Support families fighting torture in Mexico

The Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Human Rights Center (FRAYBA) has continued the important work of fighting against torture—a practice which has become the main investigative method of the State Attorney General's Office—in coalition, systematically, at all levels of government. On many occasions, the cases overwhelm us; the injustices seem to drown us, but we know that there are more of us who fight for human rights, who want to stop the practice of torture and eradicate it. And thanks to your support, there are always examples of hope. A few of these examples are listed below:

• Carlos was released on July 7, 2022, one year after a violent and unjust detention. Carlos was able to hug his family again, his mother Mrs. Griselda, who suffered and witnessed the arrest of her son, and his father Mr. Andrés. Now they can sleep peacefully; his son is safe.
• The Abraham and Germán brothers were arrested on January 17^th, 2011. After a long struggle to prove their innocence and document serious human rights violations at occurred during their detention, they were declared innocent on May 16^th, 2022.
• The freedom of Marcelino; released after 20 years, 3 months and 2 days of unjust imprisonment. Marcelino, his wife Karla—who is an unstoppable fighter—and his daughter are now together; they are again a complete family.
• Antonia and Isaura, after spending more than 10 months in jail and away from their children, returned home. They fight to eradicate sexual torture against women, an act that they experienced firsthand.
• The release of indigenous community defender Cristóbal; after 3 set-ups, 2 years, 7 months, and 6 days, Cristóbal, a Tsostil representative of the Permanent Commission of the 115 Comuneros and Displaced Persons of the Aldama municipality, was freed. Justice was done.
• On August 26^th and 27^th 2022, the annual meeting of “Families United Against Torture and in Defense of Human Rights" was held. Memories were shared and follow-up on cases of family members who are still unjustly deprived of their freedom for fabricated crimes was conducted.

These are just some examples of hope that Frayba has supported over the past few years. The real fighters are the individuals and families who defend their communities and speak out against violence and torture, who inspire us to continue with strength on a long and difficult path toward justice. If you are reading this it is because we are not alone in this fight, your company encourages and drives our work forward. In every meeting, workshop, and court appearance your voice is behind us.

From the mountains of southern Mexico, we want to thank you for supporting victims and families who fight against torture and thank you for allowing Frayba to continue our work.

If you want to know more about what we do, or learn more about these stories and more, visit our website www.frayba.org.mx.