From Axis of Justice Website
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As some of you may remember, the teachers of the Mexican state of Oaxaca held a protest in Spring 2006, asking for better wages and improvements to schools and classrooms. The protest turned into a larger movement, with progressives from all over the state joining in denouncing the government and calling for the removal of their corrupt governor.
But in the fall, the government lashed out, killed and kidnapping dozens, forcing the movement underground. But in the following months, the activists have resurfaced, slowing rebuilding momentum. Last week, a yearly Oaxacan festival was attacked by police, and turned into a full on street battle, with several killed and dozens injured. Pictures of the event and attacks can be seen here, here and here.
The main activist group in Oaxaca has sent out this message asking for help. Please read and show your support.
URGENT ACTION NEEDED---PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY
OAXACA IS NOT ALONE: STOP THE MASSACRE!
The Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca (APPO) has issued an international call for “mobilizations in your own places of origin, to integrate yourselves into a human wall to stop the massacre against the people of Oaxaca.”
This call comes in the wake of the violent repression suffered by the peoples of Oaxaca on July 16, 2007, at the hands of police, military and paramilitary forces as they attempted to celebrate the People's Guelaguetza. As we write this, the repression has already escalated, with police and military forces occupying and completely surrounding the city.
We have reports directly from APPO and VOCAL that a major offensive is expected against the movement beginning tomorrow, Monday 22nd, as the people attempt to boycott the government's official "Guelaguetza."
Along with the petition calls that have already gone out (below) and the call for all visitors to Oaxaca to boycott the official Gueleguetza, the APPO is calling for demonstrations and mobilizations of international solidarity like those that occurred around the world last October and November.
Take Action:
- Hold demonstrations and solidarity actions at the Mexican Consulate closest to you.
- Document your actions and spread the word through independent media.
- Flood the phone lines and write letters of protest to the Mexican officials listed below.
Demand:
- End police repression, harassment, and intimidation of the social and
popular movements in Oaxaca - Condemn governmental actions and indiscriminate use of force by the
State and Federal police - Demand the release of all political prisoners, holding Federal and State officials responsible in the case of arbitrary detentions and disappearances of civilians.
Let the people of Oaxaca know that they are not alone. Let them know we are with them.
Mexican Consulates in the U.S. and Canada:
http://elenemigocomun.net/128
A Full Report on the Battle for Oaxaca, July 16, 200:
http://elenemigocomun.net/1070
More Information:
This picture is from the Documentary that is posted below. We were in Ronny's office when we got the word that US Steal was closing down our Mill. Thats me on the left and Jay on the right.
