UIF freezes accounts of Indigenous Council leader Emiliano Zapata; organization accuses of attempted criminalization

The Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (UIF), part of Mexico's Ministry of Finance and Credit, has frozen the bank accounts of Jesús Plácido Galindo, a prominent leader of the Consejo Indígena y Popular de Guerrero-Emiliano Zapata (Cipog-EZ). The organization accused the government of attempting to criminalize its leader through this financial action. According to a statement released by Cipog-EZ, the UIF notified Galindo on June 26 that his accounts had been blocked and that he had been added to the List of Blocked Individuals. This move, according to the group, signals the beginning of a process aimed at fabricating charges against him. Galindo, who leads the Cipog-EZ, is described by the organization as someone who has solely focused on defending the lives, dignity, and rights of indigenous communities in Guerrero. The group claims that the government’s actions are an attempt to discredit him and justify potential aggression or threats against him. In their communication, they emphasized that during the time of the account freeze, Galindo’s BBVA account held only 280 Mexican pesos, while his Banco Azteca account had no funds. They argue that this indicates a deliberate strategy to undermine his credibility and support base. The Cipog-EZ also detailed the violent attacks that occurred in several communities in Chilapa, Guerrero, between May 6 and May 12. During this period, members of the criminal organization Los Ardillos carried out six days of gunfire and bombings against the towns of Tula, Xicotlan, and Acahuehuetlán. These attacks resulted in the deaths of six men and one woman, with six others injured and at least four individuals missing. Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes due to the violence. The communities experienced a complete cutoff of electricity and cellular service, leaving them isolated and without access to emergency assistance. Despite these conditions, no official authorities arrived to provide aid or protection. In addition to highlighting the immediate consequences of the attacks, the Cipog-EZ pointed out the broader context of violence affecting indigenous populations in Guerrero. Over the past decade, they claim that at least 84 members of their organization have been killed and another 25 remain missing. They accuse the government of trying to silence Galindo because he exposes the reality of life in Guerrero, which they describe as a place where death, disappearances, and fear are pervasive. The group further alleges that politicians in the region collaborate with narcoterrorist groups and even belong to their families. The Cipog-EZ expressed responsibility for the safety and well-being of Galindo, holding both federal and state governments accountable for any harassment, criminalization, or aggression he might face. They called on all levels of government to ensure his freedom, security, and life. Their statement reflects deep frustration with the perceived failure of authorities to protect indigenous communities and address ongoing violence in the region. The situation highlights the complex relationship between local indigenous organizations and national institutions, particularly in regions marked by high levels of violence and corruption. The freezing of Galindo’s accounts adds another layer to the tensions, suggesting that efforts to hold officials accountable may come under increasing pressure from governmental bodies. As the Cipog-EZ continues to voice its concerns, the response from the government will likely shape future developments in the region.