Indigenous women fined heavily for using generator to get water

Women in the Tzeltal community of San Gregorio, Chiapas, have been heavily fined for using a gasoline-powered generator to access water during a severe drought. The community, with about 1,500 inhabitants, has faced water scarcity since June. The women resorted to using the generator to pump water from a well, a move that has led to a significant penalty.

The fine, amounting to 55,000 pesos (approximately $3,000 USD) and 22 cases of soda, was reportedly imposed by the municipal agent of San Gregorio. Sources indicate that the agent, affiliated with the Labor Party (PT), took action after learning about the generator's use. The women stated they did not use the electrical grid for their water supply.

Adding to the distress, the women reported that the municipal agent has encouraged community members to harass their family. One man, who assisted with the generator's installation, was fined 10,000 pesos and barred from the community until payment. The women sought help from the PT mayor, Romeo Damián Huet Álvarez, but received no response. Instead, he allegedly ordered the disconnection of their electricity and water services.

The situation escalated on June 7 when supporters of the municipal agent allegedly attacked the women, confiscating their cell phones to prevent documentation. A man, identified as the brother of one of the women, was reportedly beaten, dragged, and detained for several hours. His attackers then cut the generator's cables and damaged the site. Despite these events, authorities including the Fiscalía de Justicia Indígena, the Comisión Estatal de los Derechos Humanos (CEDH), and the local government delegation have remained silent.