Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04GUATEMALA655
2004-03-16 22:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Guatemala
Cable title:  

GOG REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE ON ALLEGED RACIAL

Tags:  PHUM GT CAVO PROV 
pdf how-to read a cable
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS GUATEMALA 000655 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM GT CAVO PROV
SUBJECT: GOG REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE ON ALLEGED RACIAL
TARGETING OF GUATEMALANS IN ATLANTA


UNCLAS GUATEMALA 000655

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM GT CAVO PROV
SUBJECT: GOG REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE ON ALLEGED RACIAL
TARGETING OF GUATEMALANS IN ATLANTA



1. This is an action request for the Department--See Para 4.


2. During a March 9 meeting with Human Rights Officer,
Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Marta Altolaguirre expressed
concern regarding the possible racial motive in a recent
attack against two Guatemalans in Atlanta. The two men,
Carlos Perez, 22, and Domingo Lopez, 54, were approached by
an unidentified man in a car, who offered them work. After
the men entered the vehicle, they were driven to an isolated
area, severely beaten and robbed. The men were taken to a
local emergency room where they were interviewed by the State
Police.


3. According to Altolaguirre, the Guatemalan Consul in
Atlanta told her that this incident followed a series of
similar-pattern attacks on Latinos in the area and the
victims seemed to be selected based on racial targeting.
Since many Guatemalans are illegally resident in the US, she
said, they are therefore less likely to report crimes and at
higher risk for violence.


4. ACTION REQUEST. To be responsive to GOG concerns, Embassy
requests that the Department inquire about the facts in this
case or information on similar crimes targeting Latins with
Georgia law enforcement authorities and share the results
with us and the Guatemalan Embassy.
HAMILTON