad. As an organization largely composed of low-income Mexican immigrants living in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of East Harlem, they mobilize against housing evictions and greedy landlords and connect this struggle to the effects of neoliberalism and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that displaced them from their Mexican homeland. (Most MJB members were forced to migrate to the United States from their rural state of Puebla, after NAFTA went into effect in 1994 and subsistence farming because increasingly difficult due to the sudden influx of low-priced genetically modified U.S. corn.)

Also commonly referred to as the Other Campaign NY, MJB has over the years organized encuentros, or meetings. With their unique style of urban zapatismo, MJB members and encuentro participants have shared their stories of struggle confronting gentrification in NYC, ending repression of queer youth of color, stopping wage theft of low-wage workers, and more.

“Rebels who are fighting for dignity and against displacement came together to voice their presence, their rage, their struggle, and their dreams,” MJB described of their first and second encuentros in 2007 and 2008 in a June 2009 communiqué. “We broke down the fences that power constructs to divide us, we listened to one another’s voices, and we learned from one another.”

This is also the essence of MJB’s use of multimedia tools that can transcend artificially created borders and build solidarity between immigrant struggles in the United States and resistance to neoliberal megaprojects abroad. The videos are produced collectively, with members deciding on the scope and content of the video. Throughout the years they have brought the messages of South Africa’s Shackdwellers’ Movement—Abahlali baseMjondolo—fighting forced evictions; campesinos in San Salvador Atenco, Mexico, struggling to free their imprisoned family members; and more recently the political prisoners of Bachajón.4

“We think that the borders are not an obstacle to our struggle. The struggle doesn’t have borders,” says MJB member Filiberto Hernández. “Really we can do whatever we can to arrive at them, and cross them with our screams. We are destroying these borders and have traveled to many places in Mexico, here in New York, and in Europe presenting these videos.”

In 2008 and 2009 hundreds of MJB members were fighting eviction by the London-based transnational real estate company Dawnay Day. To bolster their fight, MJB traveled to England, France, Scotland, and Spain to meet with people who were also facing eviction by the same company. MJB was eventually victorious in this fight; the company sold the buildings and residents were not forcefully evicted. According to Hernández their transnational organizing helped them connect with many people in Europe who subsequently joined the struggle to liberate the prisoners of Bachajón and spread the video messages.

Clearly the liberation of the Bachajón prisoners was the joint work of many forces, but this victory shows that independent media and YouTube videos can play a key role in political-prisoner struggles.

In 2006, hundreds of people were arrested in San Salvador Atenco, a town about 15 miles northeast of Mexico City, during a brutal federal police raid following a pair of demonstrations over flower-vendor restrictions and education reforms. Twelve people received hefty prison sentences, including Ignacio del Valle Medina, who was charged with aggravated kidnapping and sentenced to 112 years in jail. In reality, the politically motivated sentence was a move to sanction Del Valle for his role as the leader of the People’s Front in Defense of Land, which had been fighting to block the construction of an airport on communal lands in San Salvador Atenco. During Del Valle’s imprisonment, MJB held Skype teleconferences with his family members, bringing their voices to the United States during encuentros and regional meetings such as the Allied Media Conference and U.S. Social Forum. After a four-year national and international struggle, Del Valle and other political prisoners from San Salvador Atenco were freed just days after the June 2010 U.S. Social Forum in Detroit.

“When there are voices from abroad denouncing what’s happening in this country, the government listens,” explains Del Valle. “Without these brothers and sisters, we wouldn’t have been freed. It shows us that our voice of liberty doesn’t have limits and our shouts for freedom and justice do not have borders.”

This style of international solidarity has deep roots. Matt Meyers—a longtime activist who works on political prisoner issues in the United States—says that over the past 40 years there have been various international efforts to demand the freedom of black power and Puerto Rican and Chicano activists in the United States. During the 1980s many U.S. university students were active in the fight for the liberation of political prisoners under apartheid South Africa. Meyers believes that “there is a strategic necessity for transnational struggle.”

“With international organizing we can be two fists striking the same opponent with the same blow,” he adds, paraphrasing Samora Machel, a revolutionary leader and former president of Mozambique.

With the birth of the Occupy Wall Street movement, Movement for Justice in El Barrio has strived to connect zapatismo with the cries of the 99%. They have collected thousands of signatures from occupiers denouncing increasing paramilitary repression of zapatistas. They also recorded a video message of solidarity from Occupy Wall Street and projected the video in Chiapas at an indigenous training center during a Zapatista-aligned Anti-Systemic Seminary at the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012.

Capital crosses national borders with ease, immigrants cross with great difficulty. International solidarity among organizers, activists, and social movements can be a powerful transformative force. With its video messages Movement for Justice in El Barrio has been able to successfully transcend borders and wage successful battles for the liberation of political prisoners using the innovative technology of the 21st century.

Andalusia Knoll is a Brooklyn-based multimedia journalist, educator, and organizer. She has reported for Upside Down World, Left Turn, Democracy Now!, Free Speech Radio News, and TeleSUR. In New York, she organizes for farmworker justice and against deportations and teaches radio drama.

1. Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas, “The Frayba Report: San Sebastián Bachajón and the Struggle for Natural Resources,” Radio Zapatista, February 24, 2011.

2. NACLA, “Global Action for Release of Indigenous Zapatista Supporters in Mexico,” April 22, 2011.

3. Raúl Zibechi, “Carta de Raul Zibechi en apoyo a Bachajon y al zapatista Patricio Dominguez Vazquez,” Multimedios Cronopios, May 6, 2011.

4. Movement for Justice in El Barrio, “From El Barrio to Durban,” Zapagringo (blog), October 1, 2009.

Three of the videos mentioned in the articles can be seen here:

Third Message from San Sebastián Bachajón:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4frTkfDkuc

Message from The Other Campaign New York to San Sebastián Bachajón:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYCF9N6yldQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA7nc-LoypM

http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2012/05/19/index.php?section=politica&article=018n1pol

Unas mil personas, la mayoría indígenas tzotziles del municipio de El Bosque, en Chiapas, marcharon ayer para exigir la libertad del maestro Alberto Patishtán Gómez, preso desde el 19 de junio de 2000, y también por Francisco Santiz López, base de apoyo zapatista preso desde hace sesis meses. Foto Moysés Zúñiga Santiago

Hermann Bellinghausen

Enviado

Periódico La Jornada
Sábado 19 de mayo de 2012, p. 18

El Bosque, Chis. 18 de mayo. Todo sucede en tzotzil, aquí donde Alberto Patishtán Gómez se llama Beto. O compañero maestro. “Beto, aguanta, que el pueblo se levanta”, gritan sus paisanos pasado el mediodía, al iniciar una marcha alrededor de la cabecera municipal. Reunirán al menos un millar de indígenas, la mayoría de este municipio, pero también de San Andrés, Simojovel y Huitiupán, y hasta de lugares más distantes como Venustiano Carranza, demandando la liberación inmediata de su compañero, hermano, primo, maestro, vecino, encarcelado hace 12 años por un crimen que todos saben que no cometió.

La movilización exige también la liberación de su hermano zapatista Francisco Santiz López, de Tenejapa, preso hace seis meses en San Cristóbal de Las Casas por ninguna razón.

Las proclamas de la gente, una gran cantidad de mujeres de todas edades –ancianas muchas, y aún más las jóvenes estudiantes–, llevan una carga emotiva cercana al cariño. Las consignas rutinarias: Alberto, hermano, el pueblo te da la mano, Alberto, amigo, el pueblo está contigo, adquieren una resonancia literal, como que les sale de dentro a los ancianos venerables en calzón de manta, a las maestras y maestros, a una vasta parentela de Patishtanes y Gómez y Ruiz que recorren el pueblo bajo un sol plomizo pero severo. La gente asoma a las puertas y las terrazas (abundan aquí, pues el paisaje es muy empinado) y mira pasar con simpatía o curiosidad ese río de gente y sombrillas hermosas de muchos colores gritando la palabra libertad.

Las tal vez 300 personas que iniciaron la marcha en el auditorio municipal, cuando retornaron al recinto se habían convertido en mil. La caminata llevó al frente un carro con sonido y una gran manta con el rostro de Patishtán, y enseguida un grupo de familiares y amigos de los otros presos políticos en Chiapas, adherentes de la otra campaña. Portaban carteles con retratos amplificados, fijos en bastidores de cartón corrugado y con un palo para alzarlo, de Rosario Díaz Méndez, Pedro López Jiménez, Juan Collazo Jiménez, Alejandro Díaz Santiz, Rosa López Díaz y Enrique Gómez Hernández.

Tras llenar la multitud el auditorio en el centro del poblado, la gente se aplaude a sí misma, contenta de ser tanta. Presiden la asamblea-mitin familiares mayores del profesor encarcelado ahora en Guasave, Sinaloa, y hace 12 años privado de su libertad. Desde allá, él escribió para la ocasión: Los gobiernos mexicanos han querido y quieren callarme separándome de mis abogados, amigos y familia, del injusto traslado, mas en respuesta de esto quiero decir que mientras exista la injusticia ni muerto puedo callar, porque morir es vivir hacia los demás. Bien, compañeros, tengan mucho ánimo que no están solos, sigan adelante, el pueblo los necesita, yo aquí oraré por ustedes.

Toman la palabra maestras, madres, antiguas autoridades ejidales, testificando por su compañero. Doña María Gómez Gómez proclama su inocencia y rompe en llanto. La congregación escucha una grabación en tzotzil de Alberto saludando a su pueblo. El maestro Martín Ramírez, vocero del Movimiento del Pueblo de El Bosque por la libertad del docente, recordará enseguida que desde el primer momento de su detención, en julio de 2000, el pueblo protestó, se movilizó, y tomó el palacio municipal. El gobernador Roberto Albores Guillén prometió liberarlo, y en vez de eso fue consignado.

Está claro que la gente se siente ofendida y traicionada, le levantaron falsas acusaciones cuando él estaba viendo las necesidades del pueblo. Ramírez levanta un documento y señala: Este fue el delito del compañero, la causa de su encarcelamiento. Y lee una carta fechada el 26 de mayo de 2000, tres semanas antes de la masacre de policías el 12 de junio por la que el profesor purga 60 años de cárcel. Dirigida al mandatario de entonces, decenas de autoridades ejidales y comunitarias le enumeran de manera contundente los delitos y malos manejos del gobierno municipal y piden su destitución. Hicieron una lista con esos nombres para detenerlos a todos, pero al final le tocó sólo al compañero. Nos amenazaban con usarla contra los demás si seguíamos protestando.

No han dejado de exigir justicia, y eso ya demuestra mucho aguante; nadie en el gobierno les hace nunca caso. Ahora apelan al gobernador Juan Sabines Guerrero, al Presidente de la República, a los jueces: ¿Hasta cuándo nos van a escuchar? ¿No se dan cuenta que la protesta ya es a nivel mundial? Se disponen a marchar a la ciudad de México en las próximas semanas para llevaral gobierno federal su demanda de salud, traslado y libertad para Patishtán.

Dentro de la semana mundial por su libertad y la de Santiz López, este acto no es el único. Se han realizado, o lo serán este fin de semana, acciones y movilizaciones en Suiza, Italia, Alemania, Nueva Zelanda y Holanda. Colectivos de esas naciones se han sumado a los de Gran Bretaña, Estados Unidos, Francia, España, Canadá, Sudáfrica, Argentina, el Movimiento Sin Tierra (MST) de Brasil, y en las ciudades de México y Oaxaca.

** They also demand the release of Francisco Santiz López, Zapatista support base

La siguiente carta fue leida en la marcha-mitin “Encuentro de Voces” organizada por la comunidad de El Bosque durante la “Semana de lucha mundial por la libertad de Patishtán y Sántiz López: A tumbar las paredes del calabozo.”

Movimiento por Justicia del Barrio
La Otra Campaña Nueva York
El Barrio, Nueva York, EEUU

18 de mayo 2012

A la familia de Alberto Patishtán Gómez:
A su pueblo natal de El Bosque:
A los demás aliados presentes:

Hermanas y Hermanos:

Reciban abrazos y saludos llenos de cariño de parte de Movimiento por Justicia del Barrio, La Otra Campaña Nueva York.

Desde El Barrio, una comunidad pobre y marginada en la ciudad de Nueva York, el pueblo migrante que vive aquí les escribe estas siguientes palabras en la ocasión de su mitin/marcha “Encuentro de Voces.”

Somos una organización compuesta en su mayoría por centenares de migrantes mexican@s que desde 2004 lucha por justicia y dignidad, organizándonos en contra del desplazamiento neoliberal y su destrucción.  Igual que nuestro hermano Alberto, somos adherentes a La Otra Campaña.

Compañer@s, lamentamos que no podemos estar hoy de manera física con ustedes, pero al menos estamos presentes por medio del presente escrito y del videomensaje que les hemos enviado. Al menos pueden eschucar y ver un trozo de nuestra lucha, de nuestros rostros, de nuestras palabras, que son suyas también.

Aunque estamos lejos geograficamente, las luchas dignas que estamos llevando a cabo, bajo el digno liderazgo de ustedes, por la justicia y libertad de nuestros hermanos Alberto Patishtán y Francisco Sántiz López nos unen de modo profundo y hasta espiritual. La lucha por justicia es lo que nos unen, compas, y en nuestros sueños y memoria se encuentran nuestros corazones.

Nuestra unión sin fronteras es lo que más confunde a los malos gobiernos.

No comprenden pues esos malos que nuestras comunidades son dignas y luchan porque nos nace esa dignidad rebelde.

No comprenden esos malos que por más que nos tratan de reprimir, callar, o aislar a nuestr@s herman@s, nunca jamás nos rendiremos.

Al contrario, sus actos nos dan más ganas y razones de luchar, de denunciar, y de liberar a los nuestros.

No comprenden esos malos la lógica de la dignidad, y por eso, al final de cuentas, perderan.

Con esa emoción de compañerismo, ese sentido de sentirnos herman@s suy@s, de sentir y comprender que Alberto Patishtán Gómez del pueblo digno de El Bosque es nuestro preso también, hemos convocado la “Semana de lucha mundial por la libertad de Patishtán y Sántiz López: A tumbar las paredes del calabozo.”

Por medio de esta campaña nacional e internacional junt@s exigiremos que el mal gobierno mexicano y sus tres niveles LIBERE YA a Alberto Patishtán y Francisco Sántiz López, nuestros hermanos presos políticos.

Estas son todas nuestras palabras, compañeras y compañeros. Les enviamos mucho animo, y seguiremos con ustedes.

¡QUE NUESTRA DIGNIDAD SEA NUESTRA LUCHA!

¡QUE NUESTRO CORAZÓN SEA NUESTRA GUÍA!

¡QUE NUESTRA MEMORIA SEA NUESTRA FUERZA!

¡QUE NUESTRA UNIÓN SEA NUESTRA ARMA!

¡ARRIBA EL PROFESOR PATISHTÁN!

¡ARRIBA EL PUEBLO DIGNO DE EL BOSQUE!

¡¡¡PRESOS POLÍTICOS LIBERTAD!!!

Con amor y solidaridad,

Movimiento por Justicia del Barrio
La Otra Campaña Nueva YorkThe following letter was read today in El Bosque, Chiapas at the protest march “Encuentro de Voces”. This march was organized by the family and community of Alberto Patishtán Gómez.

May 18, 2012

To the family of Alberto Patishtán Gómez:
To his hometown of El Bosque:
To all his other allies present:

Sisters and brothers:

Receive affectionate embraces and greetings from Movement for Justice in El Barrio, The Other Campaign New York.

We write to you as the migrants who live in El Barrio, a poor and marginalized community in New York City, to offer you the following words on the occasion of your protest march “Encuentro of Voices.”

We are an organization of predominantly Mexican immigrants that has fought, since 2004, for justice and dignity by organizing against neoliberal displacement and its destruction. As our brother Alberto, we, too, are adherents to The Other Campaign.

Compañeras and compañeros, we regret the fact that our physical presence cannot join you today. At the very least, we can be present through this letter and the video message that we have sent. At the very least, you are able to hear and see a small fragment of our struggle–of our faces and our words, which are yours as well.

Although, we are far from you geographically, the honorable struggles that we are organizing, below your dignified leadership, to demand justice and freedom for our brothers, Alberto Patishtán and Francisco Sántiz López, bring us closer together in profound and almost spiritual ways. The struggle for justice is what unites us, compas, and in our dreams and memories, our hearts find each other.

That our unity transcends borders is what perplexes the bad governments.

They, the bad ones, do not understand the fact that our communities are dignified and struggle for justice because we are born with that rebellious dignity.

They, the bad ones, fail to understand that despite their attempts to repress and silence us, and separate us from our sisters and brothers, we will never surrender.

In fact, their acts of brutality give us more reason and hunger to fight, denounce, and free our own.

They fail to comprehend the logic inherent in dignity, and for that reason, will ultimately lose.

It is this emotion of camaraderie, this feeling of being sisters and brothers of yours, of feeling and understanding that Alberto Patishtán Gómez of the dignified people of El Bosque is also OUR political prisoner, that has moved us to convene the “Week of Worldwide Struggle for the Liberation of Patishán and Sántiz López: Bringing Down the Prison Walls.”

Through this national and international campaign, we issue our demand that the bad government in its three levels release at once our brothers and political prisoners, Alberto Patishtán and Francisco Sántiz López.

This is our word, compañeras and compañeros. We send you hope and inspiration, and we shall remain at your side.

MAY OUR DIGNITY BE OUR STRUGGLE!
MAY OUR HEART BE OUR GUIDE!
MAY OUR MEMORY BE OUR STRENGTH!
MAY OUR UNITY BE OUR WEAPON!
FREEDOM, POLITICAL PRISONERS, FREEDOM!

With love and solidarity,

Movement for Justice in El Barrio
The Other Campaign New York

May 15 – May 20, 2012

May 18, 2012

• United Kingdom: Solidarity initiative circulating from the UK Zapatista Network: “JOIN! WRITE! RAISE YOUR VOICES!”

• Spain: General Confederation of Labor (CGT) releases petition demanding freedom for Sántiz López and an end to anti-zapatista repression

• France and Germany add their voice to the global demand for the liberation of Patishtán and Sántiz López

To our sisters and brothers, the family members and allies of Alberto Patishtán Gómez:
To our sisters and brothers, the family members and allies of Francisco Sántiz López:
To our Zapatista sisters and brothers:
To our compañer@s of The Other Campaign:
To our compañer@s of the Zezta Internazional:
To our compañer@s, adherents of the International Campaign in Defense of El Barrio and all our allies from around the world:
To the Civil Society in Mexico and in the world:

Compañeras and compañeros:

Receive warm greetings and embraces from El Barrio, New York. On this fourth day of our borderless campaign, we wish to share with you here the sixth update on the “Week of Worldwide Struggle for the Liberation of Patishtán and Sántiz López: Bringing Down the Prison Walls.”

In solidarity with the struggle to free Alberto and Francisco, a new letter-writing initiative is being circulated by our comrades at the UK Zapatista Network. The Network is comprised of the Edinburgh Chiapas Solidarity Group, London Mexico Solidarity Group, Dorset Chiapas Solidarity Group, Manchester Zapatista Solidarity Group, and the West Yorkshire Chiapas Solidarity Group. Designed especially for government officials at nearby installations, such as local offices, embassies, and consulates, the UK Zapatista Network has written a “boilerplate” letter as a strategy or form of protest to take place during the Week of Worldwide Struggle. The complete letter is available below and can be modified as appropriate. At present, letters are being or will be delivered in various cities in Canada, New Zealand, England, and the U.S. Our comrades from the UK hope that the letter may be of use to all of us.

Similarly, the General Confederation of Labor from Spain has released a petition, amongst other campaigns, to demand freedom for Francisco Sántiz López and an end to the Mexican government’s repression against the autonomous Zapatista communities. Here is a section of the petition, which is currently available in only Spanish:

“we demand the immediate and unconditional release of our compañero Francisco Sántiz López, member of the support base of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation; absolute freedom for Lorenzo López Girón; comprehensive resolution in the case of Banavil, as well as the definitive cessation of the political persecution and harassment against the Zapatista communities.”

The petition may be signed here:

http://oiga.me/campaigns/libertad-para-francisco-santiz-base-de-apoyo-zapatista-baz

During the past few days we have continued to receive confirmation from more collectives and groups from other countries that have responded to our call to action for the Week of Worldwide Struggle. We now add two more countries to the list: France and Germany will now join dignified peoples from Mexico, South Africa, Canada, Brazil, Spain, England, Scotland, the U.S., Argentina, Switzerland, and New Zealand.

As an organization of predominantly Mexican immigrants, we have experienced first-hand the inhumane reality of the border and social walls imposed upon us by those from above. We have lived and challenged the many injustices that are like bricks in these walls; we have also lived and seen them crumble. Once all of us unite, combine our forces, and organize, we can accomplish this. For this reason, we view international solidarity as deeply important. United and together, we shall win.

Once again, compas, we would like to send you the link to our video, “Bringing Down the Prison Walls!: The Fight for the Liberation of Patishtán and Sántiz López.” As you may know, this film contains the dignified words of the Junta de Buen Gobierno (Good Government Council) of Oventic and relatives of Francisco Sántiz López, concerning his case and the national and international struggle to free our two comrades. Additionally, the Junta de Buen Gobierno and Francisco’s relatives send us warm greetings.

We hope that you can circulate this film and the dignified words of our compas from the Junta de Buen Gobierno and the Sántiz López Family. Here is the link:

We continue.

That is all for now, comrades.

WE ARE ALL ALBERTO!
WE ARE ALL FRANCISCO!

With love and solidarity,

Movement for Justice in El Barrio
The Other Campaign York

Here is the letter in both English and Spanish to be sent by the UK Network. Please feel free to send this letter, adapt it or write your own. Please send a copy to movementforjusticeinelbarrio@yahoo.com so that all our actions can be fully publicized and so the prisoners can know they have our support. Make sure a copy goes to your nearest Mexican Embassy or Consulate. If you can deliver it by hand, that would be even better. There are some useful addresses below.

English version
HE Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza Mexican Ambassador to UK

Embassy of Mexico
16 St George Street
London
W1S 1FD
Dear Ambassador,
We the undersigned, from the United Kingdom, view with deep concern and anger how people in Mexico who are organizing to struggle for and defend their rights are punished with imprisonment.
Governments lock them away trying to condemn them to oblivion, silence and submission. But their voices and their example reach us loudly and clearly from the prisons – through the voices of our brothers Alberto Patishtán and Francisco Sántiz Lopez.
We know that they are not guilty because they are committed social activists whose innocence has been documented by human rights centres and defenders.
Alberto Patishtan has been imprisoned since 2000.Prison has become his base of struggle, where he has not only borne his punishment with dignity, but also organized many other political prisoners to attain their freedom. As a result, he has been sent to different prisons. He was transferred to his current location, in Guasave, Sinaloa, as punishment for his participation in the latest hunger strike, which was undertaken in Chiapas in 2011. We know that Alberto Patishtan has become a symbolic figure for social movements in Chiapas, Mexico and the world. We also know that because of his dignified rebellion the Mexican state affords him an especial brutality.
Francisco Lopez Sántiz has committed the crime of being a Base of Support of the EZLN. This is the reason that he is in prison, not for the crime he is alleged to have committed in December 2011 in Banavil, Tenejapa. This is proven by the fact that Francisco was not even at the scene of the crime, as has been amply demonstrated.
For these reasons we demand immediate and unconditional liberty for Alberto Patishtan, Francisco Sántiz and all political prisoners in Chiapas and Mexico. Prison, repression and impunity cannot and must not continue to rule in Mexico.

Yours faithfully
UK Zapatista Solidarity Network
Edinburgh Chiapas Solidarity Group
London Mexico Solidarity Group
Dorset Chiapas Solidarity Group
Manchester Zapatista Solidarity Group
West Yorkshire Chiapas Solidarity Group

SIGUE LA CARTA DE LA RED ZAPATISTA DEL REINO UNIDO:
Aquí va la carta que será enviada por la Red del Reino Unido. Pueden modificar esta carta ó escribir su propia. Favor de enviar una copia a:
Movimientoporjusticiadelbarrio@yahoo.com

para que todas nuestras acciones puedan ser publicadas y cubiertas por completo y para que los presos sepan que tienen nuestro apoyo.

Asegúrense de que una copia llegue a una oficina, Embajada, o Consulado del mal gobierno de México. Si es posible entregarla en mano, aún mejor. Abajo hay algunas direcciones útiles.

Aquí esta la carta:
Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa
Presidente de la República
Residencia Oficial de los Pinos, Casa Miguel Alemán
Col. San Miguel Chapultepec, C.P. 11850, México DF

Estimado Sr Presidente

Desde el Reino Unido, los abajo firmantes, vemos con preocupación y rabia cómo en México, a las personas que se organizan para luchar y defender sus derechos son castigadas con la cárcel.

En la cárcel se les quiere condenar al olvido, al silencio, a la sumisión. Y desde ahí su voz y su ejemplo nos llegan fuerte y claramente. Es la voz de nuestros hermanos Alberto Patishtán y Francisco Sántiz López.

Sabemos de su inocencia no sólo porque son luchadores sociales comprometidos, sino también porque ha sido documentada por centros y defensores de derechos humanos.
Alberto Patishtan ha estado encarcelado desde el año 2000. Ha hecho de la cárcel su trinchera de lucha y con dignidad no sólo ha sobrellevado su castigo, sino que ha organizado a muchos otros presos políticos para alcanzar su libertad. Por esto se le ha mandado muchas veces a distintas prisiones. Su morada actual, en Guasave Sinaloa, le fue dada precisamente como castigo por participar en la última huelga de hambre emprendida en Chiapas en el 2011. Sabemos que Alberto Patishtan se ha convertido en una figura emblemática para los movimientos sociales en Chiapas, en México y en el mundo. También sabemos que es por su digna rebeldía que el Estado mexicano le tiene particular saña.

Francisco Sántiz López ha cometido el delito de ser Base de Apoyo del EZLN. Es por esto que está en la cárcel y no por el supuesto delito que cometió en Diciembre de 2011 en Banavil, Tenejapa. Prueba de ello, es que Francisco ni siquiera estaba en el lugar del crimen, como ha sido ampliamente demostrado.

Es por esto que exigimos la libertad inmediata e incondicional de Alberto Patishtan, Francisco Sántiz y de todos los presos políticos de Chiapas y de México. La cárcel, la represión y la impunidad no pueden, no deben continuar reinando en México.

Atentamente

UK Zapatista Solidarity Network
Edinburgh Chiapas Solidarity Group
London Mexico Solidarity Group
Dorset Chiapas Solidarity Group
Manchester Zapatista Solidarity Group
West Yorkshire Chiapas Solidarity Group

Algunas direcciones que pueden ser útiles:

Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa
Presidente de la República
Residencia Oficial de los Pinos, Casa Miguel Alemán
Col. San Miguel Chapultepec, C.P. 11850, México DF
Tel: (52.55) 2789.1100 Fax: (52.55) 5277.2376
Correo: felipe.calderon@presidencia.gob.mx
Cuenta deTwitter:@FelipeCalderony@GobFed

Juan José Sabines Guerrero
Gobernador Constitucional del Estado de Chiapas
Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Chiapas, 1er Piso
Av. Central y Primera Oriente, Colonia Centro, C.P. 29009
Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México
Fax: +52 961 61 88088 – + 52 961 6188056; Extensión 21120. 21122;
Correo: secparticular@chiapas.gob.mx
Cuenta deTwitter:@Juansabinesgy@gubernaturachis

Alejandro Poiré Romero
Secretario de Gobernación
Bucareli 99, 1er. Piso, Col. Juárez, Del. Cuauhtémoc,
C.P. 06600 México D.F. Fax: (52.55) 50933414;
Correo: secretario@segob.gob.mx , contacto@segob.gob.mx
Cuenta de Twitter: @SEGOB_mx

Noé Castañón León
Secretario General de Gobierno del Estado de Chiapas
Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Chiapas, 2do Piso
Av. Central y Primera Oriente, Colonia Centro, C.P. 29009
Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México
Conmutador: + 52 (961) 61 2-90-47, 61 8-74-60. Extensión: 20003;
Correo: secretario@secgobierno.chiapas.gob.mx
Cuenta de Twitter: @gobiernochiapasRaciel López Salazar

Raciel López Salazar
Procuraduría General de Justicia de Chiapas
Libramiento Norte Y Rosa Del Oriente, No. 2010, Col. El Bosque
C.P. 29049 Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
Conmutador: 01 (961) 6-17-23-00.
Teléfono: + 52 (961) 61 6-53-74, 61 6-53-76, 61 6-57-24, 61 6-34-50.
Correo: raciel.lopez@pgje.chiapas.gob.mx
Cuenta de Twitter: @pgjechiapas

Juan Gabriel Coutiño Gómez
Magistrado Presidente del Tribunal Superior de Justicia y
del Consejo de la Judicatura del Poder Judicial del Estado de Chiapas
Palacio de Justicia, Libramiento Norte Oriente No. 2100
Fracc. El Bosque, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
Teléfono: + 52 (961) 61 787 00 ext. 86 01
Teléfono directo: + 52 (961) 616 53 54

Francisco Javier Plaza Ruíz
Juez del Ramo Penal
Carretera San Cristóbal – Ocosingo Km. 20
CERSS No. 5, C.P 29200
San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México
Tel: 967 6743021; Fax: 967 6743022