FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18, 2024

CONTACT:

Yanci Nuñez | ynunez@alianzaamericas.org (312) 866-0312

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Alianza Americas, a network of organizations led by immigrants of Latin American and Caribbean origin in the United States, celebrates the recent court decision in El Salvador that acquitted of all charges the five community leaders and environmental defenders of Santa Marta: Miguel Gámez, Alejandro Laínez, Pedro Rivas, Teodoro Pacheco, and Saúl Rivas, who were accused of murder, deprivation of liberty and illicit associations. This ruling ends a judicial process that began in January 2023 and is a form of justice for environmental defenders.

The leadership of the Santa Marta community is recognized as an example of resistance and unity. It is known for its firm opposition to metallic mining and its struggle to protect natural resources. This community has been historically committed to social justice and environmental defense.

The ruling dismisses the criminal charges, declaring them void due to the baseless nature of the accusations. Their criminalization is not an isolated case but part of a worrying regional trend of persecution of those who defend land, water, and life. "Today, we celebrate the courage and resilience of the leaders of Santa Marta, who have demonstrated that the struggle for justice and the environment continues to be a fundamental pillar for our communities. This acquittal is a victory for them and all those who defend peoples' rights and the protection of land," said Abel Núñez, executive director of CARECEN DC and vice president of the Alianza Americas board of directors.

The independence and impartiality of the administration of justice have been made visible in this case, as it should in many others. We urge the Salvadoran authorities to cease the criminalization of human rights and environmental defenders and to create an environment in which they can carry out their work without fear of reprisals. The international community's attention is essential for communities facing threats and persecution for defending their territories. The protection of the environment and the fight against the exploitation of resources that generate ecological damage are essential elements for the well-being of affected communities and for the construction of more just and equitable societies. At Alianza Americas, we reaffirm our commitment to continue working transnationally for climate justice.

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Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America.

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