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Mexican Christian takes persecution claims to Washington DC

Incidents of forced displacement, removal of water and electricity services, and attempted forced conversions will be on the agenda at the briefing in Washington DC.

One of the two victims, Fidel Lopez Hernandez, was among 48 Protestant Christians forced from their community in Chiapas state in 2012.

A second, Casto Hernandez Hernandez, was displaced in Hisalgo state last March after being held captive in a bid to force him to renounce his religious beliefs.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), which has organised the meeting in the US capital this week, says it has recorded 18 cases of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) violations in Mexico so far this year alone.

Nearly 90 families from protestant churches were forcibly removed from their village Chiapas state on May 12th after they refused to make financial contributions towards Roman Catholic festivals.

CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas, said: "CSW is privileged to facilitate this visit to Washington DC for these four men, who bring valuable first-hand testimonies and research from Mexico about violations of their right to freedom of religion or belief and that of their communities.

"We trust that their presentations will give US policy makers a clearer picture of the reality for religious minorities in Mexico and inspire them to make representations to the Mexican government about ongoing human rights concerns.

"We continue to call on the Mexican government to make systematic changes at both the state and federal levels that will strengthen the rule of law and protect the right freedom of religion and belief for all."

 
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