From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord@igc.apc.org>
Newsgroups: soc.rights.human
Date: 06 Nov 92 10:21 PST
Subject: Salvadoran Youth Leader Threatened
Nf-ID: #N:cdp:1476700765:000:3826
Nf-From: cdp.UUCP!hrcoord    Nov  6 10:21:00 1992


From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord>
Subject: Salvadoran Youth Leader Threatened

/* Written  9:48 am  Nov  5, 1992 by cispesnatl@igc.apc.org in igc:reg.elsalvador */

URGENT ACTION ALERT                               NOVEMBER 5, 1992

POPULAR LEADER THREATENED BY DEATH SQUADS

Mirtala Lopez, General Secretary of the Farabundo Youth and leader
of the youth of the FMLN, was threatened by the Maximiliano
Hernandez Martinez Brigade in a note that was left at her house on
the night of November 1 or the morning of November 2.  At the same
time, Lopez's house was broken into, and work and personal files
and photos were searched.

The note left at the Lopez house states, "We did not find you...
But we are going to kill you, BMHM."  The initials stand for
Brigada Maximiliano Hernandez Martinez, the well-known name of a
death squad form 1979 and 1980.  Neither Lopez nor any of her
housemates were home at the time of the break-in.  All were with
their families celebrating Dia de los Difuntos - the Day of the
Dead.

No objects of value were taken from the house.  However, files
corresponding to Lopez's work with the Farabundo Youth were taken
as well as several photos.  ONUSAL has already investigated the
case and Lopez held a press conference at her home on November 3.

Lopez was a leader of CRIPDES before beginning to work with the
Farabundo Youth.  She was captured and held for four months in 1989
and was threatened several times in September 1991 before being
allowed to travel to the United States.

This death threat follows several general threats made by the same
death squad and others like it.  Two weeks ago, BMHM leveled a
death threat against leaders of the FMLN, ONUSAL, and journalists. 
It is well known that these forces are trying to destabilize the
peace process at this time.  The FMLN has accepted a UN proposal to
extend the implementation deadline of the Accords to December 15. 
The Salvadoran government accepted this agreement only in part, and
is now negotiating with the UN to reschedule the Accords calendar. 
President Cristiani has declared that he would not carry out the Ad
Hoc recommendations, dismantling of the elite battalions, or
reduction of the armed forces until the FMLN is completely
demobilized and their arms destroyed.

For the sake of the peace process, and the spirit of
reconciliation, Cristiani must distance himself from those who
would undermine the implementation of the Accords.  The Salvadoran
government should know that the international community is aware
and responding to the situation in El Salvador.

(This information was taken directly from a CRIPDES report)

SUGGESTED ACTION

1.   Call, telex, or fax President Cristiani to demand an
investigation of the attack on Lopez and full governmental
cooperation and compliance with the entire peace process.
Phone: 011-503-71-1555  Fax: 011-503-71-0950  Telex 20245


2.   Call Congress and ask them to call the State Department which
can in turn pressure the Salvadoran government to investigate this
latest human rights abuse and support the implementation of the
Peace Accords. Congressional Switchboard (202) 244-3121

3.   Incorporate news on Peace Accords and this latest attack in
all Caravan and Work-A-Thon outreach.

4.   Write letters to the editor or have local relations write
opinion editorials. (Samples can be obtained from the National or
Regional offices.)  Get interviews on local television and radio
talk shows to talk about the peace process and human rights in El
Salvador.  Start contacting potential signers to the December paid
advertisement in El Salvador.

5.   Go on the December 8-20 Delegation to El Salvador.  Accompany
the popular movement and the FMLN through the final demobilization
and the end of the cease fire period.  Contact your Regional office
for details.