Ramiro Choc

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Ramiro Choc is a Guatemalan Mayan (Q'eqchi') agrarian leader of the town of Livingston, in Izabal Department. He is a member of the Coordinadora Nacional Indígena y Campesina ("National Indigenous and Peasant Coordination" or CONIC).[1]

Choc was arrested on 14 February 2008 on charges of land invasion, robbery, and holding people against their will. On 21 February, supporters of Choc took 19 policemen hostage, demanding his release. After more than 24 hours the hostages were released unharmed, and talks were begun over Choc's release.[2] On 14 March, the same group took four Belgian tourists and their two Guatemalan guides hostage, again demanding Choc's release.[3] The Belgians were released on 16 March.[4]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Guatemala: Fear for Safety. Amnesty International (1998-20-28). Retrieved on 2008-03-15.
  2. ^ "Farmers release police hostages in Guatemala row", Reuters, 2008-02-22. Retrieved on 2008-03-15. 
  3. ^ "Guatemala farmers take four Belgian tourists hostage", Reuters, 2008-03-14. Retrieved on 2008-03-15. 
  4. ^ Llorca, Juan Carlos. "Official: 4 Belgians Freed in Guatemala", The Associated Press, 2008-03-16. Retrieved on 2008-03-16. 

[edit] External links

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