**Updates IFEX alerts dated 13 February 1996 and 19 July 1995** On 3 May 1996, television producer Jorge Javier Elorriaga (previously reported as “Elorreaga”) was sentenced to thirteen years in prison on charges of terrorism, rebellion and conspiracy. His political rights (“derechos politicos”) were also suspended for four years. The Tuxtla Gutierrez judge, Juan Manuel […]
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 13 February 1996 and 19 July 1995**
On 3 May 1996, television producer Jorge Javier Elorriaga
(previously reported as “Elorreaga”) was sentenced to thirteen
years in prison on charges of terrorism, rebellion and
conspiracy. His political rights (“derechos politicos”) were also
suspended for four years.
The Tuxtla Gutierrez judge, Juan Manuel Alcantara Moreno,
justified the sentence handed down against Elorriaga by claiming
that the journalist had been in charge of “press and
propaganda…of the Ideology Commision of the EZLN (Zapatista
National Liberation Army).” He also affirmed, without any proof,
that Elorriaga had edited the initial communiques issued by the
EZLN in January 1994. Moreover, the judge allowed as evidence the
testimony of Salvador Morales Garibay, the alleged accuser of
Elorriaga. However, Morales never appeared in court to testify,
in spite of having been ordered to do so on six occasions by the
judge. As well, the judge allowed the testimony of Elorriaga’s
wife, Gloria Benavides, even though her statements were made
under duress.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
Elorriaga
convict Elorriaga
Appeals To
His Excellency Ernesto Zedilla de Leon
President of the Republic
Fax: +525 271 1764
Antonio Lozano Garcia
Attorney General (federal)
Reforma y Jaime Nuno
Box 06300
Mexico, D.F., Mexico
Fax: +525 625 7642
Jorge Enriquez Hernandez Aguilar
Attorney General (Chiapas)
Fax: +529 612 2169
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
