Between 2000 and 2012, Guatemalan palm oil plantations have multiplied eightfold, with 98% of them being controlled by eight influential families – making it an incredibly lucrative private business. Rafael Maldonado, legal director of the Guatemalan Centre for Environmental, Social and Legal Action (abbreviated as CALAS), has been recently involved in the monitoring of palm oil production, including the use of child labor and other negative influences on the environment.
Maldonado was a recent target of threats and insulting messages via Twitter. On 30 November, Twitter user @Armarome78 sent Rafael Maldonado a threat saying, „Your time is up. I suggest you to run like a pig, son of a b****. Pre-warned warfare doesn’t kill people.” Another message read, „Remember when I told you that your network of gangsters and corrupt people had little time left? You’re next. Hold on!” The account has since been suspended.
On 30 November, it was also revealed that Alberto Rotondo, Security Director of the San Rafael Las Flores Escobal mine, had escaped his house arrest and his whereabouts were unknown. Alberto Rotondo was charged with ordering an attack by security guards on protestors outside the mine in 2013 that left seven wounded. CALAS has been involved in a civil suit against the mine for the attack as well as past litigation regarding the mine’s operating license and alleged contamination. Rafael Maldonado has also represented CALAS in recent cases against the palm oil company REPSA, which is accused of having contaminated a river in June 2015.
In July, Rafael Maldonado told UDEFEGUA that he heard gunshots outside of CALAS’s office in Guatemala City. In May, he reported to local authorities that an unidentified woman threatened him, saying he would “pay for the work he is doing,” while at a Guatemala City bank. Rafael Maldonado and CALAS’s director also received several anonymous written threats at their office in 2013. UDEFEGUA recently requested protection measures for Rafael Maldonado from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, but no measures have yet been granted.
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Calling on the authorities to order an independent, thorough and impartial investigation into the threats
made against Rafael Maldonado and bring those responsible to justice;
Urging them to take immediate steps to provide full and appropriate protection to Rafael Maldonado, in
accordance with his wishes;
Reminding them that human rights defenders have a right to carry out their activities without any unfair
restrictions or fear of reprisals, as set out in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
Dear Attorney General,
I am deeply concerned about the case of Rafael Maldonado. The anonymous threats against Rafael are escalating due to his activities that support human rights and environmental protection. He has participated in the dispute against the REPSA company, as well as the San Rafael Las Flores Escobal mine. I believe that the anonymous attacks are related with Rafael’s activities against these organizations.
I ask you for immediate, thorough, independent, and impartial investigation of all threats directed against Rafael Maldonado. I ask you to take immediate steps to ensure Rafael’s full and appropriate protection, and to eliminate any and all restrictions towards his work in securing human rights.
Sincerely,
