It’s been almost a month since Noé was stoned to death by unidentified individuals in his hometown of Amatlán de los Reyes in the Mexican state of Veracruz, with no response from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Noé had gone out early that morning to gather leaves, seeds, and flowers for the opening ritual of the 10th Anniversary of the Mexican Movement of People Affected by Dams and in Defense of Rivers (MAPDER). MAPDER seeks to protect the rights of communities in the face of an onslaught of hydroelectric dam projects in Mexico. Noé was a craftsman. Through his work he promoted his culture and raised awareness about the destruction of the environment, especially in the mountains of Veracruz.
Unfortunately, Noé’s murder is not an anomaly. Threats and violence against community leaders have become more commonplace in Mexico as minimally-regulated private capital, promoted by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Mesoamerica Project, rushes to construct megaprojects such as hydroelectric dams, wind farms, and mines. These projects usually take place in communities without respecting their fundamental right to prior consultation. Enviar mensaje a Embajador Estadounidense...
