On 6 March 2025, the First Court in Oaxaca handed down a shocking 30-year prison sentence to Pablo López Alavez, a dedicated human rights defender, alongside a hefty fine for a baseless aggravated homicide charge. This indigenous Zapoteco leader has languished unjustly in prison for over fourteen years since his arbitrary detention in August 2010, a period plagued with gross violations of legal due process, confirmed by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in their opinion No. 23/2017 calling for his immediate release.
For over a decade, human rights organisations both locally and globally have rallied for López Alavez’s freedom, asserting his detention is retaliation for his staunch advocacy in San Isidro Aloápam, Oaxaca. He bravely spoke out against illegal activities that threaten his community’s territory and environment, a courageous act that has led to his unjust imprisonment.
Originally sentenced in 2017, the legal saga took a different turn in October 2020 when the proceedings were reinitiated due to significant due process violations. After restarting from the pre-trial phase, the sentencing hearing was swiftly conducted on 6 March 2025, with the verdict communicated mere hours afterward, raising concerns about the fairness of the trial.
The recent sentence feeds into a troubling trend in Mexico where long prison terms are meted out to indigenous human rights defenders, aiming to stifle voices advocating for land and territorial rights against corporate encroachments. Human rights organisations warn that such punitive measures are especially devastating for indigenous communities, as separation from their land significantly impacts their cultural identity and exacerbates their suffering.
The undersigned groups remain steadfast in rejecting the ongoing violations against Pablo López Alavez, expressing unwavering support for his appeal against the conviction and vehemently insisting on his release.
Pablo López Alavez, a human rights defender, received a 30-year prison sentence on 6 March 2025 for a fabricated aggravated homicide charge. His unjust detention began in 2010 due to his activism against illegal activities affecting his community. Human rights groups condemn this sentencing as part of a disturbing trend targeting indigenous leaders in Mexico. They continue to advocate for his release and the upholding of human rights.
The sentencing of Pablo López Alavez exemplifies grave human rights violations occurring in Mexico, especially against indigenous defenders. His over fourteen-year battle with the legal system highlights systemic injustices and the urgent need for reform. The call to action from various global organisations underscores the collective demand for justice, personal freedom, and the protection of indigenous rights.
Original Source: www.frontlinedefenders.org
