Bishop denounces organized crime in Guatemala

Catholic Bishop Rodolfo Valenzuela Núñez of Verapaz issued a statement denouncing the growing violence that has spread across the region. According to the text released by the Guatemalan prelate, there have been over 33 violent deaths in his diocese since 2008,  which has “led to a climate of insecurity and mistrust among the people, who are alarmed by the many murders that have taken place in broad daylight.”  Concerns over the threat posed by Mexican narcotics organizations operating in Guatemala, in addition to homegrown gangbangers and narcotraffickers has grown recently over threats issued by the Mexican Zeta group on the life of Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom.

Gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha, as well as those that may have links to Guatemala's security forces, appear to operate with increasing boldness in a country that is noted as one of the most dangerous in the world. Murders, rapes, and abductions continue apace while Guatemala's police appear outgunned and outmanned.

According to the bishop, many of these violent cases “are not only thanks to an increase in generalized delinquency, but also to organized crime that uses our region as a base.” The Bishop, along with the priests of the Diocese, denounces “the excessive use of force and violence in the evacuation of farmers in Guaxac, in Tucuru, on February 12,” in which over 500 troops and policemen left one man dead and several more injured. Moreover, these “such serious and painful events were not reported on at all in the regional or national media” and, as often occurs, “many of these events almost always go without punishment and lead to mistrust in the judicial system.” The Bishop says that the root of many of these violent acts is in the problem of the inequality and unjust distribution of lands in the country.

Showing solidarity with the victims of violence, Bishop Valenzuela said “we cannot remain silent, promoting indifference or indolence in the face of all this lack of respect for life and the rights of every human being, especially of the most defenseless.” He added his concern “for the evident progressive deterioration of peaceful coexistence in society.” He asked authorities “to carry out their duty of providing order and security of citizens” and all the communications media “to be faithful to the truth in reporting on events, so as to collaborate in the construction of a more just and humane society.”

The bishop concluded his statement with an urgent appeal to all members of the Church, and all men and women of good will, “not to react with violence, not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good and respond to these conflicting situations with positive, coordinated, and non-violent actions.”

Source: FIDES