Alert: Peasant Leader Disappeared in Chiapas

Houston has a sizable population of people originally from Mexico. However, corporate control of Spanish-language and Mexican media means independent resources are some of the only places people concerned about radical and progressive Mexican politics can find out about issues of Mexico's campesinos, poor and revolutionary struggles.

Jose Manuel Hernandez Martinez, known as El Chema as one of the leaders of Mexico's Emiliano Zapata Peasant Organization, has been kidnapped in Chiapas and supporters are appealing for international support.

The group, known by its Spanish acronym OCEZ (Organización Campesina Emiliano Zapata), has been in existence since the 1970s. OCEZ is noteworthy for its strategy of fighting for land through confronting the state via direct action. In July, OCEZ activists waged a successful land occupation and hunger strike (account in Spanish). SIPAZ quotes El Chema on his views after the action:

“We are talking about a fight that campesinos from the region have been involved in for decades, for which time they have been subjected to the law and regime of the landlords and of the political tyrants, who still own most of the lands of this region today. They have lent their services as campesinos, in the harvesting of sugar cane, from which they have been dependent for generations. Now they are asking for these lands so as to be able to support their families.”

OCEZ representatives say El Chema was taken from his home because of the July action.

NarcoNews offers further details. OCEZ is asking concerned individuals write in support of Jose Manuel Hernandez Martinez's release.

Mexican Mission to the United Nations in Geneva
16, Avenue du Budé.
1202, Ginebra, Case postale 433.
FAX: + 41 22 748 07 08
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Señor Presidente Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa
Residencia Oficial de los Pinos
Casa Miguel Alemán
Col. San Miguel Chapultepec
C.P. 11850, México DF.
FAX: + 52 5552772376
Tel.: + 52 5527891100 / + 52 5527891113
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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