Martin Barrios Hernández

We are pleased to report that on Thursday, January 12 Martin Amaru Barrios Hernandez was released from jail without charge. Barrios, president of the Mexican Human and Labour Rights Commission of the Tehuacan Valley, had been falsely accused of blackmailing a factory owner. He was arrested on December 29 by the intelligence division of the Puebla state police and transported from his home city of Tehuacan to the state capital of Puebla.

The arrest came exactly two years after Barrios was kidnapped and beaten by unknown assailants.

Very little explanation was given by the Mexican authorities at the time of Barrios’ release. Unanswered questions remain about the terms of his release and there are still outstanding issues at the Confecciones de Calidad factory. At the time of his arrest Barrios was actively supporting the 163 unjustly dismissed Confeccions de Calidad workers who are demanding the severance pay they are legally entitled to. Confecciones owner Lucio Gil Zarate is the person who filed the blackmail charges against Barrios.

Supporters of Barrios will hold a press conference today and more information will be forthcoming. The CCC will distribute information on any follow-up action that needs to be taken.

Many thanks to all of you who took quick action in support of Martin! You clearly communicated that it is NOT acceptable to imprison someone who speaks out on behalf of workers and who documents the reality of workplace conditions. Your messages of concern to the governor, president and your embassies no doubt played a role in generating pressure for his release.