Statement from Mexican Anarchist Prisoner Tiara Tempestad

Message from Mexican anarchist prisoner Tiara Tempestad following the recent fundraiser to cover the fine related to her sentence.

On December 12, I reached the halfway point of my sentence which I began three years and four months ago. Since the day of my detention, a difficult process began for people close to me and I. Above all, it was difficult at the beginning not knowing what was going to happen.

During all this time, different people and collectives have been present in multiple ways: with legal advice, accompanying my mom, collective bicycle rides, visits, phone calls, food, listening to me, events. etc.

Without doubt, these expressions of support have made this situation more bearable.

I want you all to know that I hold dear every gesture, action, or decision representing “I am here”, not only for me but for other prisoners who resist. It is said you see your friends in prison and in the hospital. That is partly true, sometimes complicities are clear and are made valuable in limiting situations.

In conditions of confinement, establishing relationships or friendships that aren’t based on victimhood or mythification of prison or prisoner is complex but crucial. There are no manuals but only learning nourished by the contradictions of successes and mistakes.

I think of the moments when there was no communication or misinformation; of the fights carried out over the phone or the warm embraces at a distance; of the betrayals and distancing; of the questionings and changes; of the hours of conversation and of course of the new encounters.

I understand that antiauthoritarian solidarity finds its meaning in mutual correspondence, in reciprocity, and the childness we still exchange. It is based in convictions and ethics more than in savior complexes. It is based in affinities and action and not only in pretty words.

I confirm that this punishment will not cause my repentance, only my contempt and rejection of any judge, policeman, and prison society in general.

I thank those whom I have met along the way and who are still present.

Recently I asked for support in paying the fine related to my sentence. The full amount was collected! This Wednesday Alma made the payment and soon the paperwork will be completed. I do not have a release date. The payment of the fine was a requirement to solicit my conditional freedom, but it still depends on the judge. Nonetheless, its one step forward. And it was achieved through this collectivity that crosses borders and walls.

I send a strong embrace to those who resist in prison. To Karla and Magda who haven’t taken one step back. To Brandy, and the Chilean compas: Mónica Caballero, Francisco Solar, the compañerxs of the Susaron Case and the Attack on the Gendarmerie.

To those who accompany different processes of the compas, and to the Malentonado project.

Until we are all free.

Tiara Tempestad, December 2023