Background and Relevance of Pablo López Alavez
Pablo López Alavez, an indigenous Zapotec and defender of the San Isidro Aloapam forest, has been incarcerated since August 15, 2010. His case has garnered attention from international, national, and community NGOs in Oaxaca who are demanding his immediate and unconditional release. López Alavez’s situation has been labeled as an arbitrary detention by various international organizations, including Serapaz, Front Line Defenders, and the Red TDT.
Allegations of Human Rights Violations
According to the organizations, López Alavez was arrested without a warrant, subjected to torture, and endured mistreatment during his imprisonment. These allegations highlight the grave human rights violations he has faced due to his legitimate environmental defense work.
Judicial Developments and Controversies
On March 6, 2025, the First Court of Conclusion of Traditional Criminal Proceedings in Oaxaca issued a new ruling that reinstated the case against López Alavez and sentenced him to 30 years in prison for aggravated homicide. This decision, however, contradicts a 2017 ruling that had already been overturned, reigniting controversy surrounding his case.
NGOs claim that the court’s decision was made on the same day as the last hearing, disregarding evidence and arguments presented by López Alavez’s defense team that proved his absence during the alleged incidents.
Impact on Family and Community
The persecution of Pablo López Alavez has not only affected him but also his family. His wife, Yolanda Pérez Cruz, and their children were forced to leave their community due to threats and harassment, becoming internally displaced persons under protective measures from the Oaxaca People’s Human Rights Defense Office (DDHPO).
This displacement has led to health issues for Pérez Cruz and cultural and social disconnection, emphasizing the broader consequences of López Alavez’s ongoing detention.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Pablo López Alavez? An indigenous Zapotec and defender of the San Isidro Aloapam forest in Oaxaca, who has been imprisoned since August 15, 2010.
- Why are NGOs demanding his release? Due to allegations of arbitrary detention, human rights violations, and controversial judicial decisions that contradict previous rulings.
- How has his detention affected his family? Pablo López Alavez’s wife and children were forced to leave their community due to threats, resulting in health issues for his wife and cultural/social disconnection.
