Source: Americas.org; published by CECOP, 12/22/05



Marco Antonio Suastegui Munoz



On 16 December, at least eight people were injured during clashes between police and inhabitants of the town of Dos Arroyos in the municipality of Acapulco, Guerrero State, who are opposing plans to flood a large area of farmland in order to construct a hydroelectric dam. The authorities have reportedly failed to consult local communities fairly and transparently about the plans, leading to an atmosphere of increasing tension and violence in the area. It is feared that the lives of people in these communities may be at risk.



The clashes occurred after the state and federal authorities convened a meeting at short notice in the neighboring town of Tierra Colorado, at which community representatives voted on the plans to construct the "La Parota" dam. Some 300 police officers reportedly attempted to stop inhabitants of Dos Arroyos opposed to the dam from attending the meeting by blocking the roads leading out of the town. According to reports, those opposing the dam barricaded a bridge in the path of the police in order to stop them entering the town. The community members were reportedly carrying machetes and catapults. When police, also carrying machetes, attempted to cross the barricade, the inhabitants allegedly threw stones at them. The police reportedly responded by throwing stones and using tear gas. At least eight people were injured, including Marco Antonio Suastegui, the leader of the Consejo de Ejidatarios y Comuneros Opositores a la Parota (CECOP), a group opposed to the construction of the dam. Four community members were detained as a result of the clashes, and charged with causing harm, damage and resistance to the authorities. They were released on bail the following day.



According to reports, the authorities had provided buses to take those who approve of the dam's construction from Dos Arroyos to the meeting in Tierra Colorado, in order to secure a favorable vote. The meeting lasted for no more than 15 minutes and resulted in a unanimous vote in favor of the construction of the dam. However, according to the CECOP and other human rights organizations, this vote did not represent the views of all the people affected. The CECOP claims that 15 similar meetings with local community representatives from the area which would be affected by the dam have deliberately excluded those opposed to the dam, and that others attending the meetings have been misled, resulting in an unfair process lacking transparency. It is feared that this may increase resentment among communities in the area, and thus the two remaining consultation meetings, scheduled to take place in December, could be flashpoints for further violence.



In September 2005, Tomas Cruz Zamora, who lived in the hamlet of Huamuchitos, was killed by someone from the same community. He had reportedly expressed his opposition to the dam. In November, Cristino Cruz Hernandez, who was allegedly in favor of the dam, was also killed. In 2004, Marco Antonio Suastegui was threatened and intimidated after campaigning against the dam.



BACKGROUND INFORMATION



The CECOP and other human rights organizations claim that the construction of La Parota dam could lead to the flooding of some 140,000 square kilometers of farmland, affecting 17,000 inhabitants, and threatening the livelihood of 20 farming communities. The project has divided local communities, with some accepting compensation for the destruction of their land, and others strongly opposed.



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