Join the Fast for Ramiro Choc

On February 14, 2012, people of conscience throughout the world will fast to demand freedom for Ramiro Choc. For the second consecutive year, the Guatemala Solidarity Project will be working directly with participants and with Ramiro to help coordinate the fast.

Anyone can participate with us. Participation means drinking water only and not eating from sunup to sundown. Please let us know that you will be participating by contacting us at solidaridadguatemala@yahoo.com

Why a fast?

The principal objective of the fast is to bring attention to Ramiro’s case and build pressure on the government to have him released. We also plan to use the fast to challenge ourselves to follow Choc’s example of working courageously for justice. Fasting is particularly appropriate in this case, as GSP co-founder Palmer Legare outlines in his letter "Why I'm joining the fast for Ramiro Choc

What should participants do while fasting?

Let us know that you are fasting by emailing us at solidaridadguatemala@yahoo.com That way we will be able to track how many people are participating, as well as let you know if particular actions are helpful in your area.

Because of the strong influence the US government has on Guatemala (the US financed the buildup of the current judicial system in Guatemala, and continues to train and equip the police and army), we are asking US citizens to inform their members of congress that they are participating in the fast and ask them to speak out against Ramiro’s imprisonment and attend a congressional briefing about the Guatemalan judicial system which will also be held on February 14. ("Click here for more information on the briefing) The GSP will also be visiting members of congress in the coming weeks to discuss Ramiro’s situation and general US support of repression in Guatemala. We hope to visit all representatives of participants in the fast and would be happy to coordinate these visits with you!

Participants from European Union members states should contact the European Union’s External Relations Commission at http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/feedback/question2.htm Tell them why you are participating in the fast, that you know the European Union has extensive economic ties with the Guatemalan government and wealthy Guatemalan land owners, and that you think the European Union should support freedom for of Ramiro Choc.

Participants from Latin America and Australia should contact their embassy and/or consulate in Guatemala. Tell them why you are participating in the fast and ask them to also work for justice for Ramiro Choc.

Participants from throughout the world should also consider organizing group discussions, reflections, stand outs and other creative actions in support of Ramiro!

We also challenge you to use the funds you save by not purchasing food to make a donation to Ramiro's defense fund. There is a critical need for funds to file legal motions in support of Choc’s release. Choc can not win freedom without these legal actions.

To donate to Ramiro Choc's defense write a check to “UPAVIM Community Development Foundation” and mail it to UPAVIM, c/o Laurie Levinger, 28 McKenna Rd, Norwich, VT 05055 You must write the words “Ramiro Choc Defense” in the notes/memo section of the check or in a separate note to ensure that all funds will go to this use and not to any of our other efforts. The GSP will take ZERO of your donation and our volunteers will ensure that all funds go directly to Ramiro's defense team.

You can also donate via paypal, although in this case paypal will take a small cut (approximately three percent) of your donation. To donate via paypal visit http://upavim.pursuantgroup.net/english/donate.htm You will see the paypal link, and YOU MUST include the words “Ramiro Choc Defense” in a note to ensure the funding is delivered correctly.

“We express ourselves through loving nature, loving life, loving humans, loving the past, loving the present, loving the future… I, like other comrades who suffer judicial persecution, try to defend humanity. In it’s entirety, not just the indigenous or garifuna but all human beings. This is our ultimate goal.” -Ramiro Choc