Javier Elorriaga

Javier Elorriaga Berdeque, born 13 May 1961. Joined the movement in Chiapas, EZLN in the 1980's. He is married to Maria Gloria Benavides Guevara, also a member of the movement.

In the uprising of 1994 in the southern Mexican state the world became aware of the conditions that the native Mayans were living under. No running water, or electricity. The power plants that were built in the state of Chiapas were providing power for other parts of Mexico while the natives were going without.

Javier Elorriaga was jailed after the uprising, but was released after serving time. His wife was also arrested in their home in Mexico City. She was found not guilty and released.