24th March, 2015
Two men from Hidalgo State in Mexico were arbitrarily imprisoned and then expelled from their community along with their families after refusing to renounce their Protestant Christian faith, according to UK-based advocacy group, Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
The organisation says Protestant Christians Casto Hern‚àö¬∞ndez Hern‚àö¬∞ndez and his cousin Juan Placido Hern‚àö¬∞ndez were imprisoned for 30 hours in Chichiltepec village before, following their release, being told they had 18 hours to leave the community. They are now sheltering in the city of Huejutla de Reyes, supported by the congregation of Pastor Marcopolo Vald‚àö¬©z Guzm‚àö¬∞n, president of a local pastors’ group.
A campaign to expel the Protestant minority reportedly began in the village in April last year when CSW says local authorities attempted to force them to sign a document prohibiting them from belonging to any non-Roman Catholic religion. When the Protestants refused to sign the document, the village leaders did so and claimed it was now binding on the community.
The two men were imprisoned after Casto Hern√°ndez Hern√°ndez was summoned to appear before a special meeting of the village council on 12th March and, after being informed of complaints he was holding non-Roman Catholic religious meetings at his home, refused to sign a document renouncing his rights as a member of the community and surrendering his property. His cousin, who had accompanied him to the meeting, was also imprisoned.
Mervyn Thomas, chief executive of CSW, said while it was disturbing to hear of the imprisonment and forced expulsion of the men, "it is even more disturbing to know that those responsible for these illegal acts remain in a position of authority and have seen no legal consequences for their actions".
He called on the Hidalgo State Governor, Francisco Olvera Ruz, to take "swift action" to ensure the families can "return to their homes, practice their faith in peace and that those responsible for their illegal imprisonment, the arbitrary confiscation of their property and their forced expulsion are held to account".
– DAVID ADAMS
