Chiapas manages the freedom of Sántiz Lopez
From the newsroom
La Jornada
Friday May 18, 2012, p. 23
The government of Chiapas reported that it had made all possible efforts to achieve the release of the indigenous Tzeltal Francisco Sántiz Lopez, who is a support base of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, and was arrested six months ago.
According to information from the Good Government Juntas (JBG) of some communities in Chiapas, the arrest of the social activist and businessman was unjust.
At first Sántiz was charged with murder, a crime of which he was acquitted days later. However, when he was about to be released from prison he was charged with allegedly possessing illegal weapons, illegal under federal jurisdiction, a charge that has been rejected by Zapatista support groups, who consider the accused innocent and who have, over several days, demanded the federal and state government release him immediately.
They recognize the political will of the JBGs
In a statement, the administration of Juan Sabines recognized the political will of the JBG in favour of peace and stressed that the Bureau of Reconciliation in Chiapas (Mesa de Reconciliación de Chiapas) has recommended the release of Santiz Lopez, a prisoner in the prison of San Cristobal de las Casas.
"However – the Chiapas government states in the document -, this (the release of Sántiz) is not possible, because in addition to state cases which are now resolved, he is prosecuted for an offence under federal law."
Likewise, the administration of that entity (Chiapas) guaranteed that it will continue to make all efforts within its power for the prompt settlement of this case.
Blog of Zapatista Support Group Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand 
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