On January 11, 1,500 Guatemalan National Civilian Police (PNC) backed by 300
soldiers used tear gas and bullets to stop a 40-day-long mining protest, causing
the death of Raúl Castro Bocel and injuring 20. Around 2,000 indigenous
campesinos blocked an equipment convoy from passing through the town of Los Encuentors
to reach the Canadian Glamis Gold Ltd. gold mine set to be constructed in San
Miguel Ixtahuacán, San Marcos.
Indigenous mayor Dominga Vásquez Julajuj, the official representative
of indigenous people in Sololá, backed the protests and criticized the
government’s use of force against the protestors. PNC director Erwin
Sperisen said the government was pressing charges against the protestors for
sabotage, terrorism, threats, injuries and damage to private property.
