Murders and bomb threats in El Salvador - Gays being targeted

Centr-Am News, XIV, 1, 20 June 1998

Considered Part of Organized Political Plan José Alexis Barrahona, a transvestite known as "Karla," was a leader in El Salvador's gay rights movement. On May 5 Karla died after being shot in the throat and thorax eight days earlier. According to a witness, someone picked up Karla in a car, then shot him twice, pushed him out of the car, and then ran over him. The killer reportedly presented himself at the hospital to be sure Karla had died, and stated that he planned on killing more transvestites. Karla, who was just seventeen, is only one of the seven gay victims killed over the past three months in the departments of San Salvador and Sonsonate, El Salvador. This series of attacks, which has also focused on sex workers, has left many people seriously injured as well. Despite specific testimonies from many witnesses, including detailed descriptions of assailants, there have been no significant criminal inquiries by authorities. Many NGOs working for human rights have denounced the violence and lack of official investigation. The organizations Entre Amigos and Flor de Piedra, both active in the Salvadoran gay rights movement, are leading the community with demands that the National Civilian Police (PNC) and state Judiciary undertake a thorough investigation of these attacks. Demands for investigation have only been received with more threats of violence. William Hernandez, Director of Entre Amigos, has received a personal threat over the phone and the office has received at least three bomb threats. Police officials claim that they are investigating this wave of targeted violence, but consider each case as an isolated incident. Spokesperson from the Institute of Human Rights of the University of Central America (IDHUCA), Camelia Cartagena, says that it is doubtful that the assaults are isolated incidents. She further asserts that the attacks and murders could very well be part of an "extermination policy" of "social cleansing" similar to those carried out during the 12-year civil war that ended in 1992. Express your solidarity to end these heinous and condoned crimes!! Demand that authorities investigate and punish those found guilty!!! TAKE ACTION!

Those struggling for human rights in El Salvador need your support. Call or write to the people below:

ENGLISH SPEAKERS

Call the US Ambassador to El Salvador, Rene Leon.
* express your concern about the wave of violence and lack of investigation; * urge him to pressure the Salvadoran president and the National Police (PNC) to commence a thorough investigation immediately;
* demand that he advocate for the safety of sex workers and people working to defend gay rights in El Salvador, especially in relation to this case.
Embassy phone: (202)265-9671, ext. 229

SPANISH SPEAKERS

Contact the following people (in order of priority):
* express concern about the wave of violence and lack of investigation begin immediately;
* demand safety for sex workers and for those working with regards to this case, including those that work in the office of Entre Amigos Dr.

Armando Calderon Sol Presidente de la Republica
Avenida Los Diplomaticos
Barrio San Jacinto
San Salvador, El Salvador C.A.
Tel (503) 271-1555
Fax (503) 271-0950
E-mail: presidente@casapres.gob.sv

Ingeniero Rodrigo Avila Avilas
Director General de La Policia Nacional Civil (PNC) 6ta Calle
Oriente y 8va Avenida Sur No. 42 Barrio La Vega
San Salvador, El Salvador C.A.
Tel. (503) 221-6222
Fax (503) 221-4033

EVERYONE

Send letters of support and solidarity to gay and human rights activists in El Salvador. Knowing that there is international concern and action gives strength to continue. (Letters can be sent to CISPES National Office; they will be forwarded to El Salvador.) Originated by:

COMMITTEE IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF EL SALVADOR
National Office:
P.O. Box 1801,
New York, NY 10159
212-229-1290
cispesnatl@igc.apc.org
Regional Offices:
New York, NY
212-229-1290
*Minneapolis, MN 612-872-0944
*San Francisco, CA 415-648-6520