Phoenix, January 23 (RHC)-- In the U.S. state of Arizona, a judge rendered guilty verdicts for four activists from the humanitarian group No More Deaths.  

The volunteers were accused of crimes related to their efforts to leave water and food in the harsh Sonoran Desert to help refugees and migrants survive the deadly journey across the U.S. border.  They now face up to six months in prison. 

In a statement, No More Deaths volunteer Catherine Gaffney said: “This verdict challenges not only No More Deaths volunteers, but people of conscience throughout the country.  If giving water to someone dying of thirst is illegal, what humanity is left in the law of this country?” 

Five more volunteers with the group are still scheduled to face trial.