[Marxism] Tomorrow's demonstrations in Colombia

[Anthony Boynton <northbogota@xxxxxxxxx>]

Tomorrow there will be demonstrations in Colombia and
elsewhere against kidnapping, torture, and murder and
forced displacement by the government of Colombia and
its paramilitary allies. As has already been noted in
another post, the demonstration is sponsored by The
National Movement of Victims of Crimes of the State
(MOVICE), the International Trade Union Confederation
(ITUC), and almost all of hte trade unions of
Colombia. It is also supported by two political
parties: the Polo Democratico Alternativo, and Partido
Liberal, as well as by a surprising number of
politicians outside of those parties, such as former
Mayor of Bogotá Antanas Mockus, the Procurador General
(something like an Attorney General) Edgardo Maya
Villazón, and the Fiscal General de la Nación, Mario
Iguarán Aranand.  

This will be an international day of protest against
so please check here for the location of the
demonstration nearest you.
http://www.movimientodevictimas.org/node/595those 

The demonstrations in Colombia will occur under
conditions of threats and intimidation. Shots were
fired at the home of a key organizer in the city of
Pereira, while many people involved have recieved
threatening emails and phone calls. Paramilitary
organizations have publicly threatened to kill
participants, and government ministers have publicly
called for a ban on the demonstrations.

An internet campaign of slanderous accusations
centering around the idea that the march supports
terrorism is being used to intimidate marchers, and
prepare the justification for violence against the
march.

Businesses and government agencies are telling their
employees not to attend the demonstrations. 

All of this is being reported in the media as news.
Editorialy the media is against the demonstrations and
in general has not even spoken out against the threats
of violence and initimidation. 

Conditions for this demonstration are virtually the
opposite of those for the anti-FARC demonstration last
month. That demonstration was supported and promoted
by every media outlet in Colombia with front page
banner headlines weeks in advance urging people to
demonstrate. Businesses and schools closed down to
make sure their employees and students could attend.

More later, Anthony


      
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