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| Relatives of five disappeared young people Photo: Alberto Hernández / Cuartoscuro |
To the public:
Mexico City, March 17, 2016. The parents of Jose Benitez de la O, Bernardo Benítez Arroniz, Susana Tapia Garibo, Mario Arturo Sanchez and Alfredo Gonzalez Diaz, who were disappeared in Tierra Blanca, Veracruz, at the hands of the State Police last January 11, inform the public that yesterday we met with federal and state authorities and were informed about the progress in the investigations.
They made known to us the arrest of five people allegedly linked to the events; likewise they made known to us that the authorities continue their investigation in the "El Limón" [The Lime] ranch in the municipality of Tlalixcoyan, Veracruz and laboratory work where more samples collected at the scene are being processed.
We fathers and mothers are still searching for our children and we reiterate the demand that the authorities determine their whereabouts.
We are deeply saddened to share the results of an independent study done by the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF) of the sample from one of our sons, Bernardo Benitez Arroniz, were consistent with the results of the genetic profile previously carried out by the Mexican [federal] Scientific Police.
His parents, Bernardo Benitez and Columba Arroniz, ask us to inform you that they are living through a very difficult grieving process together with their family and loved ones, so they ask the media to understand their distance, not without thanking eveyone for the support and reception that they have been given in recent months. While confirmation of the death of Bernardo causes us deep pain, it also it allows us to begin a process of parting from him.
The four families who do not yet have evidence of the whereabouts of our children, Susana, Mario, Jose and Alfredo, continue to search and will not cease in our efforts and in the constant demand to the federal and state governments to continue investigating.
In the meeting with federal and state authorities, we reiterated our demand that the investigation be deepend into the material and intellectual authors linked to the disappearance of our children. We recognize that the arrests made so far represent progress, but they are insufficient in clarifying the networks that allowed something so serious to happened.
We have agreed with the authorities to continue holding further meetings, which we will continue reporting.
Today, more than ever, we are thankful for the solidarity of thousands of people who have joined us and we reiterate that our hearts remain in search of Susana, Alfredo, José and Mario.
Rest in peace, dear Bernardo. Spanish original