Timeline of Important Events
The US-based transnational energy company Sempra Energy signed a contract with the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission to build the 835 kilometer natural gas pipeline (Gasoducto Sonora) meant to export natural gas from the United States into Mexico.
The Sonora gas pipeline, a project of IENova Energy, obtained from the Energy Regulatory Commission, the permit to build the Guaymas-El Oro section, which crosses the eight Yaqui towns of Sonora.
During an assembly held in the Yaqui community of Loma de Bácum, the people decided not to grant permission to any person, company or entity to enter their lands and territory for the purpose of carrying out activities related to the Guaymas-El Oro natural gas pipeline project.
A federal judge in the 7th district court in Ciudad Obregón ordered the suspension of the Guaymas-El Oro natural gas pipeline for not having the consent of the entire Yaqui tribe. However, IEnova did not comply with the court ruling and continued with the work.
While members of the community gathered in an assembly, an armed group entered Loma de Bácum with the intention of overthrowing the traditional authorities of the community and imposing other community authorities in favor of the gas pipeline. This attack left one dead and various people injured.
Fidencio Aldama Pérez is detained and charged with the first-degree murder of Cruz Buitimea Piñas.
Members of the Yaqui tribe dismantle pipeline infrastructure being installed in Loma de Bácum after IEnova continued with the project in spite of a federal judge ordering the construction to be stopped.
Fidencio is sentenced to fifteen years and six months, along with a $75,000 peso fine for the murder.
Víctor Adolfo Molina Vázquez, an 18-year-old Yaqui youth, is assasinated in Loma de Bácum, product of the division caused by the megaproject in the community.
Free Fidencio Aldama
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