The Coordination for the Defense of Natural Resources of Huehuetenango warned this week about the persecution suffered by their main leaders. They blame the government for violating the national constitution and the laws that protect the “natural heritage” of the peoples.

“This Administration is authorizing the presence of front men and representatives from transnational corporations who enter the communities with the only aim of increasing their profit on behalf of a project that is not at all beneficial for the peoples”, according to a statement by the organizations.

Four days ago, Spanish company Hidro Santa Cruz filed a legal complaint against four local activists (Ruben Herrera, Rony Nicolas, Mauro Mendes and Saul Mendez). The company aims to build a hydroelectric dam to the north of Huehuetenango, affecting El Paraje Poza Verde, a community located in Barillas municipality.

Real World Radio talked to Francisco Mateo, general coordinator of the organization, who stated that the representatives of the company established themselves in the community without the authorization of the population. “People do not know anything about this project. The representatives of the company came with guns and acted arrogantly”, he said.