RANCHERIA EL ENCANTO, Mexico — A Christian in Mexico’s Chiapas State was summarily jailed for three days the evening of Jan. 7 for refusing to deny his faith and contribute to Traditionalist Catholic festivals, according to an advocacy group.
Local authorities who practice the Traditionalist Catholic blend of indigenous pagan and Roman Catholic rituals also told Juan Gabriel Lopez Perez, 28, he would not be released unless he sold his house and left the area within 20 days, the Coordination of Christian Organizations (COC) said in a statement.
Authorities in Rancheria El Encanto had given Lopez Perez the option of paying a fine or 72 hours in jail. After refusing the fine, he was sent to jail for declining to sign a document denying his evangelical faith and agreeing to contribute to the Traditionalist Catholic festivals, which frequently involve drunkenness.
When Lopez Perez fell ill two days into his 72-hour sentence and was temporarily released to obtain medical care, his wife was obliged to serve the time in jail in his place.
The incarceration came after area Christians had filed a complaint in December against Traditionalist Catholic authorities cutting their water supply and suspending government benefits and medical services as well as denying their children the right to remain in school, according to COC. (MS)
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