Emergency fund for the family of Julio González
Donation protected
Julio Gonzalez, Xinka leader from Mataquescuintla and father of two, was severely injured Saturday Jan. 16, in an assassination attempt at his home by unknown assailants.
Julio is an extraordinary young man. He was one of the first people who spoke out against the Escobal mine in Mataquescuintla, now owned by Canadian company Pan American Silver. For this, he has faced criminalization charges, constant defamation and even physical attacks at the hands of supporters of the project. However, his opposition to the project has been resolute despite the many threats and attacks against him.
This is only one in a long list of attacks against those in opposition to the project. Topacio Reynoso, a 16 year old activist also from Mataquescuintla, was killed in an assassination attempt in 2014. Her father survived the attack. He, along with another group of community leaders was shot again in 2015 but survived. We believe 14 people have been killed due to their opposition to this project.
Julio is in hospital and his condition is being kept confidential for his and his family's security. We are raising donations to help the family as Julio will not be able to work through his hopeful recovery, rehabilitation, and unforeseen medical costs. We will update this page as we know more.
Contributions, will also be collected to cover expenses for the group who are running a rotating 24hr security for the family, but this will be done separately. If you would like to also donate to this latter fund please visit: www.bowsandarrowscoffee.com
for further information, context and updates please follow the BTS blog below and/or contact:
Lisa Rankin
Guatemala Coordinator
Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network
www.breakingthesilenceblog.com
+1 [phone redacted]
Julio is an extraordinary young man. He was one of the first people who spoke out against the Escobal mine in Mataquescuintla, now owned by Canadian company Pan American Silver. For this, he has faced criminalization charges, constant defamation and even physical attacks at the hands of supporters of the project. However, his opposition to the project has been resolute despite the many threats and attacks against him.
This is only one in a long list of attacks against those in opposition to the project. Topacio Reynoso, a 16 year old activist also from Mataquescuintla, was killed in an assassination attempt in 2014. Her father survived the attack. He, along with another group of community leaders was shot again in 2015 but survived. We believe 14 people have been killed due to their opposition to this project.
Julio is in hospital and his condition is being kept confidential for his and his family's security. We are raising donations to help the family as Julio will not be able to work through his hopeful recovery, rehabilitation, and unforeseen medical costs. We will update this page as we know more.
Contributions, will also be collected to cover expenses for the group who are running a rotating 24hr security for the family, but this will be done separately. If you would like to also donate to this latter fund please visit: www.bowsandarrowscoffee.com
for further information, context and updates please follow the BTS blog below and/or contact:
Lisa Rankin
Guatemala Coordinator
Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network
www.breakingthesilenceblog.com
+1 [phone redacted]
Organizer
D J
Organizer
Victoria, BC
