AMNESTY International's British section called this week for public appeals to the Guatemalan government to protect clergy and church workers after the murder of an Italian priest, Fr Tullio Maruzzo, the eighth to be killed or abducted in 15 months.
The authorities have attributed Fr Tullio's death to unknown assailants, but reports reaching Amnesty International indicate that his murderers were acting for the government.
Fr Tullio said in his will. that if he were killed he should be buried in Guatemala as a testimony to government violence. He had worked in Guatemala since 1960 but refused to leave though his life was in danger.
Other foreign church workers were expelled and a parish house and convent with which Fr Tullio was associated were bombed. Amnesty is also seeking information from the authorities on Fr Luis Eduardo Pellecer, who was abducted on June 9.
Public appeals ,and protests should go to: Rafael Orseillo Valdez. Ministro de Relaciones
Exteriores, Mini. terio. Guatemala (7o% Guafrificita.