Costa Rica – Sea Shepherd Conservation Society deeply regrets the decision of the Criminal Court of Limon, which yesterday acquitted seven men accused of the murder of environmentalist Jairo Mora Sandoval.
Jairo Mora, a 26-year-old Costa Rican activist, dedicated to protecting sea turtles from poachers, was brutally murdered on May 31st, 2013 in Moin, Limon, Costa Rica.
The verdict of the Court of Limon has dismayed our organization. The murder of a young man who dedicated his life to protecting marine life should not go unpunished.
We understand that the Court issued a judgment of acquittal justified by errors which took place during the investigation of the case. However, we strongly appeal to the judicial prosecutors and investigators to not continue making such mistakes that allow murderers to kill with impunity.
The name of Jairo Mora won’t be forgotten and as a tribute to his work, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society named last year one of its ships in his honor. Currently, this boat performs control operations against poaching off the coast of West Africa.
In September of last year, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Latin American Sea Turtles Association (LAST) launched Operation Pacuare, a campaign against poaching to protect sea turtles at Playa Pacuare in the province of Limon, Costa Rica.
The goal for this year is to expand this operation and the vigilant patrols of turtles in Moin Beach as a way to continue to honor the memory of Jairo and the important work he accomplished in Costa Rica.
We will never be silent. We will not forget. We will not stop. The life in our seas should be protected in accordance with the courageous work of Jairo and many others offering their lives for this noble cause.
Beyond the technical flaws, which prevented the court from issuing a guilty verdict, Costa Ricans know who are the culprits.
About Sea Shepherd Global
Sea Shepherd Global is a non-profit conservation organization whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd Global uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced oceanic ecosystems, Sea Shepherd Global works to ensure their survival for future generations.
Visit www.seashepherdglobal.org for more information.
