In response to the murder on March 16 of Guatemalan environmentalist and community leader Walter Méndez Barrios, Freedom House issued the following statement: “Authorities in Guatemala should promptly conduct a thorough, unbiased investigation into the murder of Walter Méndez Barrios and bring those responsible to justice,” said Carlos Ponce, director for the Latin America programs. “Given the tensions in the region over communal rights to natural resources, it is imperative that authorities make a stronger commitment to providing security to local leaders and activists.”