Junio 17, 2004
Mayor Killed by Townspeople
In a disturbing course of events, the Mayor of the small town of Ayo Ayo, located 80 km from La Paz was kidnapped, beaten to death and his body burnt. Benjamin Altamirano was found in the main plaza, a victim of a severe and brutal case of vigilante justice.
After being kidnapped from La Paz, he was driven back to Ayo Ayo, where he ultimately lost his life. There was a long history of threats of violence spanning back to 2001, where Altamirano was under constant abuse and even registered a formal complaint with the police fearing for his life.
Townspeople say they were frustrated by the lack of public investments through the Mayorship and the disappearance of approximately 5 million dollars destined for the town's use. This was the end of a sad chapter where he was repeatedly assaulted and his house burned to the ground, after he was cleared of corruption charges.
Already five suspects have been named by the family as possible perpetrators of this murder. The names were published in a La Paz daily. However, these types of public declarations can increase the tension. These accusations, even those of corruption, can evolve into a life of their own and become hearsay where the line between truth and hysteria can incite emotions that make this behavior seem acceptable. Without clear proof, individuals decide that they can decide a person's fate regardless of evidence, with the backing of a mob-mentality of onlookers.
The victim's family are sure that the murder was associated with a political, economic and power struggle, led by former town officials who want a piece of the financial action themselves. The deceased's family has vowed that if justice doesn't solve this case, then they will take matters into their own hands.
Everyone is denouncing this crime, including Waldo Albarracín, the Defensor del Pueblo (public ombusdman) and various government ministers. A full investigation is underway.
However, a member of the MIP party (Movimiento Indígena Pachacuti), Gabriel Bautista said he was sorry that this even happened, but reminded that this type of communal justice happens, when the legal course of action does not "work".
This is a reoccurring theme on the Altiplano. Last April a similar event occurred in the town of Ilave, Peru, where the Mayor also accused of corruption was killed and his body burned. As these events become more common, towns and entire regions can increasingly become lawless areas where the State no longer has control.
Events like this leave me frustrated and question how human beings can resort to this type of behavior. No one quite knows all of the factors that lead to this crime. Maybe he was corrupt or maybe it was political jealousy, no matter what, no reasons can ever justify this.
Posted by eduardo at Junio 17, 2004 05:46 PM