Mexican Embassy faced with protest against atrocities in Oaxaca
An international campaign in solidarity with the popular revolution in Oaxaca against poverty and corruption is now brewing. On the 20th November a good 50 activists gathered in Stockholm, Sweden, to protest against the atrocities in region by Mexican right wing government. The manifestation was called by the Hands off Venezuela-campaign and branches from the young socialist, SSU.
A manifestation of solidarity with people of the Mexican region of Oaxaca gathered in Stockholm on the 20th November. The meeting gathered at Sergles torg, the central square, and was introduced by Egil Karlow from the Hands off Venezuela-campaign. He described the violence that the Mexican state apply on the population of Oaxaca and posed the question; what are the government so afraid of?
- What are the crimes are the people of Oaxaca guilty of, that would justify murder, imprisonment and torture of the population?
He answered the question by describing how the people of Oaxaca have taken the destiny of their lives in their own hands through the creation of the democratic organ of APPO.
- It shows ordinary people like you and me are better fit to run society then the criminal who rule now. It raises the hope in Mexico, the rest of Latin America and the rest of the world.
- In Oaxaca the have gone from words to deeds and shown that another world is possible. That is the crime of the inhabitants of Oaxaca and that is why the Fox government believe that they are an example that must be crushed.
After this Andrea and Helle from the young socialist branch 'SSU Front' read a greeting to the manifestation direct from APPO in Oaxaca. In the greeting APPO emphasised:
- We say to you, as we say to all, that our struggle is not only about Oaxaca. It is about creating another world - which we believe is possible - a world with justice, peace and democracy. To accomplish such world we must tie our bands all people of the world.
The meeting at Sergels torg ended with a speech by Lena Ericsson-Höijer from Kungsholmens municipal workers union. She called upon the Swedish labour movement to initiate a campaign of solidarity with the popular struggle in Oaxaca and Mexico.
- Long live the peoples struggle in Oaxaca! Long live APPO! With these salutes she closed her speech.
During the speeches more people approached, more torches where lit and lighted up the dark skies and the red banners that waived in the wind. A good 50 participants now gathered to march to Mexican Embassy behind a banner 'Hands off Oaxaca'.
During the march The Internationally and other labour movement songs where sung and slogans for the unity of the working class was shouted both in Swedish and in Spanish. At the Mexican Embassy two officials came out to receive the demonstration. 'Hands off Oaxaca', 'Manos furea Oaxaca', where shouted to them.
Up to the last minute signatures was collected to the petition that carried the following demands:
- The immediate withdraw of federal police from Oaxaca.
- The immediate halt to the prosecution, torture and murdering of those who fight for their trade union and human rights.
- End fraud and corruption. It's the people not the fraud that will decide the outcome of the election.
This petition was handed over to the Embassy officials. They promised to forward this to the authorities in Mexico.
- To conclude; I would like to remind that APPO in their letter to us appealed for the continuing focus on the events in Oaxaca. That we will do and we will prepare for more actions if necessary.
All who where interested in continuing their activity where encouraged to join the Hands off Venezuela-campaign. The initiative to this manifestation had been taken by Hands off Venezuela and two young socialist branches; SSU Facken and SSU Front.
Hands off Venezuela, Stockholm
Picket at the Mexican Embassy in Ottawa
It was a chilly November 20th in Ottawa but from about 4:30 till 5:30 around 50 local activists came together to condemn the actions of the Mexican government in Oaxaca as well as the fraudulent presidential elections. The event for the 20th was initiated by Hands off Venezuela Ottawa, which was then joined by other local activist groups who also felt the need to stand in solidarity with our Mexican sisters and brothers against monstrous injustice. With a microphone, several speakers condemned the Mexican governments repressive actions in Oaxaca, expressed our solidarity with the people of Mexico and Oaxaca and condemned the fraudulent Mexican elections. The messages rang loud and clear through the streets.
Mexican Government, we condemn you! People of Oaxaca, we are with you! People of Mexico fighting for justice, we are with you!
Adam Fulsom Hands off Venezuela Ottawa