by Tom Hansen, Aug 15, 1998

I am currently the National Coordinator of the Mexico Solidarity Network. On February 19, 1998, I was expelled from Mexico as part of a campaign by the Mexican government against foreign human rights observers and humanitarian aid workers in the southern state of Chiapas. I am working with an attorney based in Mexico to challenge the expulsion. My first hearing before a judge is scheduled for August 21 in Mexico City.

At the suggestion of my attorney, I requested that personnel from the US Consulate in Mexico City testify in my case. At least three Consular officials, Susan Abeyta, Ana Escobar, and Lisa Blystad, were involved in my case. I was held in detention for 24 hours before being expelled, and these consular officials spent most of that 24 hours trying to locate me and establish contact, as called for under bi-lateral treaty obligations. Two of the officials, Ana Escobar and Lisa Blystad, met with me at the Mexico City airport 15 minutes before I was expelled. As a result of the mistreatment I suffered during my detention, the Consulate issued a formal diplomatic note to the Mexican government demanding an explanation. The response they received was described by Jim Davis at the Mexico desk of the State Department as "unsatisfactory."

The US Consulate in Mexico City is refusing to send the three above-mentioned personnel to testify at my hearing. While admitting that, in many cases, US Consular personnel testify in foreign courts, they are unwilling to testify in my case. I am not asking them to advocate on my behalf, only to testify as to the facts of the case.

I spoke with Gene Mulberry of the State Department's legal section, and he explained that it is common practice for the State Department to waive diplomatic immunity and testify in cases where there is "affirmative interest in consular access" or where the testimony would assist a US citizen.

The Consulate is also unwilling to provide me a copy of the diplomatic note for use at the hearing. Ms. Abeyta suggested that I request a copy of the diplomatic note from the Mexican government's Office of Foreign Affairs. Since the Mexican government is an adversary in this case, it is extremely unlikely that they will provide a copy of this note. In any case, it seems unreasonable that US Consular officials, whose duty it is to protect the interests of US citizens, would suggest going to a foreign government for a copy of a diplomatic note written by US personnel.