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16 Feb 2016

Guatemala: Local residents opposed to Shikun & Binui hydroelectric project complain of intimidation by ex-paramilitaries; company responds

For several years in San Mateo Ixtatán, Guatemala, there has been a conflict related to the opposition of local residents to the hydroelectric projects of the company Promoción y Desarrollo Hídrico, owned by Solel Boneh (part of Shikun & Binui). Residents have alleged continuous aggressions, arbitrary detentions and threats from ex-paramilitaries, the authorities and the company. Recently, a minor was detained. According to employees of the company, the minor threw stones at a car of the company in which the employees traveled and hence had to detain him. The minor says he was intimidated by the employees who arbitrarily detained him. [This is an unofficial summary & translation by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre of the report in Spanish by Centro de Medios Independientes below].

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Shikun & Binui to respond to these allegations; a response on behalf of Solel Boneh (part of Shikun & Binui) is available below.