Precautionary Measures
PM 347-09 - Members of the El Nogalito (Lule) community of Tucumán Province, Argentina
On December 27, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures to protect the life and personal integrity of the Lule indigenous people residing in the El Nogalito community of Tucumán Province, Argentina. According to the information furnished by the petitioners, on November 11, 2012, several individuals interested in land historically occupied by the Lule indigenous people of the El Nogalito community in Tucumán Province committed a series of violent acts. According to the specific information received, a number of individuals had perpetrated acts of plunder which included “the plowing over of community lands and removal of posts and fencing” and also physically attacked community members who tried to prevent these acts. According to the petitioners, as a result of these acts of aggression three community members had sustained injuries: a community political boss (cacique), Joaquín Pérez, had been struck in the head and lost consciousness; Margarita Mamaní received injuries to her arms; and 17-year-old Ángel José Pérez received injuries to his back and arms. The petitioners also indicated that these individuals continued to threaten members of the indigenous community with forceful removal from their lands. Consequently, the Commission requested that the Government of Argentina: (1) adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of the members of the Lule indigenous people residing in El Nogalito, Tucumán Province; (2) reach agreement on measures to be adopted with the beneficiaries and their representatives; and (3) report the results of adopted actions to facilitate investigation of the events that gave rise to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 490-12 - Linda Carty, United States
On December 26, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures on behalf of Linda Carty, who was sentenced to death in the United States. The request for precautionary measures was accompanied by a petition alleging violation of the rights enshrined in the American Declaration, which was registered under the number P-2309/12. The Commission requested that the United States refrain from carrying out the death penalty until such time as it has occasion to decide the petitioner’s complaint alleging violation of the American Declaration, should the processing of the complaint before the inter-American system proceed.
PM 370-12 - Patients at the Federico Mora Hospital, Guatemala
On November 20, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for 334 patients at the Federico Mora Hospital in Guatemala. The request for precautionary measures alleges that everyone who is hospitalized at the Federico Mora Hospital is in a situation of risk. According to the petition, the 334 hospitalized patients, including children, share the same space with mentally disabled individuals who have been prosecuted and sentenced for various crimes. The petition adds that agents of the National Civilian Police and staff of the prison system are responsible for guarding the facility, and use threats, harassment, and acts of violence against the patients. The information presented to the IACHR indicates that there is physical and sexual abuse against women and children, and those patients have been denied proper medical care and given psychiatric treatment that does not suit their pathology. The Commission was also informed that some patients are being locked in isolation rooms, and that there is a practice of tying patients to chairs, among other allegations. The IACHR asked the government of Guatemala to adopt any necessary measures to guarantee the life and personal integrity of those hospitalized at the Federico Mora Hospital, and especially to provide proper medical care to patients, in accordance with each person's pathologies; to ensure the separation of the children from the adults and to seek special measures in light of the principle of the best interest of the child; to separate patients who have been prosecuted and sentenced, and who are being deprived of liberty under court order, from the other patients at the hospital, and to ensure that the protection of these patients is provided by unarmed hospital staff; to restrict the use of isolation rooms to the situations and conditions established in international standards regarding persons with mental disabilities; and to implement immediate prevention measures so that no patients, especially women and children, are subject to acts of physical, psychological, or sexual violence on the part of other patients, security agents, or hospital staff. The IACHR also asked the State of Guatemala to reach agreement with the beneficiaries and their representatives on the measures to be adopted. In this regard, the IACHR informed the government that it believes it is necessary for the parties, by common agreement, to present a timetable for implementing these precautionary measures, after having held the first meeting on coordination of the measures. Finally, the IACHR requested that the government inform the Commission about the steps taken to investigate the events that led to the adoption of these precautionary measures
PM 350-12 - Yoani María Sánchez Cordero, Cuba
On November 9, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for Yoani María Sánchez Cordero and her family, in Cuba. The request for precautionary measures indicates that Yoani María Sánchez Cordero is at risk, due to the publication of several articles on an Internet blog about the human rights situation in Cuba. Specifically, the petitioners allege that she has had threats, acts of harassment, and smear campaigns waged against her. Moreover, the petition indicates that Yoani María Sánchez Cordero and her husband were arrested on October 4, 2012, and that as a result of being assaulted by police agents, Yoani María Sánchez Cordero ended up with a broken tooth and contusions. Yoani María Sánchez Cordero was again arrested on November 8, 2012. The IACHR asked the State of Cuba to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Yoani María Sánchez Cordero and her family; to come to an agreement with the beneficiary and her representatives on the measures to be adopted; and to inform the IACHR on the actions taken to investigate the facts that gave rise to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 354-12 - Sonia Garro, Cuba
On November 8, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for Sonia Garro, in Cuba. According to the request for precautionary measures, the life and integrity of Sonia Garro - a member of the organization Damas de Blanco (Ladies in White) of the Fundación Afrocubana Independiente (Independent Afro-Cuban Foundation) - are at imminent risk. The petition states that Sonia Garro is suffering from various illnesses and is being deprived of her liberty in the Occidente Women's Prison, where she has reportedly been subject to threats. As a result of an incident in the prison, the petition adds, the delivery of food to her by family members was suspended, and this had been her only source of food due to her medical condition. The IACHR asked the State of Cuba to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and personal integrity of Sonia Garro; reach agreement with the beneficiary and her representatives as to the measures to be adopted; and inform the Commission on the steps taken to investigate the facts that gave rise to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 388-12 - Edgar Ismael Solorio Solís et al., Mexico
On November 6, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for the three sons of Ismael Urrutia and Manuela Marta Solís, who were reportedly leaders of the organization "El Barzón," as well as for the members of that organization, in Mexico. According to the request for precautionary measures, "El Barzón" is an organization that advocates for a healthy environment in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The petition alleges that since July 2012, all of the organization's members have been subject to continual death threats. It indicates that on October 13, 2012, members of a mining company allegedly beat up Ismael Urrutia, after which he sought protection from the competent authorities; this protection allegedly was not implemented. The petitioners add that on October 22, 2012, Ismael Urrutia and Manuela Marta Solís were reportedly killed, after which their three sons requested protection, without having received a response. The IACHR requested that the State of Mexico adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Edgar Ismael Solorio Solís, Erick Solorio Solís, Uriel Alejandro Solorio Solís, Joaquín Solorio Urrutia, Felipe Solorio Urrutia, César Solorio Urrutia, Heraclio Rodríguez, Martín Solís Bustamante, Luis Miguel Rueda Solorio, Ángel Rueda Solís, and Siria Solís. In addition, the IACHR asked that the State of Mexico reach agreement with the beneficiaries and their representatives as to the measures to be adopted, and that it inform the Commission on the steps taken to investigate the facts that gave rise to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 484-11 - José Daniel Ferrer García, Cuba
On November 5, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for José Daniel Ferrer García, in Cuba. According to the request for precautionary measures, José Daniel Ferrer García was deprived of his liberty and held in solitary confinement, and was threatened by security guards on numerous occasions, in February, April, May, and July of 2012. In particular, the request indicates that police agents threatened that they would "lock up his wife" and "leave his three children on the street, without their parents." The IACHR asked the State of Cuba to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and personal integrity of José Daniel Ferrer García; reach agreement with the beneficiary and his representatives as to the measures to be adopted; and inform the Commission on the steps taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 363-12 - Mario Joseph, Haiti
On October 19, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for Mario Joseph, in Haiti. According to the request for precautionary measures, the life and personal integrity of Mario Joseph, director of the nongovernmental organization Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI), are at risk. The request contends that Mario Joseph has been subject to threats and acts of harassment in recent months, allegedly because of his activities in defending human rights. It indicates that he received several death threats per day after participating, in February 2012, in a press conference on the criminal proceedings underway against former President François Duvalier and that, starting in September 2012, security agents had interrogated BAI members, searched the organization's facilities, and persecuted Mario Joseph. The IACHR asked the State of Haiti to adopt any necessary measures to guarantee the life and personal integrity of Mario Joseph, come to an agreement with the beneficiary and his representative on the measures to be adopted, and inform the Commission on the steps taken to judicially investigate the events that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 225-12 - Alfamir Castillo, Colombia
On October 17, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for Alfamir Castillo, in Colombia. The request for precautionary measures alleges that Alfamir Castillo was subject to repeated death threats and persecution. According to the petition, on August 28, 2012, someone on a motorcycle fired two shots into the air while passing by her, and on October 10, 2012, an unknown individual pointed a gun at her chest and threatened her with death. The request indicates that these actions were linked to her participation in the criminal investigation into the death of her son. The IACHR asked the government of Colombia to adopt any necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Alfamir Castillo, reach agreement with the beneficiary and her representatives on the measures to be adopted, and inform the Commission about the steps taken to investigate the events that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 342-12 - César Adán Alvarenga Amador and Roberto García Fúnez, Honduras
On October 3, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for César Adán Alvarenga Amador and Roberto García Fúnez, in Honduras. The request for precautionary measures alleges that the two human rights defenders, members of the Movimiento Amplio por la Dignidad y Justicia (Broad Movement for Dignity and Justice), had been subject to threats and harassment in recent months. The Commission was also informed that on August 18, 2012, unidentified individuals had entered the home of César Adán Alvarenga, where they reportedly destroyed several of his belongings, though they did not steal anything of value. The petitioners indicated that the incident was reported to the relevant authorities, but that protection measures had not yet been implemented. The IACHR requested that the government of Honduras adopt any necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of César Adán Alvarenga Amador and Roberto García Fúnez, reach agreement with the beneficiaries and their representatives on the measures to be adopted, and inform the Commission about the steps taken to investigate the events that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 207-11 - Telma Yolanda Oqueli Veliz and family, Guatemala
On August 24, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Telma Yolanda Oqueli Veliz and family, in Guatemala. The request for precautionary measures alleges that Telma Yolanda Oqueli Veliz, a human rights defender and member of the community group North Front of the Metropolitan Area Peoples in Resistance, has allegedly received threats in the context of the opposition of this group to a mining project. It is indicated that on June 13, 2012, Telma Yolanda Oqueli Veliz was shot in the back, and was hospitalized several days. It is also alleged that her brother was threatened. The IACHR requested the State of Guatemala to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Telma Yolanda Oqueli Veliz, to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiaries and their representatives, and to inform on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 152-11 - Members of the House for Migrants "Frontera Digna", Municipality of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico
On August 17, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of the members of the House for Migrants "Frontera Digna", Municipality of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, México. Initially, the IACHR requested information to the State and took note of the implementation of protection measures in favor of the members of the organization on the part of the competent authorities. Notwithstanding, the IACHR has continued to receive information that indicates that the threats and harassment against them have continued. The IACHR requested the State of México to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of the members of the House for Migrants "Frontera Digna", to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiaries and their representatives, and to inform on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 269-10 - Manuel Junior Cortéz Gómez and Yolanda Gómez Torres, Colombia
On June 22, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Manuel Junior Cortéz Gómez and Yolanda Gómez Torres, in Colombia. The request for precautionary measures alleges that Manuel Junior Cortéz Gómez is the only survivor of an alleged massacre of a soccer team, which was allegedly executed in October 2009 in Venezuela, near the border with Colombia, by a grup that calls itself Fuerza de Liberacion Bolivariana. The request alleges that after the alleged massacre, Manuel Junior Cortéz Gómez and Yolanda Gómez Torres cooperated with the Judiciary, and that afterwards the threats and harassment against them started. Additionally, it is indicated that on June 6, 2012, Manuel Junior Cortéz Gómez was attacked and stabbed, and was hospitalized in serious condition. The IACHR requested the State of Colombia to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Manuel Junior Cortéz Gómez and Yolanda Gómez Torres, to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiaries and their representatives, and to inform on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 163-12 - Damaris Moya Portieles and daughter, Cuba
On June 12, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Damaris Moya Portiele and her daughter, 5 years old, in Cuba. The request for precautionary measures alleges that Damaris Moya Portiele is a human rights defender, and that she had been deprived of her liberty several times as a result of her participation in demonstrations in her country. The request also alleges that on May 2, 2012, during a vigile organized for freedom in Cuba, agents of the Security police again deprived her of her liberty, beat her, and threatened with raping her daughter. The IACHR requested the State of Cuba to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Damaris Moya Portiele and her daughter, to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiary and her representatives, and to inform on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 131-12 - Hernán Henry Díaz, Colombia
On On June 11, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Hernán Henry Díaz, in Colombia. The IACHR received information on April 25 and 27, 2012, about the alleged forced disappearance of Hernan Henry Díaz, a peasant leader, member of the Coordination of Social, Peasant, Afrodescendant and Indigenous Organizations of the Department of Putumayo, member of the National Federation of Agricultural Farming Unions, and leader of the social and political movement Marcha Patriótica (Patriotic March). According to the information received, the last time that anyone heard from Hernán Henry Díaz was on April 18, 2012, when through a text message he communicated that he was in his way to Bogota to participate in the launching of the "Marcha Patriótica". Through the precautionary measure, the IACHR requested the State of Colombia to immediately adopt the necessary measures to determine the situation and whereabouts of Hernán Henry Díaz and to protect his life and personal integrity; and to inform the Commission about the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 60-12 - Members of the Triqui Indigenous Community in the San Pedro River Valley, San Juan Cópala, Putla de Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico
On May 29, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of 76 members of the Triqui Indigenous Community in the San Pedro River Valley, San Juan Cópala, Putla de Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico. The request for precautionary measures alleges that the 76 members of this community, who currently live in the San Pedro River Valley, are in a risk situation. They informed that they had been displaced from San Juan Copala by armed actors operating in the area, and that currently they are victims of threats, acts of violence and harassment, aiming to displace them again. In this context, on May 8, 2012, a pick-up truck allegedly entered with violence in the community, firing against the houses, resulting in the death of three persons. The IACHR requested the State of Mexico to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of the 76 members of the Triqui Indigenous Community in the San Pedro River Valley, San Juan Cópala, Putla de Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico, to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiaries and their representatives, and to inform on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 21-11 - Blanca Velázquez Díaz et al., Mexico
On May 29, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Blanca Velázquez Díaz, José Enrique Morales Montaño, Cecilia Medina and other members of the Centro de Apoyo al Trabajador (CAT, or Support Center for Workers), in Mexico. The request for precautionary measures alleges that the CAT members have been victims of harassment, following, and threats, due to their involvement in actions to promote the protection of labor rights in Mexico. Subsequently, they informed that on May 15, 2012, defender José Enrique Morales Montaño was kidnapped and resulted seriously injured, and that after this, the telephonic threats have increased. The IACHR requested the State of Mexico to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Blanca Velázquez Díaz, José Enrique Morales Montaño, Cecilia Medina and other CAT members, to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiaries and their representatives, and to inform on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 399-09 - 15 workers of Progreso Radio, Honduras
On May 25, 2012, the IACHR decided to amplify Precautionary Measure 399/09, in favor of Jerson David Rivera Amaya, a journalist of Radio Progreso, in Honduras. According to the information received, Jerson David Rivera Amaya has been receiving threats since October 2011. It is also alleged that the authorities refused to take his complaint. The IACHR included Jerson David Rivera as a beneficiary of the precautionary measure and requested the State of Honduras to inform the IACHR on the consultation with the beneficiaries to agree on its implementation. The PM 399/09, which protects several workers of Progreso Radio in Honduras, was separated of PM 196/09 on April 1, 2011.
PM 77-12 - Alberto Patishtán Gómez, Mexico
On May 24, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for Alberto Patishtán Gómez, in Mexico. The request for precautionary measures contends that the health of Alberto Patishtán Gómez, who is being deprived of his liberty, is in grave danger due to the worsening of an alleged glaucoma. The request indicates that without access to proper medical treatment, which is contingent upon the care he may receive under custody of the State, Alberto Patishtán Gómez could lose his vision permanently. The IACHR asked the government of Mexico to instruct the relevant authorities to conduct the medical exams that would make it possible to assess the beneficiary's health and to provide him with proper treatment. It also asked the government to reach agreement with the beneficiary and petitioner on the measures to be adopted, ensuring that he and anyone he authorizes has access to the beneficiary's medical file.
PM 153-12 - Niurka Luque Alvarez, Cuba
On May 16, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Niurka Luque Álvarez, in Cuba. The request for precautionary measures alleges that Niurka Luque Álvarez suffers epilepsy attacks, and that she had not received medical attention, or medicines, or authorization for her family members to provide the medicines needed for her condition. The IACHR requested the State of Cuba to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and personal integrity of Niurka Luque Álvarez; to instruct the competent authorities to conduct the medical exams that allow to evaluate the health situation of the beneficiary and to authorize the adequate treatment for her condition, including the provision of medicines needed to treat epilepsy; and to adopt these measures in consultation with the beneficiary and her representatives.
PM 323-11 - Members of the Comité Permanente por la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos and its Sections, Colombia
On May 9, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measues in favor of Edgar Montilla, Martín Sandoval, Athemay Sterling and Diego Alejandro Martínez Castillo, and of the members of the Sections Bogota, Huila, Nariño and Arauca of the Comité Permanente por la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (CPDH, or Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights), en Colombia. The request for precautionary measures alleges that the members of the CPDH in Bogota and 14 sections in the country have been subject of threats and harassment since 2009. They allege that, although they requested protection measures, some have not been granted and the others are inssuficient and ineffective. The IACHR requested the State of Colombia to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Edgar Montilla, Martín Sandoval, Athemay Sterling and Diego Alejandro Martínez Castillo, as well as other members of the Sections in Bogotá, Hila, Nariño and Arauca of the Comité Permanente por la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos; to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiary and her representatives, and to inform the Commission on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 485-11 - X, Mexico
On May 8, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of the child X, in Mexico. The IACHR withholds her identity because she is a minor. The request for precautionary measures alleges that on July 17, 2011, aproximately at 1 a.m., a group of 15 armed policemen and paramilitaries entered the house of the family of X, in the State of Chiapas. The request further alleges that the father of the family was not present, and that the mother tried to wake up their four children, but X did not wake up in time and the mother escaped with the other three children. The current whereabouts of the child X is undetermined. The IACHR requested the State of Mexico to immediately adopt the necessary measures to determine the situation and whereabouts of the child X and to protect her life and personal integrity, and to inform the Commission on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 13-12 - Members of the Human Rights Lawyers Group, Guatemala
On May 2, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of the members of the Human Rights Lawyers Group (Bufete Jurídico en Derechos Humanos), in Guatemala. The request for precautionary measures alleges that the members of the group have been subject to threats and harassment that is allegedly linked to their work, specifically with the cases related to the period of internal armed conflict. The IACHR requested the State of Guatemala to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of the members of the Human Rights Lawyers Group, to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiaries and their representatives, and to inform on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 104-12 - Penitentiary Services, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
On April 13, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of persons detained in units 46, 47 and 48 of the Buenos Aires Province Penitentiary Services, Argentina. The request for precautionary measures alleges that there exist patterns of violence in this units, which are allegedly linked with the alleged presence of knives and drugs, the alleged inactivity of guards regarding the protection of the prisoners, the alleged practice to imprison in the same cell or space persons who display enmity to each other, and the overcrowding, among other factors that allegedly resulted in the death of at least four persons deprived of liberty. The IACHR requested the State of Argentina to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and personal integrity of all persons deprived of liberty in units 46, 47 and 48 of the Buenos Aires Province Penitentiary Services.
PM 101-12 - Julius O. Robinson, United States
On April 9, 2012, the Commission granted precautionary measures in favor of Julius O. Robinson, who was sentenced to death in the United States. The request for precautionary measures was accompanied by a petition alleging violation of rights recognized in the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man. That petition was classified as P-561/12. The Commission requested that the United States refrain from executing the death sentence until the Commission has had an opportunity to reach its decision on the petitioner's claim of violation of the American Declaration, so as not to render moot the filing of that claim with the inter-American system.
PM 102-12 - José Humberto Torres and family, Colombia
On April 5, 2012, the IACHR informed the State of Colombia its decision to separate José Humberto Torres from Precautionary Measure 83/99, whose beneficiaries are members of the Committee of Solidarity with Political Prisioners, in order to give special follow-up to his situation and that of his family. This decision is based in information received by the Commisson that indicates that alleged paramilitaries in jails and members of the criminal gang "Los Rastrojos" have offered 200 million pesos to whomever kills José Humberto Torres. The IACHR requested the State of Colombia to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of José Humberto Torres and his family; to to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiaries and their representatives, and to inform on the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 69-12 - Leonel Asdrúbal Dubón Bendfelt et al, Guatemala
On April 5, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Leonel Asdrúbal Dubón Bendfelt et al., in Guatemala. The request for precautionary measures alleges that Leonel Asdrúbal Dubón Bendfelt has been followed for approximately one year, as a result of his work as a human rights defender and the cases brought forward by the association he heads. It also alleges that the threats intensified in recent months, and that he has been threatened directly and by telephone. The IACHR requested the State of Guatemala to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Leonel Asdrúbal Dubón Bendfelt, his immediate family, and the members of the association El Refugio de la Niñez (Children's Refuge); to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiaries and their representatives and to inform the Commission about the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 208-10 - Estela Ángeles Mondragón, Mexico
On March 1, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Estela Ángeles Mondragón, in México. The request for precautionary measures alleges that Estela Ángeles Mondragón is in a situation of risk, due to threats and acts of harassment and violence against her, which are allegedely a consequence of her involvement in several judicial processes followed in favor of the Indigenous Community Rarámuri de Baqueachí. The IACHR requested the State of Mexico to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Estela Ángeles Mondragón; to adopt the measures in consultation with the beneficiary and her representatives; and to inform the Commission about the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.
PM 406-11 - Emilio Palacio, Carlos Nicolás Pérez Lapentti, Carlos Pérez Barriga and César Pérez Barriga, Ecuador
On February 21, 2011, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Emilio Palacio, Carlos Nicolás Pérez Lapentti, Carlos Pérez Barriga and César Pérez Barriga, in Ecuador. This decision is based on information received by the Commission since November 2011 regarding a process of libel and slander promoted by President Rafael Correa against journalist Emilio Palacio, the three directors of the newspaper El Universo - Carlos Perez Nicolas Lapentti, Carlos Perez Perez and Cesar Barriga Barriga - and the newspaper El Universo. According to the information provided, on February 15, 2012 the National Court of Justice of Ecuador confirmed the judgment sentencing the beneficiaries to three years in prison and ordering to pay 40 million dollars. The facts reported to the Commission could cause irreparable damage to the right to freedom of expression of Emilio Palacio, Carlos Nicolás Pérez Lapentti, Carlos Pérez Barriga and César Pérez Barriga. Accordingly, the Commission on Human Rights requested the Government of Ecuador to immediately suspend the effects of the judgment of February 15, 2012, to ensure the right to freedom of expression of Emilio Palacio, Carlos Nicolás Pérez Lapentti, Carlos Pérez Barriga and César Pérez Barriga. In addition, the Commission decided to hold a hearing on March 28, 2012, to receive information from the parties on the adoption and observance of these precautionary measures. Following the hearing, the Commission will decide whether to continue these measures, modify them or lift them.
On March 9, 2012, the IACHR the IACHR lifted these precautionary measures and archived the file, after receiving a communication, dated February 29, 2012, in which the petitioners asked the measures to be lifted, given that the reasons of immediate urgency that has motivated them had ceased. In view of the decision to lift the measures, the IACHR also decided to cancel the hearing initially scheduled for March 28, 2012.
PM 357-11 - Héctor Rolando Medina, United States
On February 7, 2012, the Commission granted precautionary measures in favor of Hector Rolando Medina, who was sentenced to death in the United States. The request for precautionary measures was accompanied by a petition alleging violation of rights recognized in the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man. That petition was classified as P-1907/11. The Commission requested that the United States refrain from executing the death sentence until the Commission has had an opportunity to reach its decision on the petitioner's claim of violation of the American Declaration, so as not to render moot the filing of that claim with the inter-American system.
PM 7-12 - Edgar Tamayo Arias, United States
On January 18, 2012, the Commission granted precautionary measures in favor of Edgar Tamayo Arias, who was sentenced to death in the United States. The request for precautionary measures was accompanied by a petition alleging violation of rights recognized in the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man. That petition was classified as P-15/12. The Commission requested that the United States refrain from executing the death sentence until the Commission has had an opportunity to reach its decision on the petitioner's claim of violation of the American Declaration, so as not to render moot the filing of that claim with the inter-American system.
PM 351-11 - Ananías Laparra Martínez, Mexico
On January 18, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Ananías Laparra Martínez, in Mexico. The request for precautionary measures alleges that the life and health of Ananías Laparra Martínez, who is deprived of liberty in a detention center in Tapachulas, Chiapas, is in grave danger, due to a critical health condition he suffers. It is also alleged that the necessary medical examination to have a diagnosis and to advice on treatment has not taken place. They also allege that his representatives have not had access to his medical file. The IACHR requested that the State of Mexico adopt the necessary measures to protect the physical integrity of Ananías Laparra Martínez; instruct the competent authorities to conduct the medical examinations necessary to make an evaluation of the health status of the beneficiary and authorize an adequate treatment; and to come to an agreement with the beneficiary and his representatives on the measures to be adopted, guaranteeing that he and the persons he authorizes have access to his medical file.
PM 349-11 - Rocío San Miguel, Venezuela
On January 18, 2012, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Rocío San Miguel and her daughter, in Venezuela. The request for precautionary measures alleges that Rocío San Miguel was victim of harassment and threats, including death threats she received at her home, as a consequence of her activities as a member of the non governmental organization Control Ciudadano (Citizen Control). The request also alleges that the authorities have not investigated the origin of such threats and harassment acts, and that they did not implement measures to guarantee her life, integrity and security. The IACHR requested the Government of Venezuela to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the life and physical integrity of Rocío San Miguel and her daughter, who is a minor; to adopt measures in consultation with the beneficiary and her representative; and to inform the Commission about the actions taken to investigate the facts that led to the adoption of precautionary measures.