More than eight years since the murder of Mariano Abarca, an outspoken community leader in Chiapas, Mexico, his son and a group of Mexican human rights defenders will visit Ottawa on February 5th and 6th. Mariano led his community's struggle against the social and environmental impacts of Blackfire Exploration’s barite mine.
The delegation will file a complaint over the alleged complicity of Canadian authorities in this case and participate in public events to build solidarity with the ongoing struggle for justice for Mariano. They will also discuss Canada’s role and the worsening context of criminalization and violence in mining-affected areas of Mexico.