PUBLIC AI Index: AMR 41/068/2007

05 December 2007

Further Information on UA 300/07 (AMR 41/062/2007, 09 November 2007) Arbitrary arrest/ fear of ill treatment/legal concern

MEXICO Manuel Olivares Hernández (m), director of the Regional Human Rights Centre “José María Morelos y Pavón” (Centro Regional de Derechos Humanos “José María Morelos y Pavón”)

15 members of Chilapa Citizens Committee (Consejo Ciudadano de Chilapa)

Manuel Olivares Hernández, director of Guerrero state’s “José María Morelos y Pavón" Regional Human Rights Centre and 15 members of the Chilapa Citizens Committee, were released on bail on 9 November. They have been charged with rioting, attacks on public roads, and criminal association (ataques a las vías de comunicación, asociación delictuosa y motín).

Amnesty International believes that the charges against Manuel Olivares Hernández and the members of the Chilapa Citizens' Committee are unfair. Criminal proceedings against human rights defenders are often used to deter their legitimate work and may induce them to withdraw social demands or complaints of official wrongdoing.

Many thanks to all those who sent appeals. No further action is requested from the UA network at present. Amnesty International will take further action on this case as necessary.