For the past two years, residents of San Juan Sacatepéquez have been demanding the right to be informed and take part in decision-making processes related to the construction of a cement plant and quarry.

A lack of dialogue between the various parties involved (the central government, the communities, the companies and municipal authorities) has led to tension, protests, defamation of human rights defenders, among them Rigoberta Menchú, and the legal advisers of the communities (Guatemala Association of Mayan Lawyers), generating growing unease and worsening the violence in an area in which there have already been four fatal attacks.

Reed more about the situation in San Juan Sacatepéquez (pdf 125k)