Mexico: Sandra is finally at home, but not the way we hoped

Hereby we publish a unofficial translation of an important article of the Mexican newspaper Periódico Mural.

This space is design to give voice to denounces, information and analysis from unions, organizations and popular sectors which struggle against the old State. The opinions here exposed do not necessary reflect the point of view of Periódico Mural.

Today with a heart torn apart, after 206 days of distress, endless nights and a tireless struggle in demand of her return, we confirm that we found Sandra. It was not the ending we dreamed of, but at least those who loved her profoundly can take a rest.

Sandra was not only a victim of this system of violence and impunity, she will always be recognized as a tireless fighter.

As an Ayuuk woman she embraced the defense of the people and of all indigenous woman who suffered violation and discrimination. Always when a woman asked for help, Sandra helped immediately. She never hesitated to accompany to a she kept accompanying, support or speak up when others kept quiet. Her fight was never just of words, but of love actions, solidarity and courage.

She denounced with courage the participation of local and State officials on Whatsapp where they shared pictures of indigenous woman in situations of vulnerability. She pointed at those who tried to make a secret out of it. Raised her voice for the dignity of all, putting her own life in risk.

Today more than never, we honor her fight. We honor her courage, strength, her love for the people and her sisters.

We thank from the deepest of our heart the delegate Martha Aracely Cruz Jiménez, Consortium of Oaxaca, Current of the People Red Sun, the local authorities of San Isidro Hauyapam, who spoke up, all communities of Mixes, family members, friends, neighbors that saw how Sandra rose up, her friends from University; as well as the collectives, organizations and state, national, and international media, and all those who stayed by our side in theses dark times. Every positive word, every shout on the streets, every gesture of solidarity was a light in the midst of pain. Your help sustained us and made us feel that we aren’t alone.

We thank to the collaborative efforts between CNI, CONASE,SEDENA MARINA AND FGO, because without such coordination, her founding would have not been possible.

The case of Sandra is a painful and firm reflection of the reality that we are facing in the country: without the demand of the society there is no real compromise of the State. The searches do not work by themselves; the institutional omission is also killing. The indifference is another way of violence.

Today with Sandra back home we raise our voices louder then ever:

We demand a real compromise! Not simply written laws, but repercussive and effective actions, with a gender perspective and a circumstantial and human rights approach.

We demand respect for our disappeared, their families and the stop of the re-victimization and criminalization of our beloved persons who we are searching.

To every mother, every family that keeps on searching today, for its beloved one, we tell them from the bottom of out hearts:

Don’t loose your hope. Don’t be afraid. Every beloved deserves to return home. Meanwhile there is a voice that still shouts their name, meanwhile there is a heart awaiting, there always will be hope.

Thanks a lot.

Sincerely, Komité Pëjy Tyotk.

No more disappearances!

Stop the violence against woman!

Stop the impunity!

Oaxaca never forgets. Oaxaca demands justice.

28/04/25