By: Francisco Castellanos J. | Translated by Valor for Borderland Beat
The Indigenous Supreme Council of Michoacán demands the “immediate and unconditional” release of the leader of the autodefensas of the Nahua Community Police (PCN), Cemeí Verdía Zepeda, “imprisoned for defending his community according to their practices and customs.”
In a statement, the Council also demands the cancellation of existing arrest warrants against other members of the PCN and of the 52 normalistas and purépecha villagers arrested on Monday “for demanding access to a decent job and striving to ensure the right to public education.”
The first were apprehended while maintaining control of a toll both of Zirahuén and the second were arrested for clashing with authorities as they were going to support the normalistas.
The Council, made up of 29 indigenous towns, warned that if their demands are disregarded, “we reserve our constitutional right to demonstrate, self-determination, and political action at all levels.”
Likewise, they called on all native peoples of the state to unite in the struggle for self-government and autonomy in general, and for the liberation of the political prisoners.
Source: Proceso