The Fellowship of pastors of the Mexican state of Oaxaca (Copaceo) condemned the religious persecution of the evangelical community of San Pedro Chimaltepec, where 15 people were arrested by the local authorities of San Juan Mazatlán Mixe.

According to Copaceo, in recent days the authorities have detained, looted and deprived six families of their freedoms for not participating in the local Catholic celebrations on 18 December 2021.

There was also graffiti, theft and vandalism on the property where their church is located.

The detainees have been released after being fined five thousand pesos each, but five of them have been expelled from the village.

“Freedom of worship and conscience are our rights”

The Human Rights Ombudsman of the People of Oaxaca (DDHPO) reported that it is carrying out mediation and intervention actions with local authorities “due to possible human rights violations for alleged religious intolerance, committed against 3 people in San Pedro Chimaltepec”.

“Freedom of worship and conscience are our rights. In Mexico and Oaxaca we all have the right to proceed according to our beliefs, without affecting others”, says Copaceo.

In 2017, the Senate of the Republic approved reforms to the Federal Penal Code, which include a three-year prison sentence for any form of discrimination related to religious belief or disability, which became criminal offences against the dignity of the people being punished.

Fighting religious intolerance in Oaxaca

“We consider that the intervention of the authorities to resolve this case and prevent believers from being expelled, as has already happened with Pastor Brígido Domínguez, is very urgent”, they point out in a statement.

This religious organisation stresses that the inhabitants of San Pedro Chimaltepec arrested by the authorities have its support and it is necessary to combat religious intolerance in the state of Oaxaca.

They also demand respect for the rights of the children, women and men of the church Centro Misionero (Missionary center) Emanuel, which is located in the area.