MEXICO CITY.- The archaeologist Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer was cited by National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Quintana Roo to appear after his complaint for damage to property caused by the Maya Trends.
Last August the researcher of the INAH reported that the Mayan train ran over more than 200 archaeological remains in the Yucatan Peninsula.
This Thursday, Cortés de Brasdefer said that he received a letter from the INAH Internal Control Body to appear for alleged administrative offenses.
Archaeologist who reported damage by the Mayan Train is called to appear
Authorities of the INAH They called to “appear personally” the archaeologist Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer, who weeks ago denounced the destruction of archaeological heritage by the works of the Mayan Train in the Yucatan Peninsula.
In addition to a summons letter, he was given a compact disc with the “Alleged Administrative Responsibility” documents and investigation records.
The disk contains evidence of the administrative offenses of which he is accused.
“At the initial hearing you must give your statement in writing or verbally, and offer the evidence you deem necessary for your defense,” the document says.
The subpoena also details that the investigator must hand over all documentary evidence in his possession, and that he has the right not to testify against himself or plead guilty.
You can also defend yourself personally or be assisted by a defense expert in the matter.
Cortés de Brasdefer indicated that his lawyers are analyzing the documents that were delivered to him and preparing his defense.
They denounce persecution against INAH researcher
In interview with The Universal, Cortés de Brasdefer denounced that the director of the INAH, Diego Prietoand members of the Archeology Council They have sought to remove him from the organization due to his criticism of the Mayan Train.
The complaint last August joins several that have been made since mid-2023.
The archaeologist exhibited on several occasions the destruction of heritage along the Mayan Train route, especially in the section 7.
A statement from August 2023, the same month as his first complaints, accuses Cortés de Brasdefer of misuse of public resources in the archaeological area of Chakanbakán.
The document signed by the Archeology Council accuses him of having little knowledge in archaeological rescues and no results in various investigations.
In this regard, the researcher accused the INAH management of persecuting him academically and denying him permits and economic activities.
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**Interview with Archaeologist Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cortés de Brasdefer. Recently, you’ve been in the news for raising concerns about the Mayan Train project and its impact on archaeological sites. Can you tell us what specifically you reported regarding the destruction caused by the train?
**Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer:** Thank you for having me. My report highlighted that the construction of the Mayan Train has resulted in significant damage to over 200 archaeological remains in the Yucatán Peninsula. These sites are invaluable parts of our heritage, and losing them to infrastructure development is deeply concerning.
**Editor:** Following your report, you were summoned by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) for alleged administrative offenses. Can you shed some light on the nature of these allegations?
**Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer:** Yes, I received a letter from the INAH Internal Control Body requiring me to appear in person regarding these alleged offenses. They provided me with a compact disc containing evidence related to their investigation. It seems my actions in reporting the damage have drawn scrutiny, which I find troubling given the importance of protecting our cultural heritage.
**Editor:** What do the INAH authorities expect from your appearance? What can you share about the proceedings?
**Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer:** The authorities expect me to provide my statement, either in writing or verbally, regarding the allegations against me. I will also have the opportunity to present any evidence I deem necessary for my defense. Importantly, I have the right not to testify against myself, which is a safeguard I intend to exercise as I navigate this situation.
**Editor:** Do you believe these actions from INAH are intended to intimidate other researchers from speaking out about similar concerns?
**Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer:** That is certainly a worry. When whistleblowers who raise legitimate environmental and cultural concerns face repercussions, it sends a chilling message to others in the field. It is critical that we foster an environment where scientists can safely express their concerns without fear of retaliation.
**Editor:** What steps are you planning to take moving forward, both in terms of your defense and your advocacy for archaeological preservation?
**Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer:** I’m focusing on gathering all necessary evidence to support my case. Simultaneously, I will continue advocating for the protection of our archaeological sites. It’s vital we work collectively as a community to ensure that our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Cortés de Brasdefer, for sharing your insights and concerns with us. We look forward to following the developments regarding this important issue.
**Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer:** Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this matter.