Fuente: Amnistía Internacional Canadá – AlertaMinera Canadá – Red en Solidaridad con el Pueblo de Guatemala (NISGUA)
7 de abril, 2015
(Ciudad de Guatemala/Ottawa/Vancouver) Han salido a la luz pública las transcripciones de las escuchas telefónicas del exjefe de la seguridad de la empresa minera Tahoe Resources, Alberto Rodondo, derivado de una demanda civil en Canadá por víctimas sobrevivientes al tiroteo ocurrido el 27 de abril de 2013, afuera de la entrada del proyecto Escobal. Las transcripciones brindan evidencias contundentes sobre que Rotondo dirigió un ataque armado en contra de manifestante pacíficos, realizando acciones de encubrimiento de evidencias de dicho crimen, para posteriormente intentar huir del país. Las escuchas telefónicas salieron a la luz pública gracias a una investigación realizada por el Ministerio Público de Guatemala dos semanas antes de los hechos ocurridos, aparentemente relacionado hechos violentos anteriores. Las mismas que fueron originalmente presentadas ante una audiencia pública en mayo 2013 en Guatemala, cuando se levantaron cargos de asalto y encubrimiento en contra de Rotondo.
Siete guatemaltecos lesionados durante el ataque presentaron una demanda civil en contra de Tahoe Resources, con sede en Vancouver, Canadá, alegando que tiene responsabilidad por negligencia y agresiones en torno al ataque. Las primeras audiencias en la Corte Suprema de Columbia Británica, Canadá iniciaron el 8 de abril de 2015. Según la demanda presentada, Tahoe está acusado de haber autorizado expresamente el uso de fuerza excesiva por Rotondo y su personal de seguridad en contra de las personas heridas. Así mismo la Empresa fue negligente por haber fallado en prevenir el uso de la fuerza excesiva. Las transcripciones de las escuchas telefónicas han sido entregados como prueba en el caso.
En la transcripción número 4010, como parte de una conversación con el asesor de comunicaciones y seguridad, Alberto Rotondo explica que se pretende acabar las manifestaciones en contra de la mina con violencia: “Los corrí a balazos […] Traigan al cura Melgar pues, o a mujeres y niños para que se defiendan, ¿no eras el mero brincón? Así les dije a todos. Bueno hijue putas! […] Y les metí pero así […] En ningún momento yo voy a permitir, no voy a permitir que estos agarren confianza…”
En la transcripción número 4052, aparentemente hablando con uno de las guardias bajo su mando, Rotondo continúa: “Dicen que uno, tiene una, un balazo en la cara y… si le estalló en la cara, a balazos es que aprenden.”
En la misma transcripción, Rotondo ordena alterar la evidencia, mientras inventa otra versión de los eventos: “Limpien las armas pues […] Límpienlas bien, decimos ‘aquí no pasó nada.’ Grabaciones no hay ¿me entiendes? […] La versión es: que entraron y ellos nos atacaron. Y los hemos repelido no. […] Hay que decirle a la gente, es de que no se preocupe, que ellos vienen todos los días a agredirnos, con machetes y con piedras y la gente se ha defendido pues. Ahí están, allí están los escudos rotos. Pero quiebren dos más, para que vean de que nos atacaron.”
También parece que Rotondo coordinó con un oficial de la policía, con el nombre ‘Adilio’, conocido así por los vecinos de la zona, para asegurar que los guardias de seguridad y la policía contaran la misma versión de los eventos del 27 de abril. Activistas locales también sospechan que un individuo actuando bajo la dirección de Rotondo, referido en las escuchas como ‘El Moreno’, se había infiltrado en sus reuniones.
Finalmente, durante una llamada con su hijo en Lima, Pedro, Rotondo informa sobre sus planes para escapar: “Han habido problemas aquí en Guatemala y es mejor que me ausente un tiempo. ¿Si? […] Le saque la mierda a varios huevones aquí. Que se vayan al carajo. Entonces para evitarme un tema legal y esa onda.”
Justo después de esta última llamada, Alberto Rotondo fue capturado en el aeropuerto internacional de Guatemala y ligado a proceso por asalto y obstrucción de justicia. Seis campesinos y un estudiante fueron lesionados en el ataque. Todos son residentes de la municipalidad de San Rafael Las Flores donde está ubicada la mina Escobal.
Al mismo tiempo existe un proceso penal en contra de Alberto Rotondo en Guatemala, pero este ha sido demorado varias veces por diferentes estrategias jurídicas desde el 2013 a la fecha.
El 1 de mayo de 2013, Tahoe Resources publicó un comunicado con el propósito de echar la culpa a otros, declarando que la violencia proviene de “actores ajenos” y son responsables de aumentar las tensiones alrededor de la mina, con “una manifestación de aproximadamente 20 personas armados con machetes se volvió hostil”.
En una entrevista realizada por la agencia de noticias canadiense ‘iPolitics’ con el Representante de Relaciones con Inversionistas de Tahoe Resources, Ira Gostin, después de la publicación de las escuchas telefónicas presentadas como evidencia durante la audiencia pública el 6 de mayo de 2013 en Guatemala, Gostin afirmó que las escuchas eran falsas y que las acusaciones contra Rotondo eran inventos, mientras que dichas pruebas indican lo contrario.
La empresa no publicó otra declaración pública sobre el hecho hasta el 10 de julio cuando reportó haber terminado su contrato con la firma de Rotondo. En comunicaciones posteriores el Consejo Ético del Fondo de Pensiones Noruego publicó en su informe anual de 2014 que Tahoe Resources “[negó] que Señor Rotondo ordenó el asesinato de manifestantes pero no quiso dar más información sobre este punto dado a que hay un proceso abierto.” El Fondo de Pensión Noruego concluyó su investigación con la recomendación de no invertir más en Tahoe Resources.
Según una declaración presentada por el Vice Presidente de Operaciones, Donald Paul Gray, Tahoe Resources originalmente contrató a Rotondo a través de un acuerdo con International Security and Defense Management, LLC (ISDM), una empresa estadounidense con sede en California y liderado por ex-militares con experiencia en Afganistán y Iraq.
Después, aconsejado por ISDM, Rotondo fue contratado directamente por la subsidiaria de Tahoe Resources, Minera San Rafael. Anteriormente, Rotondo sirvió con la Marina del Perú y, según su página personal de LinkedIn, ha recibido entrenamiento militar en Fort Bragg, Carolina del Norte, EEUU, sobre la guerra psicológica y el contra-terrorismo en conflictos de baja intensidad.
La demanda civil presentada en Canadá por los siete agraviados en contra de Tahoe Resources por sus acciones en el extranjero es la primera en su tipo de ser escuchado en la provincia de Columbia Británica (B.C.). Las transcripciones de las escuchas telefónicas fueron entregadas como parte del proceso. Las audiencias de esta semana giran en torno a una solicitud de Tahoe Resources para desestimar el caso, que debe ser escuchado en B.C. o en Guatemala.
Se incorporó Tahoe Resources bajo el Acta de Corporaciones del B.C. y tiene sus oficinas centrales en Vancouver.Goldcorp, dueño de la Mina Marlin en el noroeste de Guatemala lo cual ha sido un fuente de conflicto con las comunidades indígenas afectadas por más de 10 años, tiene 40% de las acciones de Tahoe Resources y anualmente nombran 3 directores a su junta directiva.
Amnistía Internacional Canadá, Alerta Minera Canadá y la Red en Solidaridad con el Pueblo de Guatemala (NISGUA) han monitoreado y reportado sobre este caso durante los últimos años.
Copias de las transcripciones de las escuchas telefónicas y la otra declaración mencionado en este boletín están disponibles aquí: evidencia de escuchas y declaración de Donald Paul Gray.
Contactos:
Jen Moore, Alerta Minera Canadá , (613) 569-3439, jen(at)miningwatch.ca
Megan Whelan, Red en Solidaridad con el Pueblo de Guatemala (NISGUA), (011)-502–2288-9504, Megan(at)nisgua.org
Tara Scurr, Amnistía Internacional Canadá, (604 )294-5160 x102, TScurr(at)amnesty.ca
Showing posts with label Alberto Rotondo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alberto Rotondo. Show all posts
Monday, May 11, 2015
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
How a quasi-military project was created to protect the Escobal mine
An affidavit given on November 24, 2014 by Donald Paul Gray, vice president of the Canadian mining company Tahoe Resources Inc., has shed light on the strong interests at play since 2011 in contracting private security companies for the Escobal mining project in San Rafael Las Flores, Santa Rosa. His affidavit points to the relationship between private security companies, with ties to military and intelligence services that carry out large military projects in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the mining and construction operations in Guatemala.
Written by Luis Solano / Translation by NISGUA
Read the original article in Spanish.
April 7, 2015
The affidavit was given by the vice president of the mining company to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in response to a lawsuit filed against Tahoe Resources on June 18, 2014 by community members of San Rafael Las Flores. The lawsuit stems from an attack carried out by private security acting on orders from the head of mine security, Alberto Rotondo Dall'Orso, in which the seven plaintiffs were injured.
Tahoe Resources Inc., a mining company with offices in Reno, Nevada, United States and in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, operates the mining project in San Rafael through its subsidiary, Minera San Rafael, S.A. (MINERASA). It is for this reason that the plaintiffs filed their lawsuit with the Supreme Court of British Columbia, where it is currently being processed.
Tahoe Resources Inc. was founded by senior executives of the Canadian mining industry, particularly linked to Glamis Gold and Goldcorp. The company came to the forefront in 2010 thanks to the Escobal project, which it acquired from Goldcorp on May 3, 2010, seven months after Tahoe was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of British Columbia. The sale was finalized on June 8 and included control of the Minera San Rafael, S.A., recently registered by attorney Jorge Asencio Aguirre and which Goldcorp maintains 40% of shares.
Asencio Aguirre is an important cornerstone to this process. He is the legal representative of the mining companies Montana Exploradora, Entre Mares, Explotaciones Mineras of Guatemala (EXMINGUA) and MINERASA and helped create reforms to the 1997 Mining Law, according to statements he made on January 23, 2005 on the television program "Libre Encuentro."
Since 2011, when the mining project came under the control of Tahoe Resources, community opposition has intensified as demonstrated by protest marches and municipal consultations that have taken place in the neighboring municipalities of Nueva Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa de Lima and Casillas.
During this period, several acts of violence have occurred. One of the most dramatic events took place on April 27, 2013, when private security guards from the company Alfa Uno – associated with the Israeli company Golan Group - acted on orders of the then-head of security Alberto Rotondo Dall'Orso and indiscriminately shot at community members who were peacefully protesting in front of mining facilities in San Rafael Las Flores. Seven community members were injured.
On June 18, 2014, the seven people injured filed a lawsuit against Tahoe Resources Inc. with the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The plaintiffs are: Adolfo Agustín García, Luis Fernando García Monroy, Artemio Humberto Castillo Herrera, Wilmer Francisco Pérez Martínez, Erik Fernando Castillo Pérez, Noé Aguilar Castillo and Misael Eberto Martínez Sasvin.
The lawsuit charges the company with the violent repression of peaceful protesters, based on the fact that Tahoe controls all important aspects of the operation of the Escobal mine, including security practices and policies, and community relations.
The lawsuit states, "Tahoe expressly or implicitly authorized the conduct of Rotondo and security personnel" and was negligent in preventing Rotondo and other security personnel from using excessive force. The plaintiffs argue that as owner of the subsidiary MINERASA, Tahoe is responsible for what transpired.
Tahoe denies that Rotondo is responsible. Instead, the company places blame on the Golan Group for not following international standards for security service providers. This stance is expressed by the company in the 2014 Annual Report of the Board of Ethics for the Government Pension Fund Global of Norway, published on January 26 of 2015. The report recommends the "exclusion of Tahoe Resources Inc. due to unacceptable risks of the company contributing to serious human rights violations."
Written by Luis Solano / Translation by NISGUA
Read the original article in Spanish.
April 7, 2015
The affidavit was given by the vice president of the mining company to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in response to a lawsuit filed against Tahoe Resources on June 18, 2014 by community members of San Rafael Las Flores. The lawsuit stems from an attack carried out by private security acting on orders from the head of mine security, Alberto Rotondo Dall'Orso, in which the seven plaintiffs were injured.
Tahoe Resources Inc., a mining company with offices in Reno, Nevada, United States and in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, operates the mining project in San Rafael through its subsidiary, Minera San Rafael, S.A. (MINERASA). It is for this reason that the plaintiffs filed their lawsuit with the Supreme Court of British Columbia, where it is currently being processed.
Tahoe Resources Inc. was founded by senior executives of the Canadian mining industry, particularly linked to Glamis Gold and Goldcorp. The company came to the forefront in 2010 thanks to the Escobal project, which it acquired from Goldcorp on May 3, 2010, seven months after Tahoe was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of British Columbia. The sale was finalized on June 8 and included control of the Minera San Rafael, S.A., recently registered by attorney Jorge Asencio Aguirre and which Goldcorp maintains 40% of shares.
Asencio Aguirre is an important cornerstone to this process. He is the legal representative of the mining companies Montana Exploradora, Entre Mares, Explotaciones Mineras of Guatemala (EXMINGUA) and MINERASA and helped create reforms to the 1997 Mining Law, according to statements he made on January 23, 2005 on the television program "Libre Encuentro."
Since 2011, when the mining project came under the control of Tahoe Resources, community opposition has intensified as demonstrated by protest marches and municipal consultations that have taken place in the neighboring municipalities of Nueva Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa de Lima and Casillas.
During this period, several acts of violence have occurred. One of the most dramatic events took place on April 27, 2013, when private security guards from the company Alfa Uno – associated with the Israeli company Golan Group - acted on orders of the then-head of security Alberto Rotondo Dall'Orso and indiscriminately shot at community members who were peacefully protesting in front of mining facilities in San Rafael Las Flores. Seven community members were injured.
"We have to protect investors." Óscar Berger, President of the Republic of Guatemala. Press conference, January 11, 2005.As a result, on May 2, 2013, the government declared a State of Siege in four municipalities in the departments of Jalapa and Santa Rosa, militarizing the area under the guise of combating organized crime. The underlying reasons for the government’s response were published by Plaza Pública and revealed the contradictions between the actions taken and the real purpose behind them: to protect private mining interests.
On June 18, 2014, the seven people injured filed a lawsuit against Tahoe Resources Inc. with the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The plaintiffs are: Adolfo Agustín García, Luis Fernando García Monroy, Artemio Humberto Castillo Herrera, Wilmer Francisco Pérez Martínez, Erik Fernando Castillo Pérez, Noé Aguilar Castillo and Misael Eberto Martínez Sasvin.
The lawsuit charges the company with the violent repression of peaceful protesters, based on the fact that Tahoe controls all important aspects of the operation of the Escobal mine, including security practices and policies, and community relations.
The lawsuit states, "Tahoe expressly or implicitly authorized the conduct of Rotondo and security personnel" and was negligent in preventing Rotondo and other security personnel from using excessive force. The plaintiffs argue that as owner of the subsidiary MINERASA, Tahoe is responsible for what transpired.
Tahoe denies that Rotondo is responsible. Instead, the company places blame on the Golan Group for not following international standards for security service providers. This stance is expressed by the company in the 2014 Annual Report of the Board of Ethics for the Government Pension Fund Global of Norway, published on January 26 of 2015. The report recommends the "exclusion of Tahoe Resources Inc. due to unacceptable risks of the company contributing to serious human rights violations."
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Wiretap transcripts raise troubling questions about Tahoe Resources' militarized security detail
Source: Amnesty International Canada – MiningWatch Canada - Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA)
April 7, 2015
(Guatemala City/Ottawa/Vancouver) Wiretap transcripts ordered by Guatemala’s Public Prosecutor of Tahoe Resources’ former head of security, Alberto Rotondo, in connection with an April 27, 2013 shooting outside its Escobal mine provide strong evidence that he targeted peaceful protesters, tried to cover up the crime and flee the country. The Public Prosecutor ordered the telephone intercepts roughly two weeks before this incident occurred, in apparent connection with suspicions over earlier violence at the mine site. The intercepts were originally presented in a public hearing in Guatemala in May 2013 at which Rotondo was charged with assault and obstruction of justice.
Hearings in a lawsuit brought by seven Guatemalan men wounded in this attack against Vancouver-based Tahoe Resources for negligence and battery are set to take place at the B.C. Supreme Court starting April 8, 2015. According to the statement of claim, Tahoe is accused of having expressly or implicitly authorized the use of excessive force by Rotondo and the security personnel against those injured, or was otherwise negligent in failing to prevent the use of excessive force. The wiretap transcripts have been filed in court as part of the lawsuit.
In Intercept No. 4010, in a conversation with Tahoe’s communications and security advisor, Rotondo makes clear his intention to quell protests against the mine through violence: “I ran them out with bullets [...] Bring on the priest Melgar then, or women and children to defend them, weren't you the real trouble-maker? That's what I told all of them. Well then, sons of bitches! [...] And I let them have it [...] There is no way I am ever going to allow these people to get confident...”.
In Intercept No.4052, apparently speaking with one of the guards under his command, Rotondo continues: “They say that one has a, a bullet wound in the face and... if it exploded in their face, it's with bullets that they learn.”
In the same intercept, Rotondo orders the evidence to be altered, while he concocts another version of events: “Clean the guns then [...] Clean them well, we're saying “nothing happened here.” There are no recordings. You understand me? [...] The version is: they entered and they attacked us. And we repelled them, right? […] The people need to be told, that they should not worry, that they come every day to attack us, with machetes and rocks; and so the people have defended themselves. There are, there are the broken shields there. But break another two so that they see that they attacked us.”
It also seems that Rotondo coordinated with a police officer, referred to as ‘Adilio’ and known to local residents by the same name, to make sure that security guards and police told the same version about the events of April 27. Local activists also suspect that an individual acting under Rotondo’s direction, referred to as “El Moreno” in the wiretap evidence, had infiltrated their meetings.
Finally, during a phone call with his son in Lima, Peru, Rotondo informs of his plans to escape: “There have been problems here in Guatemala and it's better that I'm away for awhile. Right? [...] I kicked the crap out of a bunch of lazy bastards here. They can go to hell. So, to avoid legal issues and all that.”
Shortly after this last call, Alberto Rotondo was arrested at Guatemala's international airport and charged with assault and obstruction of justice. Six farmers and one student were wounded in the attack. All of them are residents of the municipality of San Rafael Las Flores where the Escobal mine is located. Criminal proceedings against Rotondo are underway in Guatemala. The case has been subject to numerous delays since 2013.
On May 1, 2013, Tahoe Resources issued a statement trying to pin the blame elsewhere: “violence from outside influences,” accused the company, was responsible for escalating tensions around the mine site, and “a protest involving approximately 20 people armed with machetes turned hostile.” Days after the wiretap evidence was released at a public hearing in Guatemala on May 6, 2013, in an interview with iPolitics, Tahoe’s Investor Relations official Ira Gostin denied that the wiretap evidence had been made public and stated that claims that Rotondo ordered protestors shot were made-up. The transcripts show otherwise.
The company did not make another official statement about the event until July 10th when it reported having ended its contract with Rotondo’s firm. In later communications with the Norwegian Pension Fund cited in its recent report, Tahoe Resources "[denied] that Mr. Rotondo ordered the murder of demonstrators but did not wish to expand on this in view of ongoing proceedings." The Norwegian Pension Fund concluded its investigation by recommending against investment in Tahoe Resources.
According to an affidavit filed by Tahoe’s Vice President of Operations, Donald Paul Gray, Tahoe originally employed Rotondo through a contract with the International Security and Defense Management, LLC, a U.S. company based in California and led by former military personnel with experience in Afghanistan and Iraq. Under recommendation from ISDM, Rotondo was later directly contracted by Tahoe's Guatemalan subsidiary Minera San Rafael. Rotondo formerly served with the Peruvian navy and, according to his LinkedIn page, has received U.S. military training in physiological warfare and counter-terrorism in low intensity conflicts at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The civil claim that the seven men filed against Tahoe Resources for its actions overseas is the first of its kind to be heard in B.C. The wiretap evidence and other declarations were submitted as part of this process. The hearings this week, pursuant to a motion brought by Tahoe Resources to dismiss the case, will address whether it is best heard in B.C. or Guatemala.
Tahoe Resources is incorporated under the B.C. Corporations Act and has its headquarters in Vancouver. Goldcorp, whose Marlin mine in northwestern Guatemala has been an ongoing source of conflict with neighbouring Indigenous communities for over ten years, holds 40% of shares in the company and annually names three directors to the company’s board.
Amnesty International Canada, MiningWatch Canada and the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) have been monitoring and reporting on this case for the last several years.
Copies of the wiretap evidence and declarations referred to in this press release are linked here: wiretap evidence and Donald Paul Gray's affidavit.
Contacts:
Jen Moore, MiningWatch Canada, (613) 569-3439, jen(at)miningwatch.ca
Megan Whelan, Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA), (510) 763-1403, Megan(at)nisgua.org
Tara Scurr, Amnesty International Canada, 604.294.5160 x102, TScurr(at)amnesty.ca
April 7, 2015
(Guatemala City/Ottawa/Vancouver) Wiretap transcripts ordered by Guatemala’s Public Prosecutor of Tahoe Resources’ former head of security, Alberto Rotondo, in connection with an April 27, 2013 shooting outside its Escobal mine provide strong evidence that he targeted peaceful protesters, tried to cover up the crime and flee the country. The Public Prosecutor ordered the telephone intercepts roughly two weeks before this incident occurred, in apparent connection with suspicions over earlier violence at the mine site. The intercepts were originally presented in a public hearing in Guatemala in May 2013 at which Rotondo was charged with assault and obstruction of justice.
Hearings in a lawsuit brought by seven Guatemalan men wounded in this attack against Vancouver-based Tahoe Resources for negligence and battery are set to take place at the B.C. Supreme Court starting April 8, 2015. According to the statement of claim, Tahoe is accused of having expressly or implicitly authorized the use of excessive force by Rotondo and the security personnel against those injured, or was otherwise negligent in failing to prevent the use of excessive force. The wiretap transcripts have been filed in court as part of the lawsuit.
In Intercept No. 4010, in a conversation with Tahoe’s communications and security advisor, Rotondo makes clear his intention to quell protests against the mine through violence: “I ran them out with bullets [...] Bring on the priest Melgar then, or women and children to defend them, weren't you the real trouble-maker? That's what I told all of them. Well then, sons of bitches! [...] And I let them have it [...] There is no way I am ever going to allow these people to get confident...”.
In Intercept No.4052, apparently speaking with one of the guards under his command, Rotondo continues: “They say that one has a, a bullet wound in the face and... if it exploded in their face, it's with bullets that they learn.”
In the same intercept, Rotondo orders the evidence to be altered, while he concocts another version of events: “Clean the guns then [...] Clean them well, we're saying “nothing happened here.” There are no recordings. You understand me? [...] The version is: they entered and they attacked us. And we repelled them, right? […] The people need to be told, that they should not worry, that they come every day to attack us, with machetes and rocks; and so the people have defended themselves. There are, there are the broken shields there. But break another two so that they see that they attacked us.”
It also seems that Rotondo coordinated with a police officer, referred to as ‘Adilio’ and known to local residents by the same name, to make sure that security guards and police told the same version about the events of April 27. Local activists also suspect that an individual acting under Rotondo’s direction, referred to as “El Moreno” in the wiretap evidence, had infiltrated their meetings.
Finally, during a phone call with his son in Lima, Peru, Rotondo informs of his plans to escape: “There have been problems here in Guatemala and it's better that I'm away for awhile. Right? [...] I kicked the crap out of a bunch of lazy bastards here. They can go to hell. So, to avoid legal issues and all that.”
Shortly after this last call, Alberto Rotondo was arrested at Guatemala's international airport and charged with assault and obstruction of justice. Six farmers and one student were wounded in the attack. All of them are residents of the municipality of San Rafael Las Flores where the Escobal mine is located. Criminal proceedings against Rotondo are underway in Guatemala. The case has been subject to numerous delays since 2013.
On May 1, 2013, Tahoe Resources issued a statement trying to pin the blame elsewhere: “violence from outside influences,” accused the company, was responsible for escalating tensions around the mine site, and “a protest involving approximately 20 people armed with machetes turned hostile.” Days after the wiretap evidence was released at a public hearing in Guatemala on May 6, 2013, in an interview with iPolitics, Tahoe’s Investor Relations official Ira Gostin denied that the wiretap evidence had been made public and stated that claims that Rotondo ordered protestors shot were made-up. The transcripts show otherwise.
The company did not make another official statement about the event until July 10th when it reported having ended its contract with Rotondo’s firm. In later communications with the Norwegian Pension Fund cited in its recent report, Tahoe Resources "[denied] that Mr. Rotondo ordered the murder of demonstrators but did not wish to expand on this in view of ongoing proceedings." The Norwegian Pension Fund concluded its investigation by recommending against investment in Tahoe Resources.
According to an affidavit filed by Tahoe’s Vice President of Operations, Donald Paul Gray, Tahoe originally employed Rotondo through a contract with the International Security and Defense Management, LLC, a U.S. company based in California and led by former military personnel with experience in Afghanistan and Iraq. Under recommendation from ISDM, Rotondo was later directly contracted by Tahoe's Guatemalan subsidiary Minera San Rafael. Rotondo formerly served with the Peruvian navy and, according to his LinkedIn page, has received U.S. military training in physiological warfare and counter-terrorism in low intensity conflicts at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The civil claim that the seven men filed against Tahoe Resources for its actions overseas is the first of its kind to be heard in B.C. The wiretap evidence and other declarations were submitted as part of this process. The hearings this week, pursuant to a motion brought by Tahoe Resources to dismiss the case, will address whether it is best heard in B.C. or Guatemala.
Tahoe Resources is incorporated under the B.C. Corporations Act and has its headquarters in Vancouver. Goldcorp, whose Marlin mine in northwestern Guatemala has been an ongoing source of conflict with neighbouring Indigenous communities for over ten years, holds 40% of shares in the company and annually names three directors to the company’s board.
Amnesty International Canada, MiningWatch Canada and the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) have been monitoring and reporting on this case for the last several years.
Copies of the wiretap evidence and declarations referred to in this press release are linked here: wiretap evidence and Donald Paul Gray's affidavit.
Contacts:
Jen Moore, MiningWatch Canada, (613) 569-3439, jen(at)miningwatch.ca
Megan Whelan, Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA), (510) 763-1403, Megan(at)nisgua.org
Tara Scurr, Amnesty International Canada, 604.294.5160 x102, TScurr(at)amnesty.ca
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Norwegian Fund Divests from Tahoe Resources, Canadian and U.S. Investors Urged to Follow Suit
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
(Ottawa/Guatemala) North American shareholders in Tahoe Resources should follow the Norway's Council on Ethics’s lead and divest say Canadian and U.S. organizations. They urge Canadian and U.S. investors to make use of a report published last week that recommends the exclusion of Tahoe Resources from the from the Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) portfolio due to “unacceptable risk of the company contributing to serious human rights violations through its operation” at the Escobal silver mine in southeastern Guatemala.
“Even before the military state of siege was imposed on municipalities, military presence and repressive tactics were ramped up, in part due to a so-called ‘development’ office in San Rafael Las Flores with backing from Tahoe and oversight from a military colonel. It is encouraging that the Norwegian Council on Ethics recognizes that what has been growing in the area is fear, not support for this project,” comments Ellen Moore from the Network for Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA).
Before the state of siege, communities in the area held fourteen referenda, in which tens of thousands of people in the six municipalities closest to the project voted against the Escobal mine given their concerns over current and potential environmental and social impacts. A pilot project in San Rafael Las Flores overseen by the National Security Commission and referred to as the “Inter-institutional Group on Mining Affairs” was initiated in March 2013. As well, since the siege, a permanent military presence has been established in the area.
(Ottawa/Guatemala) North American shareholders in Tahoe Resources should follow the Norway's Council on Ethics’s lead and divest say Canadian and U.S. organizations. They urge Canadian and U.S. investors to make use of a report published last week that recommends the exclusion of Tahoe Resources from the from the Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) portfolio due to “unacceptable risk of the company contributing to serious human rights violations through its operation” at the Escobal silver mine in southeastern Guatemala.
After considerable investigation, including communications with Tahoe Resources and information gathered from diverse sources such as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Guatemala, the Nowegian Council determined that the project poses a high level of risk given insufficient consultation processes, considerable resistance to the mine, inadequate measures to avoid human and Indigenous rights abuses and militarization of the area.
“With this report in hand, it should be a no brainer for U.S. and Canadian investors to drop their shares in this company whose operations represent a tremendous risk to the lives and wellbeing of thousands of residents in communities in San Rafael Las Flores and area,” remarks Jen Moore Latin America Program Coordinator at MiningWatch Canada.
The Council did not believe Tahoe’s claims that the apparent calm around the Escobal mine is a sign of support for the mine. The report reads: “…the company's statement that the situation in and around SRLF is now more peaceful than in the months preceding the state of emergency [in May 2013] is probably correct. As the Council understands it, this is due to the militarization occasioned by the conflict.” The Council attributes militarization with breaking up organized resistance and a temporary stoppage of local consultation processes.
“Even before the military state of siege was imposed on municipalities, military presence and repressive tactics were ramped up, in part due to a so-called ‘development’ office in San Rafael Las Flores with backing from Tahoe and oversight from a military colonel. It is encouraging that the Norwegian Council on Ethics recognizes that what has been growing in the area is fear, not support for this project,” comments Ellen Moore from the Network for Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA).
Before the state of siege, communities in the area held fourteen referenda, in which tens of thousands of people in the six municipalities closest to the project voted against the Escobal mine given their concerns over current and potential environmental and social impacts. A pilot project in San Rafael Las Flores overseen by the National Security Commission and referred to as the “Inter-institutional Group on Mining Affairs” was initiated in March 2013. As well, since the siege, a permanent military presence has been established in the area.
The Council also found that Tahoe failed to take adequate steps to prevent further abuses after private security guards shot at peaceful protesters outside the mine gate on April 27, 2013. Two separate lawsuits against Tahoe’s then head of security and the company in connection with this incident are ongoing in Guatemala and Canada respectively. Overall, the Council finds that Tahoe's policies and training standards are not enough to guarantee that the company will not continue contributing to human rights violations.
The Canadian Pension Plan most recently reported that as of March 31, 2014 it holds $49 million CAD worth of shares in Tahoe Resources. As of 2013, U.S. based TIAA-CREF, considered to be a socially responsible financial services company specializing in the needs of the non-profit and education sector, held some $5 million USD worth of shares.
Online letters can be sent calling on the CPPIB to divest here and to the TIAA-CREF here. A new map illustrates the relationship between company holdings and affected communities.
Contacts:
Jen Moore, MiningWatch Canada, jen(at)miningwatch.ca, (613) 569-3439
Ellen Moore, Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA), ellen(at)nisgua.org, (510) 763-1403
Online letters can be sent calling on the CPPIB to divest here and to the TIAA-CREF here. A new map illustrates the relationship between company holdings and affected communities.
Contacts:
Jen Moore, MiningWatch Canada, jen(at)miningwatch.ca, (613) 569-3439
Ellen Moore, Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA), ellen(at)nisgua.org, (510) 763-1403
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Tahoe Resources’ former security manager to be tried in Guatemalan court
Source: Center for Environmental, Social and Legal Action (CALAS) - MiningWatch Canada - Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA)
(Guatemala City/Ottawa) On Wednesday, a Guatemalan judge decided that Tahoe’s former security manager, Alberto Rotondo, should stand trial for his role in a shooting attack on peaceful protesters in April of last year.
(Guatemala City/Ottawa) On Wednesday, a Guatemalan judge decided that Tahoe’s former security manager, Alberto Rotondo, should stand trial for his role in a shooting attack on peaceful protesters in April of last year.
On April 27, 2013, Tahoe Resources’ private security opened fire on peaceful protesters outside the Escobal mine, the company’s only project, in the municipality of San Rafael Las Flores in southeastern Guatemala. Rotondo, Tahoe’s then head of security and an ex-military officer from Peru, was arrested at Guatemala’s international airport and charged with allegedly having ordered the attack.
Yesterday, the judge ruled that Rotondo should stand trial on charges of causing serious and minor bodily harm to four of the seven men injured in the attack, as well as for obstruction of justice. If convicted, Rotondo could face up to 28 years in prison. The evidentiary hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2015.
“This decision sets an important precedent to the extent that it will allow the Public Prosecutor and the victims to demonstrate the premeditated and aggressive way in which Rotondo orchestrated the attack, as well as the responsibility of Guatemalan authorities in its planning and execution,” explained Rafael Maldonado, Director of the Center for Environmental, Social and Legal Action (CALAS).
Tahoe Resources’ Escobal silver project is the subject of broad local opposition and ongoing legal processes in Guatemala and Canada. In June 2014, the seven victims of the attack filed a civil suit in British Columbia against the company for its role in the April 2013 violence. The first major hearing in this case is scheduled for April 2015 regarding Tahoe's argument that the case should be heard in Guatemala instead of Canada.
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| Alberto Rotondo to stand trial |
Yesterday, the judge ruled that Rotondo should stand trial on charges of causing serious and minor bodily harm to four of the seven men injured in the attack, as well as for obstruction of justice. If convicted, Rotondo could face up to 28 years in prison. The evidentiary hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2015.
“This decision sets an important precedent to the extent that it will allow the Public Prosecutor and the victims to demonstrate the premeditated and aggressive way in which Rotondo orchestrated the attack, as well as the responsibility of Guatemalan authorities in its planning and execution,” explained Rafael Maldonado, Director of the Center for Environmental, Social and Legal Action (CALAS).
Tahoe Resources’ Escobal silver project is the subject of broad local opposition and ongoing legal processes in Guatemala and Canada. In June 2014, the seven victims of the attack filed a civil suit in British Columbia against the company for its role in the April 2013 violence. The first major hearing in this case is scheduled for April 2015 regarding Tahoe's argument that the case should be heard in Guatemala instead of Canada.
“What we want is justice. Even though we know that this is difficult to achieve in Guatemala, we are confident that we will have an opportunity to demonstrate that Mr. Rotondo and the company are guilty,” stated Artemio Castillo, a victim of the attack and a co-plaintiff in both cases.
Foreshadowing the obstacles ahead toward achieving justice in Guatemala, the judge granted Rotondo house arrest, rejecting two separate instances in which the Public Prosecutor accused the ex Tahoe employee with being in contempt of court.
Maldonado commented on this unexpected decision saying, “Despite the favorable decision to send Rotondo to trial, the judge demonstrated partiality in this case by rejecting multiple requests from the victims and the Public Prosecutor to keep Rotondo in detention.”
Tahoe Resources Inc. is a silver exploration and development company that lists on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, with offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Reno, Nevada, USA. Goldcorp, a mining company with a lengthy history of human rights abuses at its Marlin Mine in northeastern Guatemala, holds 40% of Tahoe Resources shares and three seats on its board of directors.
For more information:
* Rafael Maldonado, Centre for Environmental and Social Legal Action (CALAS), rafamaldonado(at)calas.org.gt, (502) 5307-4250
* Jen Moore, MiningWatch Canada, jen(at)miningwatch.ca, (613) 569-3439
* Ellen Moore, Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA), ellen(at)nisgua.org, (502) 3027-7134
Photo credit to: Vea Canal/Panorama News
* Rafael Maldonado, Centre for Environmental and Social Legal Action (CALAS), rafamaldonado(at)calas.org.gt, (502) 5307-4250
* Jen Moore, MiningWatch Canada, jen(at)miningwatch.ca, (613) 569-3439
* Ellen Moore, Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA), ellen(at)nisgua.org, (502) 3027-7134
Photo credit to: Vea Canal/Panorama News
For more background, please visit tahoeontrial.net
NISGUA has accompanied communities in opposition to the Tahoe Resources Escobal mine since 2011.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Tens of Thousands Oppose Tahoe Resources' Escobal Project in Guatemala
Please show your support for mining-affected communities in the area of Tahoe's Escobal project! Take action with this online petition directed at President, CEO and Director of Tahoe Resources, Kevin McArthur.
(Versión original en español abajo)
(Guatemala City/Ottawa) Contrary to Tahoe Resources’ recent claims, tens of thousands of people oppose its Escobal project in southeastern Guatemala. Repression and violence have been the outcome of company and government efforts to install the project without social support. A recent high-court decision in Guatemala reinforces the legitimacy and importance of local decision-making processes.
More than half of the communities in the municipality of San Rafael las Flores, where the Escobal project is located, have declared opposition to mine. In five neighbouring municipalities, in the departments of Santa Rosa and Jalapa, a majority have voted against the mine in municipal referenda, in which tens of thousands of people participated. The most recent vote took place on November 10th in the municipality of Jalapa, department of Jalapa. Over 23,000 people participated with 98.3% voting against mining and 1.7% in favour.
“It is grossly misleading for Tahoe’s CEO Kevin McArthur to claim that the Escobal project enjoys strong community support when so many people have democratically expressed their opposition. The Constitutional Court has clearly stated that local plebiscites are an important measure of community sentiment near the mine site and they should be respected,” stated Jackie McVicar, Coordinator of the Maritimes Guatemala Breaking the Silence Solidarity Network.
In early December, the Guatemalan Constitutional Court decided in support of a municipal referendum in the municipality of Mataquescuintla, Jalapa and against a suit that an individual had brought to challege its constitutionality. The decision acknowledges the responsibility that municipal authorities have to convene such votes and to make decisions according to their results, affirming their value as “adequate means by which peoples may exercise their right to give their opinion and be consulted on topics of interest.”
Community members organizing local votes have faced repression and baseless legal actions in an attempt to quash their opposition to the project. During the past fourteen months, dozens of community members have had to endure more than 70 stressful legal processes, of which nearly all have been absolved of any charges.
The most recent crackdown against opposition to the Escobal project took place in late April mere weeks after the company received its exploitation license. Security guards fired on peaceful protestors outside of company property, injuring six, including two seriously. The company’s then head of security remains under arrest awaiting trial. Alberto Rotondo is charged with assault causing bodily harm and obstruction of justice.
Days after the attack, on May 2, 2013, the Guatemalan State declared a state of siege in four municipalities surrounding the mine project and issued multiple arrest warrants. Among the accused and imprisoned were key community leaders. In late November, a Guatemalan judge ruled that the police arrest and detention of five individuals for nearly seven months was illegal. Shortly later, arrest warrants were dropped against seven others accused in the same case.
“The President has accused of us being a few crazy people that are opposed to the mine, but we represent numerous departments, including the Xinca indigenous people, as well as people from all across Guatemala. I ask the company to please leave Guatemala because it is seriously hurting our families,” stated Teresa Muñoz a community leader from Jalapa during a press conference in early December.
Communities oppose the Escobal project given concerns over actual and potential impacts on water supplies and community wellbeing. The Ministry of Energy and Mines approved the company’s final license right after dismissing outright more than 250 individual complaints against the company’s project.
In July, a Guatemalan Appeals Court found that the Ministry of Energy and Mines did not follow due process in considering one of these oppositions. Lawyers for affected communities believe the appeals court decision puts Tahoe's license in limbo. Hearings on this case continued in November at which hundreds demonstrated their opposition to the project.
Tahoe is already under investigation for industrial contamination of water supplies near the Escobal mine.
“It is devastating to see the way that Tahoe is repeating the patterns of its top shareholder, Goldcorp, whose Marlin mine was built despite opposition and without community consent, leading to conflict and giving rise to broad-based opposition to mining throughout Guatemala. Instead of storming ahead and generating further upheaval, Tahoe should pack its bags and leave these communities in peace,” remarked Jen Moore, Latin America Program Coordinator for MiningWatch Canada.
Contacts:
(Versión original en español abajo)
(Guatemala City/Ottawa) Contrary to Tahoe Resources’ recent claims, tens of thousands of people oppose its Escobal project in southeastern Guatemala. Repression and violence have been the outcome of company and government efforts to install the project without social support. A recent high-court decision in Guatemala reinforces the legitimacy and importance of local decision-making processes.
More than half of the communities in the municipality of San Rafael las Flores, where the Escobal project is located, have declared opposition to mine. In five neighbouring municipalities, in the departments of Santa Rosa and Jalapa, a majority have voted against the mine in municipal referenda, in which tens of thousands of people participated. The most recent vote took place on November 10th in the municipality of Jalapa, department of Jalapa. Over 23,000 people participated with 98.3% voting against mining and 1.7% in favour.
“It is grossly misleading for Tahoe’s CEO Kevin McArthur to claim that the Escobal project enjoys strong community support when so many people have democratically expressed their opposition. The Constitutional Court has clearly stated that local plebiscites are an important measure of community sentiment near the mine site and they should be respected,” stated Jackie McVicar, Coordinator of the Maritimes Guatemala Breaking the Silence Solidarity Network.
In early December, the Guatemalan Constitutional Court decided in support of a municipal referendum in the municipality of Mataquescuintla, Jalapa and against a suit that an individual had brought to challege its constitutionality. The decision acknowledges the responsibility that municipal authorities have to convene such votes and to make decisions according to their results, affirming their value as “adequate means by which peoples may exercise their right to give their opinion and be consulted on topics of interest.”
Community members organizing local votes have faced repression and baseless legal actions in an attempt to quash their opposition to the project. During the past fourteen months, dozens of community members have had to endure more than 70 stressful legal processes, of which nearly all have been absolved of any charges.
The most recent crackdown against opposition to the Escobal project took place in late April mere weeks after the company received its exploitation license. Security guards fired on peaceful protestors outside of company property, injuring six, including two seriously. The company’s then head of security remains under arrest awaiting trial. Alberto Rotondo is charged with assault causing bodily harm and obstruction of justice.
Days after the attack, on May 2, 2013, the Guatemalan State declared a state of siege in four municipalities surrounding the mine project and issued multiple arrest warrants. Among the accused and imprisoned were key community leaders. In late November, a Guatemalan judge ruled that the police arrest and detention of five individuals for nearly seven months was illegal. Shortly later, arrest warrants were dropped against seven others accused in the same case.
“The President has accused of us being a few crazy people that are opposed to the mine, but we represent numerous departments, including the Xinca indigenous people, as well as people from all across Guatemala. I ask the company to please leave Guatemala because it is seriously hurting our families,” stated Teresa Muñoz a community leader from Jalapa during a press conference in early December.
Communities oppose the Escobal project given concerns over actual and potential impacts on water supplies and community wellbeing. The Ministry of Energy and Mines approved the company’s final license right after dismissing outright more than 250 individual complaints against the company’s project.
In July, a Guatemalan Appeals Court found that the Ministry of Energy and Mines did not follow due process in considering one of these oppositions. Lawyers for affected communities believe the appeals court decision puts Tahoe's license in limbo. Hearings on this case continued in November at which hundreds demonstrated their opposition to the project.
Tahoe is already under investigation for industrial contamination of water supplies near the Escobal mine.
“It is devastating to see the way that Tahoe is repeating the patterns of its top shareholder, Goldcorp, whose Marlin mine was built despite opposition and without community consent, leading to conflict and giving rise to broad-based opposition to mining throughout Guatemala. Instead of storming ahead and generating further upheaval, Tahoe should pack its bags and leave these communities in peace,” remarked Jen Moore, Latin America Program Coordinator for MiningWatch Canada.
Contacts:
- Jen Moore, MiningWatch Canada, (613) 569-3439, jen(at)miningwatch.com
- Jackie McVicar, Breaking the Silence, 011 (502) 4824-0637, btsguatemala(at)gmail.com
SOURCE: http://www.miningwatch.ca/news/tens-thousands-oppose-tahoe-resource-s-escobal-project-guatemala
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Decenas de miles se oponen al proyecto de la minera Tahoe Resources en Guatemala
Jueves, Diciembre 19, 2013
(Guatemala City/Ottawa) Contrariamente a las afirmaciones de la empresa Tahoe Resources, decenas de miles de personas se oponen al proyecto Escobal, perteneciente a esta compañía, en el suroriente de Guatemala. Los intentos, tanto de la compañía como del gobierno, de instalar el proyecto sin apoyo social han resultado en represión y violencia. Una reciente decisión del alto tribunal en Guatemala reafirma la legitimidad e importancia de los procesos locales de toma de decisión.
Más de la mitad de las comunidades en el municipio de San Rafael las Flores, donde se ubica el proyecto Escobal, se han declarado en oposición a la mina. En cinco municipios aledaños en los departamentos de Santa Rosa y Jalapa, la mayoría de las decenas de miles de votos registrados en consultas comunitarias rechazan la mina. La votación más reciente se efectuó el 10 de noviembre en el municipio de Jalapa, departamento de Jalapa. Más de 23.000 personas votaron – el 98,3 por ciento votó en contra de la minería, mientras que el 1,7 por ciento votó a favor.
“Es altamente engañoso que el presidente de Tahoe Resources, Kevin McArthur, indique que el proyecto Escobal goza del apoyo de la comunidad, cuando tanta gente ha manifestado democráticamente su oposición. La Corte de Constitucionalidad ha indicado claramente que los plebiscitos son un importante indicador del sentir de las comunidades próximas a donde se ubica la mina y se deben respetar”, indicó Jackie McVicar, Coordinadora de la Red de Solidaridad Rompiendo el Silencio.
A principios de diciembre, la Corte de Constitucionalidad avaló la consulta comunitaria en el municipio de Mataquescuintla, Jalapa y negó la acción cuestionando la constitucionalidad de la consulta que había presentado una persona particular. La decisión reconoce la responsabilidad con que cuentan las autoridades municipales de convocar este tipo de votación y tomar decisiones de acuerdo a los resultados que éstas arrojen, y afirma su valor como “una adecuada forma de posibilitar el derecho de los pueblos a opinar y ser consultados sobre asuntos de su interés".
Pobladores que organizaron las consultas comunitarias se han enfrentado a represión y a acciones legales infundadas, en un intento de invalidar la oposición al proyecto. Durante los últimos catorce meses, decenas de comuneros se han visto involucrados en más de setenta tensos procesos legales, en los cuales la gran mayoría quedó absuelta de todo cargo.
La más reciente ofensiva hacia la oposición del proyecto Escobal ocurrió a fines de abril, unas pocas semanas luego de que se le otorgara a la empresa la licencia de explotación. Guardias de seguridad abrieron fuego en contra de un grupo que se manifestaba pacíficamente fuera de la propiedad de la empresa, dejando seis personas heridas, dos de ellas de gravedad. Quien fuera en ese momento jefe de seguridad permanece detenido a la espera del juicio. Alberto Rotondo ha sido ligado a proceso por lesiones leves y graves y por obstaculización de la investigación penal.
El 2 de mayo de 2013, pocos días después del ataque, el Estado de Guatemala declaró estado de sitio en cuatro municipios aledaños al proyecto minero y giró varias órdenes de captura. Entre los acusados y detenidos se encontraban dirigentes comunitarios clave. A fines de noviembre, un juez guatemalteco declaró que fue ilegal la captura de cinco personas y su privación de libertad durante casi siete meses. Poco después, las órdenes de captura que se habían girado para siete otras personas acusadas en el mismo caso quedaron sin efecto.
“No somos unos cuantos locos, como ha dicho el presidente, que se oponen a la mina, somos muchos departamentos; Xincas somos todos, es todo Guatemala... Pido a la mina San Rafael [la subsidiaria guatemalteca de Tahoe] de que por favor se retire de Guatemala, que nos está haciendo un gran daño a nuestras familias.” indicó Teresa Muñoz, dirigente comunitaria de Jalapa en rueda de prensa a principios de diciembre.
Las comunidades se oponen al proyecto Escobal debido a los impactos existentes y potenciales en las fuentes hídricas y en el bienestar de la comunidad. El Ministerio de Energía y Minas aprobó la licencia final de la empresa inmediatamente después de rechazar categóricamente los más de 250 recursos presentados en contra del proyecto de la empresa.
En julio, la Sala Primera de Apelaciones de Guatemala halló que el Ministerio de Energía y Minas no procedió correctamente en relación a uno de estos recursos. Los abogados de las comunidades afectadas estiman que la decisión de la Sala de Apelaciones pone la licencia de Tahoe en limbo. En noviembre continuaron las audiencias sobre este caso, durante las cuales se manifestaron cientos en oposición al proyecto.
En este momento, Tahoe es objeto de investigación por contaminación industrial de las fuentes hídricas próximas a la mina Escobal.
“Es devastador ver hasta qué punto Tahoe repite el patrón de comportamiento de su mayor inversionista, Goldcorp, cuya mina Marlin se construyó a pesar de la oposición y sin el consentimiento de las comunidades, llevando a conflictos y a una amplia oposición a la minería en todo Guatemala. En vez de avanzar a toda marcha y generar mayores disturbios, Tahoe debería empacar sus maletas y dejar a estas comunidades en paz”, indicó Jen Moore, Coordinadora del Programa de América Latina de Alerta Minera Canadá.
Contactos:
Jen Moore, Alerta Minera Canadá, (613) 569-3439, jen(@)miningwatch.ca
Jackie McVicar, Red de Solidaridad 'Rompiendo el Silencio', 011 (502) 4824-0637, btsguatemala(@)gmail.com
Por favor, mostrar su solidaridad con las comunidades afectadas por el proyecto Escobal de Tahoe y tomar acción con esta petición en línea acá (disponible solamente en inglés).
Fuente: http://www.miningwatch.ca/es/news/decenas-de-miles-se-oponen-al-proyecto-de-la-minera-tahoe-resources-en-guatemala
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Take action: Tell Tahoe Resources to pack its bags and leave Guatemala!
The time has come to support community resistance to the Escobal mine by echoing their voices internationally.
Take Action! Write Kevin McArthur, President of Tahoe Resources, to demand the company respect communities' right to self-determination and leave Guatemala!
Since communities surrounding Tahoe Resource's Escobal silver mine first organized community consultations against the project in 2011, NISGUA has closely followed and reported on ongoing resistance to the mine. During the past year, conflict around the mine site located in San Rafael las Flores in southeast Guatemala has intensified. For in-depth NISGUA analysis on community opposition to the Escobal mine and other movements in defense of territory, read our detailed report, Exercising rights: Communities defend territory.
In May 2013, a series of referenda on the future of the Escobal project in mine affected communities of San Rafael Las Flores was abruptly cut short when the government called for a state of siege in the region. The state of siege, just one step away from a state of war, undermined legitimate resistance and quashed the consultation process.
In the days following the declaration of the state of siege, former security manager for Tahoe Resources, Alberto Rotondo, was charged with ordering the April 27 attack that seriously wounded six community members. A report recently made public revealed that in mid-2012, Rotondo authored an incident report for Tahoe subsidiary, Minera San Rafael, that outlined a strategy to respond to community opposition through the criminalization of community and religious leaders.
In the days following the declaration of the state of siege, former security manager for Tahoe Resources, Alberto Rotondo, was charged with ordering the April 27 attack that seriously wounded six community members. A report recently made public revealed that in mid-2012, Rotondo authored an incident report for Tahoe subsidiary, Minera San Rafael, that outlined a strategy to respond to community opposition through the criminalization of community and religious leaders.
In addition to expressing opposition to the project through community consultations, more than 200 individuals affected by the Escobal project filed legal complaints about the project with the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM). MEM dismissed all of the community complaints, clearing the path for the granting of Tahoe's mining license. The complainants appealed MEM's dismissal, and in July, a Guatemalan court ruled in their favor, a decision that partner groups believe should effectively suspended the company's exploitation license. Despite these still unresolved questions, Tahoe has moved forward with production, reporting its first shipment of mineral concentrate on October 15.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Report reveals company strategy to criminalize opposition to Escobal mine
“In order to suffer what we have suffered, we must
be committed. We have to imagine ourselves like pencils; if we aren't worn
down, then we aren't doing our part” - Community leader from Jalapa arrested in
September for protesting against Tahoe Resources' Escobal silver mine
Just over one year ago, on September 17, 2012, 31 people
were arrested during a peaceful protest against Tahoe Resources' Escobal
project in San Rafael Las Flores, Santa Rosa. 26 community members, many active
in the local Catholic parishes, were charged with terrorism and arson,
accusations that were finally thrown out more than six months later when a
judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
While the use of the justice system to stymie popular
opposition to large-scale development projects has become increasingly
common throughout Guatemala, the role of the companies in promoting the
criminalization of community leaders has been less well understood. However, an
incident report authored by Alberto Rotondo, former security manager for Tahoe Resources currently facing trial for an armed attack against protesters, offers
a glimpse at the internal policies of the wholly-owned Guatemalan subsidiary, Minera San Rafael, and insight into their
strategy to address community opposition.
The report outlines the company's investigation of local
institutions and communities it believes are responsible for mobilizing the
population against the mine. The intelligence gathered by Rotondo and his
team includes names, individual cell phones numbers and family relationships.
The July 2012 report highlights the Catholic Church as the key institution
responsible for communities' “anti-mining” agenda and was presented to the
Guatemalan Public Prosecutor as evidence in a separate investigation of
explosives stolen in November 2012.
In the report Rotondo recommends, “The initiation of legal
actions as these events warrant against all people named in the above paragraphs
and others involved.” He goes on to urge the implementation of “a strategic
legal and public media communications campaign to prove the involvement
of the groups responsible for these actions, especially the involvement of the
Catholic Church so that the authorities are forced to take legal action
against them.”
Since Rotondo wrote the report in mid 2012, there have
been more than 60 legal processes initiated against community members in
connection with their opposition to Tahoe's Escobal silver mine. The
majority of the charges have been dismissed due to a lack of evidence and the remaining
accusations, while still outstanding, have failed to move past the
investigation stage. The impacts of criminalization on communities, families
and individuals, however, have left their mark. In late September 2013, victims
of criminalization and violence stemming from the presence of the mine gathered
to share their experiences and seek out resources to confront ongoing
persecution.
Many of those gathered shared personal stories of violence
suffered at the hands of national police and private security guards during
violent evictions of peaceful protests against the mine. Immediately following these evictions, they
indicated that the trauma continued. Many community members were transferred to
a Guatemala City prison where they suffered intimidation and fear, in addition
to hunger and physical injury. In the case of those arrested in September 2012,
their hearing was canceled three times before the process was officially
closed, aggravating the considerable psychological trauma already suffered by
the accused.
“During the eviction and in
prison, I suffered beatings, insults and humiliation, but I am here with my
head held high. I am not facing this with fear, but with courage. I am committed to this struggle and it
doesn't end here. It is just beginning.” - Community leader from Jalapa
arrested in September, who shared her traumatizing experience in one of
Guatemala City's maximum security prisons.
During the gathering, community members expressed the joys
and sorrows of their struggle in defense of territory and the right to
self-determination. Leaders from Nueva Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa de Lima and
Mataquescuintla shared a sense of accomplishment felt after successfully
organizing community referenda in all three municipalities, in which the
populations resoundingly rejected mining in their territories. As a result,
even while criminal prosecution for their opposition to Tahoe's project is an
ongoing threat, community leaders remain committed to their struggle against
the mine.
“I am
leaving here feeling better than when I came. I know that I am not alone.” - Community leader and victim of violence
from San Rafael Las Flores, Santa Rosa reflects on the outcome of the September
gathering.
NISGUA has accompanied
communities in opposition to the Tahoe Resources Escobal mine since 2011.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Querellantes guatemaltecos celebran la efectiva suspensión de la licencia otorgada a Tahoe Resources
(Ottawa/Ciudad de Guatemala) El martes pasado, la Sala Primera de la Corte de Apelaciones del Ramo Civil y Mercantil notificó al Centro de Acción Legal Ambiental y Social (calas) su aceptación del recurso relacionado con la licencia de producción de Tahoe Resources para el proyecto Escobal de esta empresa.
El pasado mes de mayo, Quelvin Jiménez, del Parlamento Xinka, presentó una apelación con el apoyo legal de calas, en la que alegaba la falta de proceso debido en torno a una queja que había interpuesto en contra de la licencia de la empresa, antes de que la misma fuese concedida el 3 de abril de 2013. El Parlamento xinca, el Comité en Defensa de la Vida y la Paz San Rafael Las Flores y el Consejo Diocesano para la Defensa de la Naturaleza de Santa Rosa respaldaron el proceso de apelación.
La Corte de Apelaciones dictaminó a favor de Jiménez, ordenando al Ministerio de Energía y Minas que atendiera adecuadamente su queja, basada en la preocupación existente respecto a los impactos negativos que la mina de plata de Tahoe, actualmente en construcción, tendría en los recursos de agua del área de Escobal, cercana a este proyecto.
Rafael Maldonado, abogado de calas, comentó: “Es una sentencia histórica a favor de los derechos de los guatemaltecos. Esta decisión significa la suspensión de la licencia de explotación de Tahoe Resources, lo cual evitará que la empresa ponga la mina en operación.”
Desde noviembre de 2011, Jiménez y más de 200 habitantes de las comunidades afectadas presentaron objeciones formales frente a la solicitud de licencia que Tahoe realizara al Ministerio de Energía y Minas. Menos de una hora antes de que el Ministerio anunciara que había otorgado la licencia a Tahoe, Jiménez y las demás personas fueron notificados de que sus objeciones habían sido desestimadas.
Jiménez considera que la decisión más reciente constituye una señal de esperanza para las comunidades afectadas, en las que las tensiones se habían agudizado durante los últimos meses. Durante una conferencia de prensa llevada a cabo el pasado miércoles, Jiménez comentó, “Lo único que la mina de Escobal está produciendo actualmente es conflicto en el área.”
La mina Escobal de Tahoe Resources ha estado sumergida en controversias, debido a la significativa oposición comunitaria y al surgimiento de brotes de violencia, el más reciente de los cuales fue vinculado a personal de la empresa. El gerente de Seguridad de la mina, Alberto Rotondo, se encuentra bajo arresto domiciliario hasta la realización del juicio en torno a su supuesta participación en los tiroteos del 27 de abril contra las personas que protestaban en las afueras de la mina, los cuales dejaron a seis personas heridas.
Hasta 2010, Goldcorp era propietaria de la mina de plata Escobal y, actualmente, retiene 40% de las acciones comunes de Tahoe Resources. La mayoría de los directivos de Tahoe tiene vínculos actuales o anteriores con la productora de oro Goldcorp, cuya mina Marlin, localizada en el noroeste de Guatemala, ha sido el motivo de constantes conflictos en base de su falta de respeto para el consentimiento libre, previo e informado de las comunidades indígenas, así como por las continuas preocupaciones en relación a los impactos negativos de la mina sobre los recursos de agua y la salud de las comunidades afectadas.
El pasado mes de mayo, Quelvin Jiménez, del Parlamento Xinka, presentó una apelación con el apoyo legal de calas, en la que alegaba la falta de proceso debido en torno a una queja que había interpuesto en contra de la licencia de la empresa, antes de que la misma fuese concedida el 3 de abril de 2013. El Parlamento xinca, el Comité en Defensa de la Vida y la Paz San Rafael Las Flores y el Consejo Diocesano para la Defensa de la Naturaleza de Santa Rosa respaldaron el proceso de apelación.
La Corte de Apelaciones dictaminó a favor de Jiménez, ordenando al Ministerio de Energía y Minas que atendiera adecuadamente su queja, basada en la preocupación existente respecto a los impactos negativos que la mina de plata de Tahoe, actualmente en construcción, tendría en los recursos de agua del área de Escobal, cercana a este proyecto.
Rafael Maldonado, abogado de calas, comentó: “Es una sentencia histórica a favor de los derechos de los guatemaltecos. Esta decisión significa la suspensión de la licencia de explotación de Tahoe Resources, lo cual evitará que la empresa ponga la mina en operación.”
Desde noviembre de 2011, Jiménez y más de 200 habitantes de las comunidades afectadas presentaron objeciones formales frente a la solicitud de licencia que Tahoe realizara al Ministerio de Energía y Minas. Menos de una hora antes de que el Ministerio anunciara que había otorgado la licencia a Tahoe, Jiménez y las demás personas fueron notificados de que sus objeciones habían sido desestimadas.
Jiménez considera que la decisión más reciente constituye una señal de esperanza para las comunidades afectadas, en las que las tensiones se habían agudizado durante los últimos meses. Durante una conferencia de prensa llevada a cabo el pasado miércoles, Jiménez comentó, “Lo único que la mina de Escobal está produciendo actualmente es conflicto en el área.”
La mina Escobal de Tahoe Resources ha estado sumergida en controversias, debido a la significativa oposición comunitaria y al surgimiento de brotes de violencia, el más reciente de los cuales fue vinculado a personal de la empresa. El gerente de Seguridad de la mina, Alberto Rotondo, se encuentra bajo arresto domiciliario hasta la realización del juicio en torno a su supuesta participación en los tiroteos del 27 de abril contra las personas que protestaban en las afueras de la mina, los cuales dejaron a seis personas heridas.
Hasta 2010, Goldcorp era propietaria de la mina de plata Escobal y, actualmente, retiene 40% de las acciones comunes de Tahoe Resources. La mayoría de los directivos de Tahoe tiene vínculos actuales o anteriores con la productora de oro Goldcorp, cuya mina Marlin, localizada en el noroeste de Guatemala, ha sido el motivo de constantes conflictos en base de su falta de respeto para el consentimiento libre, previo e informado de las comunidades indígenas, así como por las continuas preocupaciones en relación a los impactos negativos de la mina sobre los recursos de agua y la salud de las comunidades afectadas.
25 de julio de 2013
Traducción hecho por MiningWatch. Lea el comunicado de prensa en inglés aquí.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Guatemalan complainants celebrate effective suspension of Tahoe Resources license
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| CALAS and the Xinca Parliament announce the suspension of Tahoe Resources' mining license on Wednesday morning. Photo: Prensa Libre |
(Ottawa/Guatemala City) On Tuesday, the Civil and Mercantile Division of Guatemala’s First Court of Appeals notified the Centre for Environmental and Social Legal Action (CALAS) that it is upholding an appeal associated with Tahoe Resources' production license for the Escobal project.
Quelvin Jimenez of the indigenous Xinka Parliament presented the appeal in May with legal support from CALAS, claiming lack of due process regarding a complaint he filed against the company's license prior to it being granted on April 3, 2013. The Xinca Parliament, the San Rafael Las Flores Committee in Defense of Life and Peace, and the Santa Rosa Diocese Council for the Defence of Nature (CODIDENA) supported the appeal process.
The Appeals Court found in favour of Jimenez and ordered the Ministry of Energy and Mines to adequately attend to his complaint, which was based on concerns over negative impacts on water supplies in the area of Tahoe’s Escobal silver project, currently under construction.
CALAS lawyer Rafael Maldonaldo remarked, “This is a historic sentence for the rights of all Guatemalans. The decision means the suspension of Tahoe Resources’ exploitation licence, preventing the company from putting the mine into production.”
Since November 2011, Jimenez and more than 200 other affected community members presented formal objections to Tahoe’s request for a licence from the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Less than an hour before the Ministry announced that it had granted Tahoe its license, Jimenez and others were notified that their objections would not be heard.
Jimenez regards the decision as a sign of hope for the affected communities where tensions have run high in recent months. During a press conference Wednesday morning he remarked, “The only thing the Escobal mine is currently producing in the area is conflict.”
Tahoe Resources’ Escobal mine has been mired in controversy given broad community opposition and incidents of violence, the most recent of which has been linked to company personnel. Then Security Manager of the Escobal mine, Alberto Rotondo, is under house arrest awaiting trial for alleged participation in an April 27 shooting against people protesting outside the mine that left six wounded.
Goldcorp owned the Escobal silver project until 2010 and currently holds 40% of Tahoe Resources’ common shares. Most of Tahoe’s directors have prior or current connections back to the gold producer whose Marlin mine in northwestern Guatemala has been a site of permanent conflict, given lack of respect for community consent and ongoing concerns over impacts on water supplies and the health of indigenous communities.
Contacts:
- Rafael Maldonado, Centre for Environmental and Social Legal Action (CALAS), (502) 5307 4250
- Jen Moore, Latin America Program Coordinator, MiningWatch Canada, (613) 569-3439
- Lisa Rankin, Coordinator, Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network, (502) 5071 4164
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Tahoe Myths: Setting the record straight
On Monday July 8, Guatemala's Public Prosecutor, on behalf of the six victims and co-plaintiffs in the case,
filed a formal accusation against Alberto Rotondo, former security
manager for Minera San Rafael, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canadian
mining company Tahoe Resources. Rotondo was employed by the company when
he allegedly ordered private security guards under his command to shoot
at peaceful protesters outside the mine’s entrance on April 27 of this
year. He has since been indicted on charges of assault causing serious
and minor injuries and obstruction of justice.
Since the incident on April 27, Tahoe Resources has issued public statements that negate the existence of peaceful local opposition to the project and downplay the seriousness of the violence around the mine site and the charges against company employees.
NISGUA, together with our partners in Guatemala and Canada, want to help set the record straight. Here is a handful of Tahoe Myths to get started:
1. Only non-lethal force was used in April 27 attack against protesters (Tahoe press release, May 1 and Tahoe press release, July 10)
FACT - Spokespeople for Roosevelt Hospital in Guatemala City stated that lead bullets were removed from victims. Official documentation prepared by the national hospital of Cuilapa, where three victims were treated, also states that the injuries were caused by firearms. Victims testified to being shot with lead bullets, in addition to rubber bullets, and injuries sustained support that testimony.
2. Injured protesters taken to hospital and released (Tahoe press release May 1 and Tahoe press release July 10)
FACT – Of the six men seriously injured, one man was hospitalized for 16 days and will require facial re-constructive surgery. Two other men initially admitted and release at local hospitals were later re-hospitalized and held overnight.
3. Alberto Rotondo, Tahoe's security manager, was detained but not charged with any crimes (Tahoe press release, May 1)
FACT – Security manager Alberto Rotondo was detained on April 30, and on May 7, he was charged with obstruction of justice and assault. In a June 4 press release, Tahoe CEO Kevin McArthur did not amend the May 1 statement, nor did he respond to the fact that Rotondo was under house arrest awaiting trial. Instead he stated in a separate interview that he could not comment on the investigation. It was not until July 10 that Tahoe Resources acknowledged the criminal charges filed against their former security manager.
Juan Pablo Oliva Trejo, Rotondo's security advisor, employed by Tahoe, was also arrested, and on May 15 was charged with concealing evidence. He is also under house arrest awaiting trial.
4. There is widespread support for the Escobal project
FACT – There is widespread opposition to the project. 12 community consultations held since 2011 have rejected Tahoe's project. The 8 most recent consultations were held in communities within the municipality of San Rafael las Flores. In each vote people have overwhelmingly rejected the project. The remaining 16 communities plan to have consultations as soon as possible. At least 200 legal objections to the project have been filed with the Ministry of Energy and Mines by individuals who stand to be directly impacted by the operations of the Escobal mine.
See our Top 10 Tahoe Myths for a full list of facts on the case against former Tahoe security manager.
For a time line of events see: Tahoe Resources' Security Manager on Trial in Guatemala: Chronology of Events: April 27, 2013 – July 9, 2013
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Since the incident on April 27, Tahoe Resources has issued public statements that negate the existence of peaceful local opposition to the project and downplay the seriousness of the violence around the mine site and the charges against company employees.
NISGUA, together with our partners in Guatemala and Canada, want to help set the record straight. Here is a handful of Tahoe Myths to get started:
1. Only non-lethal force was used in April 27 attack against protesters (Tahoe press release, May 1 and Tahoe press release, July 10)
FACT - Spokespeople for Roosevelt Hospital in Guatemala City stated that lead bullets were removed from victims. Official documentation prepared by the national hospital of Cuilapa, where three victims were treated, also states that the injuries were caused by firearms. Victims testified to being shot with lead bullets, in addition to rubber bullets, and injuries sustained support that testimony.
2. Injured protesters taken to hospital and released (Tahoe press release May 1 and Tahoe press release July 10)
FACT – Of the six men seriously injured, one man was hospitalized for 16 days and will require facial re-constructive surgery. Two other men initially admitted and release at local hospitals were later re-hospitalized and held overnight.
3. Alberto Rotondo, Tahoe's security manager, was detained but not charged with any crimes (Tahoe press release, May 1)
FACT – Security manager Alberto Rotondo was detained on April 30, and on May 7, he was charged with obstruction of justice and assault. In a June 4 press release, Tahoe CEO Kevin McArthur did not amend the May 1 statement, nor did he respond to the fact that Rotondo was under house arrest awaiting trial. Instead he stated in a separate interview that he could not comment on the investigation. It was not until July 10 that Tahoe Resources acknowledged the criminal charges filed against their former security manager.
Juan Pablo Oliva Trejo, Rotondo's security advisor, employed by Tahoe, was also arrested, and on May 15 was charged with concealing evidence. He is also under house arrest awaiting trial.
4. There is widespread support for the Escobal project
FACT – There is widespread opposition to the project. 12 community consultations held since 2011 have rejected Tahoe's project. The 8 most recent consultations were held in communities within the municipality of San Rafael las Flores. In each vote people have overwhelmingly rejected the project. The remaining 16 communities plan to have consultations as soon as possible. At least 200 legal objections to the project have been filed with the Ministry of Energy and Mines by individuals who stand to be directly impacted by the operations of the Escobal mine.
See our Top 10 Tahoe Myths for a full list of facts on the case against former Tahoe security manager.
For a time line of events see: Tahoe Resources' Security Manager on Trial in Guatemala: Chronology of Events: April 27, 2013 – July 9, 2013
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Share this information with your network
- Follow the case against Rotondo on the NISGUA blog and on Twitter: @NISGUA_Guate
- Join the conversation on twitter using #TahoeOnTrial
- Remain attentive to future actions and alerts as the case moves forward
See NISGUA’s previous blog entries for more information:
The complaint issued to Ontario Securities Commission for Tahoe's lack of disclosure on violence around the mine; Tahoe Resources Shareholder Alert: A Dangerous Investment or download the complete document here.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Communities of Santa Rosa and Jalapa denounce criminalization of leaders opposing Tahoe Resources' Escobal mine
During the last year, there have been more than 70 legal processes against individuals peacefully opposing Tahoe's Escobal mine. Many of those singled out have participated in the Committee in Defense of Life and Peace and have been leaders in the organization of the 12 community consultations carried out in the region since 2011. In each of the consultations, the population voted overwhelmingly against mining projects in their territory.
Criminalization continued during the May state of siege when Judge Carol Patricia Flores, who attempted to annul the historic genocide trial before the Constituional Court did so officially on May 20, issued at least 18 arrest warrants in a legal process filled with anomalies. Among the five arrested was Guillermo Carrera, community leader and member of the Committee in Defense of Life and Peace. After almost two months in prison, a judge in Jalapa has only just been assigned to hear Carrera's case. All of the accused are implicated in crimes related to the robbery of mine explosives in November 2012 and the detention of police officers in Santa Maria Xalapán in April 2013.
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| Supporter calls for due process at the peaceful protest outside the Public Prosecutor's office. A photo of Guillermo Carrera, unjustly imprisoned for almost 2 months, hangs around his neck. (Photo: NISGUA) |
On June 19, the Campesino Unity Committee (CUC) and the Xinca Parliament filed an appeal against High Risk Court “A” judge, Carol Patricia Flores. The legal action denounced the loss of the court audio, considered to be critical pretrial evidence. According to Sergio Beltetón, legal counsel for CUC, “It is a violation of the Penal Process, which requires that all judicial hearings be electronically recorded... the judge's excuse is that the audio was lost, and that it wasn't recorded on a CD or a hard drive on the computer.”
Today, families, friends and supporters of the criminalized and jailed gathered outside Guatemala's Public Prosecutor's office to demand an end to criminalization and respect for due process. NISGUA joins our Guatemalan partners in denouncing the persecution of community and indigenous leaders legitimately defending their territory, self-determination and the right to live in a healthy environment.
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| Rudy Pivaral's mother calls for due process in the case against her son. (Photo: NISGUA) |
NISGUA has been accompanying the consultation processes in the communities surrounding the Tahoe Resources mine site since 2011.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Criminal case against Alberto Rotondo, security manager for Tahoe Resources, moves forward in Guatemalan courts
On Friday June 7, Alberto Rotondo, former security manager for Tahoe Resources, was summoned to appear for the second time in a Guatemalan court. During the first hearing on May 7, Rotondo was charged with assault and obstruction of justice in connection to the April 27 attack outside Tahoe's Escobal project in which mine security opened fire on community members, seriously injuring six. The purpose of the hearing was to formally register the six victims as co-plaintiffs in the case.
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| Co-plaintiffs and their lawyers at the second hearing in the case against Alberto Rotondo. Barbarena, Santa Rosa, June 7, 2013 (Photo: Giles Clarke) |
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| Alberto Rotondo (center) and his legal team at the defense table. Barbarena, Santa Rosa, June 7, 2013 (Photo: Karla Solórzano) |
In early May, Juan Pablo Oliva Trejo, former Tahoe employee and security advisor to Rotondo, was also arrested, and on May 15 was charged with concealing evidence in connection to the April incident. While Rotondo and Oliva Trejo are said to no longer work for Tahoe Resources, both were employees when the alleged crimes took place. Wire tap evidence collected by Guatemala's Public Prosecutor is believed to implicate Rotondo and Oliva Trejo in the crimes and both are currently under house arrest.
Despite repeated claims by Tahoe Resources and Guatemalan officials that only non-lethal rubber bullets were used to disperse the protesters, the injuries suggest otherwise. One victim explained to NISGUA staff that while the wounds he suffered from the rubber bullets have faded, the injuries caused by live ammunition have yet to fully heal. The photos below were taken more than a month after the attack.
++and+father+Adolfo+Augustin+Garcia.jpg) | ||
| Two victims of the April 27 attack. Barbarena, Santa Rosa June 7, 2013 (Photo: Giles Clarke) |
Since Rotondo was captured on April 30, Tahoe Resources spokespeople, including head of investor relations Ira Gostin and CEO Kevin McArthur have made misleading statements in an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the incidents and the charges filed against Tahoe employees. See Tahoe's May 1 press release.
As a result, on May 31 the Justice and Corporate Accountability Project (JCAP) submitted a complaint to the Ontario Securities Commission regarding Tahoe Resources’ poor disclosure about violence in connection with the company’s only mine project. In its June 4 press response, Tahoe failed to reply to the specific concerns expressed in the complaint, including the ongoing criminal investigation of former Tahoe employees in connection with the escalating and persistent violence around the mine site.
While the state of siege declared in four municipalities around the Escobal mine is officially over, the tension and fear it produced remains palpable, especially for those who continue to peacefully resist the project. The April 27 attack was carried out just steps away from the non-violent encampment erected to demonstrate the community's ongoing opposition to the project. Below, one of the men shot in the April attack holds up the banner previously used to mark the entrance to the protest site.
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| "Communities in Peaceful Resistance: El Escobal. The Defense our Territories is our Right" San Rafael las Flores, Santa Rosa, June 9 (Photo: Giles Clarke) |
Despite twelve community consultations to date in Santa Rosa and Jalapa rejecting mining in their territories, on April 3 the Ministry of Energy and Mines approved the exploitation license for Tahoe Resources' Escobal project. With commercial production of silver expected to begin in early 2014,
community members remain concerned about the social and environmental
impacts of the massive project, located alarmingly close to homes, crops
and livestock.
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| Horses and cows graze in the shadow of the Escobal mine. Los Planes, Santa Rosa, June 9 (Photo: Giles Clarke) |
+above+the+Tahoe+mine.jpg) |
| Looking down on Escobal mine and town of San Rafael las Flores, June 9 (Photo: Giles Clarke) |
International solidarity with the communities of Santa Rosa and Jalapa continues defending their right to consultation and self determination. Today NISGUA and Breaking the Silence presented President Otto Pérez Molina with an open letter signed by thirty organizations calling for the revocation of Tahoe's exploitation license. The letter outlines numerous concerns, including "the lack of consultation, broad local opposition to the project,
the irregularities in the approval process, the pending criminal
investigation against Minera San Rafael for industrial contamination,
and the context of violence, intimidation and criminalization against
human rights and environmental defenders." Read the full letter on our website.
For further background on Tahoe's dangerous investment, see our May 8 Investor Alert here.
NISGUA has been accompanying the consultation processes in the
communities surrounding the Tahoe Resources mine site since 2011.
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