Colectivos de Apoyo, Solidaridad y Acción

"[C.A.S.A.] November - Newsletter - Día de Muertos"

Diana — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:42:03 +0000

Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead is celebrated all throughout Mexico and some parts of Latin America on November 2nd. This celebration reminds us that death is a transition in life and not an end, thereby challenging Western dual concepts about life. Families prepare for the festivity by building alters (or ofrendas) in memory of their loved ones and visiting their graves. In Oaxaca, Dia de los Muertos is an important celebration where many family members remain hopeful and keep the spirits of their loved ones alive and close to them. Check out our newsletter to hear an interview on how the family of Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes, one of 26 people that died during the 2006 movement, is celebrating Dia de los Muertos this year. Make sure to also read an article-ofrenda about the family of Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes and the family of Fong Lee -two families that lost loved ones in the face of paramilitary oppression in Oaxaca and police brutality in Minneapolis. Also, check out an independent media film festival in honor of Brad Will, and a Universal Call-out to protest the Acteal massacre of 1997 in Chiapas.

By:

CASA Chapulin

Happy dia de los muertos from CASA Chapulin! Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead is celebrated all throughout Mexico and some parts of Latin America on November 2nd. This celebration reminds us that death is a transition in life and not an end, thereby challenging Western dual concepts about life. Families prepare for the festivity by building alters (or ofrendas) in memory of their loved ones and visiting their graves. In Oaxaca, Dia de los Muertos is an important celebration where many family members remain hopeful and keep the spirits of their loved ones alive and close to them. Check out our newsletter to hear an interview on how the family of Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes, one of 26 people that died during the 2006 movement, is celebrating Dia de los Muertos this year. Make sure to also read an article-ofrenda about the family of Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes and the family of Fong Lee -two families that lost loved ones in the face of paramilitary oppression in Oaxaca and police brutality in Minneapolis. Also, check out an independent media film festival in honor of Brad Will, and a Universal Call-out to protest the Acteal massacre of 1997 in Chiapas. Contents: Listen to an interview of Trinidad Sampablo (sister) and Paul Perez Cervantes (nephew) as they tell us the story about Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes, his reason for giving his life to the 2006 APPO movement, and how the family is remaining hopeful during Dia de los Muertos and seeking justice in his name. An article-ofrenda in honor of Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes and Fong Lee, two individuals whose fates crossed with paramilitary repression during the popular movement of 2006 in Oaxaca, Mexico and police brutality and racism in the Hmong community in Minneapolis. While their lives ended tragically, their stories continue as their family and community members are fighting back, building unity, and defining "justice" and "dignity" on their own terms and based on their own experiences. Between October 27th and November 30th CASA Chapulin and other organizations will be collaborating with the Independent Media Film Festival in memory of Brad Will, an Indymedia reporter that died while documenting the 2006 popular movement. A Universal Protest on the Day of the Dead to urge for the reopening of the investigation of the Acteal Massacre in Chiapas in 1997, where members of "las abejas" were killed by paramilitary troops. After an investigation that lasted a year and a half, the Supreme Court found Ulises Ruiz Otriz responsible for the violation of individual rights during the social movement in 2006. The Supreme Court Justice decided that URO did not fulfill his obligation to maintain public order and that his omission led to general disorder in the capital city and adjacent areas, essentially blaming Ruiz for not cracking down soon enough. A statement from the October 2 prisoners in Oaxaca who were wrongfully detained by police officers for taking part of a march in commemoration of the Tlatelolco student movement in 1968. On September 9, 2009 the State Congress of Oaxaca approved a reform in the State Constitution Article 12 to outlaw abortion, effectively violating the rights of women, their reproductive autonomy, and life in general. Click here to listen to interviews with various women and allies in Oaxaca about the anti pro-choice reform. On Thursday the October 15th we began a series of workshops on urban agriculture in CASA Chapulín facilitated by a compañero from the Siembra, Lucha, and Cosecha Collective. Call-out to donate $$$ As always, we encourage members and allies to support our transnational justice work by donating to CASA Chapulin We operate on a tight shoestring budget and depend on grassroots fundraising efforts made by you. Donations will go towards maintaining a collective space open and ensuring that 2 coordinators keep building a grassroots base in Oaxaca. Make a tax-deductible contribution by visiting our website: www.casacollective.org or, donate by check. Make checks out to 'The Faithful Fools' with 'CASA' in the memo line, and mail to: CASA c/o Faithful Fools 230/234 Hyde St. San Francisco, CA 94102 If you would also like to receive this newsletter in Spanish or if you are interested in applying for a volunteer position, please write to the same email address: colectivocasachapulin@gmail.com Saludos de Solidaridad Colectivos de Apoyo, Solidaridad y Accion Oaxaca, Mexico

La lucha globaliza cada día: Justice and Dignity For Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes and Fong Lee

Diana — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:05:33 +0000

Paramilitary repression and police brutality continue unabated on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border after three years of the assassinations of Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes in Oaxaca, Mexico and Fong Lee in Minneapolis, MN

By:

Steven Renderos & Sylvia Gonzalez Castro

Two different people – different stories, different places, – separated by nearly 2,000 miles, were connected three years ago when their lives were cut short by gunfire. Fong Lee and Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes suffered a death inflicted by the gunshots of police and paramilitary officials. For Cervantes, it was one gunshot wound to the chest; for Lee, three gunshot wounds in his back, and five more to the front. Cervantes died seeking justice during the popular movement in 2006 in Oaxaca, Mexico, while Fong Lee died as a result of deeply rooted racism and police brutality in communities of color across the United States.

The stories of Lorenzo and Fong tell the tales of paramilitary repression during the popular movement of 2006 in Oaxaca, Mexico and police brutality and racism in the Hmong community in Minneapolis- and how they play out in different sociopolitical contexts. While their lives ended tragically, their stories continue as their family and community members are fighting back, building unity, and defining “justice” and “dignity” on their own terms and based on their own experiences.

Background on Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes

In the summer of 2006, a broad-based movement exploded in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. What first began as a teacher’s sit-in at the main plaza of Oaxaca by the Seccion 22 (teacher’s union) soon culminated into a popular movement where thousands of community members raised their voices against abuses from the state government, years of fraudulent elections, and more than 500 years of injustices. On June 14^th, 2006, bombs of tear gas were thrown from paramilitary helicopters to peacefully protesting teachers and community members under the orders of Governor Ulises Ruiz Ortiz. For more than five months, el pueblo reclaimed spaces in the city, built barricades at busy street intersections, and exercised self-determination by taking back over 12 radio stations and one television station.

On August 21^st, 2006, an announcement was made on the commercial radio station, “La Ley”, one of 12 radio stations that el pueblo Oaxaqueño took back during the 2006 popular movement. The announcement urged people to hit the streets and defend the radio station and antennas, an important apparatus that was used as an organizing tool to disseminate information and mobilize gente to action. Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes, husband and father of four, responded like thousands of other people did: they took to the streets to reclaim what transnational corporations had robbed from them-the media. The PRI political party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional or Institutional Revolutionary Party) and paramilitary troops driving in unidentified vehicles, better known as the “Convoy of Death”, were sent under the orders of Governor Ulises Ruiz Ortiz with clear intentions to violently repress el pueblo from occupying the radio stations and antennas. In the early eve of August 22, 2006, paramilitary troops opened fire on el pueblo that selflessly stood up to defend the radio stations and antennas. Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes was shot and murdered under the orders of Governor Ulises Ruiz Ortiz of Oaxaca that day.

Background on Fong Lee

On the evening of July 22, 2006 a group of young teenagers were cruising near a park on their bikes. One of the teenagers riding his bike was 19 yr old Fong Lee. Before I continue, that description, regardless of location is probably reminiscent of the harmless activity of a lot of teenagers across the world that evening. But this is North Minneapolis and the teenagers are Hmong and through the lens of the Minneapolis Police Department this scene is suspicious.

The police officers gave chase to the teenagers assuming that the youth might be dealing drugs therefore excessive force is justified. Fong Lee is chased down into a school yard, here is where the account of events diverge, the official police documented story is that Fong Lee was carrying a gun. One of the officers giving chase, Jason Anderson, “feeling” his life and the life of his partner was in danger because a young teenager running away from him was holding a gun, shot Fong Lee a total of eight times.

Video footage suggests Fong Lee was unarmed.

Here are the details of July 22^nd which still remain unclear. For starters, no drugs were ever found on Fong Lee. The gun which Fong Lee allegedly had, never turned up Lee's fingerprints and there's further speculation that the gun found at the scene was supposed to be in the custody of Minneapolis P.D.

Regardless of what story you choose to believe, the life of Fong Lee was lost that evening at the hands of a police officer with the Minneapolis P.D.

Seeking Justice for Lorenzo Sampablo

La lucha sigue three years after the assassination of Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes and 26 other people that gave their lives up during the 2006 movement in hopes for social transformation. Amidst money bribes from the PRI government to silence the death and memory of Lorenzo Sampablo, the family members openly rejected the money and have instead launched a campaign to seek justice for Lorenzo Sampablo and the 25 other peoples who died during the movement. Along with legally filing a lawsuit, the family is reaching out to other community members in resistance. The family has participated in numerous caravans within Oaxaca and across Mexico to thread together local resistances and collectively envision strategies and analyses across sociogeographic boundaries. As Trinidad Sampablo, sister of Lorenzo, reminds us, “We are not just fighting for Lorenzo. We are fighting for all who have fallen. I would like for us to be united to seek justice…that we not forget the names of our family members that gave their life to a noble cause, a better world”.

Seeking Justice for Fong Lee

In the aftermath of the slaying of Fong Lee, the Hmong community responded by hitting the streets and protesting this egregious act. They mobilized the Hmong community as well as other communities who are very familiar with abuses from the police department.

The Lee family responded by hitting the court system. The court case revealed how badly the police department handled and investigated the case as well as a certain bias as to what evidence was acceptable and what wasn't. While Lee's alleged history and participation in gangs was allowed in the court case, Lee's killer, Officer Anderson's history of police misconduct and discriminatory actions were not.

The jury in the case was made up of all white individuals. The mainstream media's coverage of the case didn't seek to answer some of the many questions and gaping holes swirling the case. Ultimately factors like discrimination, excessive force, police brutality were not considered legitimate points of prosecution. In a system supposedly set up to achieve justice, it seems more barriers were in place to avoid accountability.

Ultimately, Officer Anderson received a Medal of Valor for his brutal act and was acquitted of all charges. So what happened to the brave police officer? He was dismissed from the police department shortly after the case wrapped up for officer misconduct.

Looking back in order to move forward

As we consider the big, inter-connected picture between Lorenzo and Fong, we are reminded that repression is global in scope and rooted in local contexts, shaped by different histories of colonialism and white supremacy. And while there is repression, there is an overwhelming feeling of resistance and hope in Oaxaca, Minneapolis, and elsewhere, where people are putting an end to the impunity of paramilitary repression and police brutality. They are reclaiming their destiny, grassroots organizing for change, and building another more dignified world.

For this year’s el día de los muertos we write this article-ofrenda and honor the lives of all those who died at the hands of injustices, including Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes and Fong Lee, two people whose spirits remain vibrantly alive in the struggle to seek justice.

Justice for Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes Campaign: http://lorenzosampablo.saltoscuanticos.org/

About the authors

Sylvia González is a xicana from Wisconsin and daughter of Mexican immigrants from Jalisco and Oaxaca. She is currently in Oaxaca reclaiming her indigenous roots/resistencia and collaborating with CASA Chapulin, a transnational solidarity organization committed to building un base desde abajo y sin fronteras.

Steven Renderos is from Los Angeles, California a son of Salvadoran immigrants. He is currently the Media Justice Organizer at Main Street Project, a grassroots cultural organizing, media justice and economic development initiative based in Minneapolis, MN.

Urban Agriculture Workshops at CASA Chapulin

Diana — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:30:44 +0000

On Thursday the October 15th we began a series of workshops on urban agriculture in CASA Chapulín facilitated by a compañero from the Siembra, Lucha, and Cosecha Collective.

By:

CASA Chapulin

On Thursday the October 15th we began a series of workshops on urban agriculture in CASA Chapulín facilitated by a compañero from the Siembra, Lucha, and Cosecha Collective. Below is a picture of participants testing the soil and compost to use for planting.

One objective of the workshops is to demonstrate in the CASA house some of the techniques to produce food in the city. The techniques can be created in small spaces, recycling our organic trash into compost and our non-organic trash into containers for plants. Another objective of the workshops is to meet and include more homes with similar ideas and invite neighbors in the city to join a network of food exchange, creating more food security and autonomy.

Summary of the first Workshops

“… in Latin America campesina agriculture has resisted the attacks from capital which for all the weapons and trade agreements it has imposed has not been able to defeat it. Many are developing proposals that seek food sovereignty as a part of a much broader struggle. Today social movements are focusing on agro-ecology which is not only a technical proposal. It is also a political one that can transcend and change. The MST (Landless Workers Movement) in Brazil has taught us that recovering land and using it to produce in a healthy way is a fundamental in improving the lives of families. In addition in the process important spaces for political participation can be created. The Zapatistas are also an example to follow. In each municipality there is a Agro-ecology commission that works to conserve native seeds, improve production for self-consumption, and to sell what they can into order to maintain the movement.

It is out of that context that urban agriculture proposals which focus on making the high percentage of the population which live in urban areas less dependent on production from agro-businesses. But focusing only urban agriculture is not sufficient. It needs to be thought of as part of a series of strategies for regional production in rural and urban areas and local trade which me must begin to organize and create…”

Objectives

The purpose of the workshop is the construction of an urban garden which can be a space for demonstration and in the process the newer participants can learn some of the basics as some of the participants with more experience share what they have learned.

To create a space in which we can reflect on the importance of producing our own food in the context of the economic crisis and social mobilization and join in the networks of production and interchange for food sovereignty and autonomy which already exist in Oaxaca.

Methodology

We propose five, two hour sessions. The first hour will be spent sharing practical techniques in the garden and the second hour will be for discussion and analysis springing from the practice and selected articles.

Program

Thursday October 15^th

Composting and Worm Composting

Thursday October 22^nd

Creating planting pots.

Seeds to plant directly into the soil.

Seeds to plant in pots.

Thursday October 29th

Creating a garden bed.

Planting directing and transplanting

Dates to plant:

Moon phases

Season and specific plants

Weather and Freezes

Distance to plant.

Thursday November 19th

Managing pests

Thursday November 26th

Diversity in the garden

The importance of diversity in the garden

The importance of flowers in the garden

General comments on plants:

Noting basic facts

Creating a planting calendar.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction: Importance of producing our own food.

Free trade agreements and Campesina agriculture

Genetically Modified Food

Pesticides: danger to the health of farmers and consumers Bio-fuels and green deserts

*Note: During the course we will define new topics for discussion according to the interests of the participants.

Honoring the life of Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes during Day of the Dead

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:47:35 +0000

By:

Sylvia Gonzalez and Mano Vuelta Cooperative

La lucha sigue three years after the assassination of Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes-husband and father of four-who was assassinated on August 22, 2006 by paramilitary troops under the orders of Governor Ulises Ruiz Ortiz. A total of 26 deaths were documented during the 2006 uprisingwhen thousands of Oaxacans came together to raise their voices against the abuses of the state government and more than 500 years of injustices.

In this interview, Trinidad Sampablo (sister) and Paul Sampablo (nephew) recollect Lorenzo Sampablo Cervantes and his decision to stand up for his values of justice and dignity when he, like thousands of others, took to the streets to reclaim the media and their destiny. They also share with us how they will celebrate el dia de los muertos (Day of the Dead) in an attempt to keep Lorenzo and the spirit of resistance alive in Oaxaca.

For more information: www.lorenzosampablo.saltoscuanticos.org

First Independent Media Film Festival in Memory of Brad Will

Diana — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:33:52 +0000

Beginning of the 27th of October and continuing through the month of November, CASA Chapulín will be participating in the First Independent Media Film Festival in honor of the life of Brad Will.

By:

libertasanticorp

It has been three years since the deaths of Pánfilo Hernández, Alejandro García Hernández, Brad Will, Esteban Zúrita, and Alfonso Fabián, all of whom were murdered in October of 2006 during the popular rebellion. Events marking the anniversary of their deaths and the continuation of popular struggle have taken place throughout the month. A march in memory of Alejandro García was held 14th of October. Then on the 18th of October, another march, this time in honor of the teacher Pánfilo Hernández, was held by Section 22 of the Teachers Union. Beginning of the 27th of October and continuing through the month of November, CASA Chapulín will be participating in the First Independent Media Film Festival in honor of the life of Brad Will. The festival is happening simultaneously in Oaxaca , Mexico City, New York , and other cities across the world. Here in Oaxaca , CASA Chapulín will be showing three films: La Ley de Semillas on the 5th of November, Cosecha Amarga on the 12th of November, and Las Mujeres Zapatistas on the 25th of November. Each film will begin at 6pm on the scheduled date. Here you can read more about the festival. http://libertasanticorp.blogspot.com/

A Victory for Oaxaca? The Supreme Court of Mexico judges Ulises Ruiz to be responsable for the violation of “citizen´s individual rights” in 2006.

Diana — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:21:12 +0000

After an investigation that lasted a year and a half the Supreme Court announced that it had found Ulises Ruiz Otriz to be responsable of the violation of individual rights during the social conflict that exploded in 2006. Surprisingly the court went against the advice of one of its own judges, Mariana Azuela, who had made a recommendation that the court excuse Ruiz just two days before. The judges refused to lay blame on Vicente Fox, president during 2006, nor Felipe Calderon, the current President, for any of the violations of human rights. At first glance the finding appears to be a victory for the poeple of Oaxaca, but upon reading it more in depth things are not so clear. The justices decided only that URO did not fulfill his obligation to maintain public order and that his omission led to general disorder in the capital city and adjacent areas, essentially blaming Ruiz for not cracking down soon enough.

By:

Nancy Davis by Narco News

Supreme Court Overrides Justice Mariano Azuela´s Opinion Ulises Ruiz Ortiz Judged Responsible for Violation of Rights in Oaxaca 2006-2007: No Penalties Need Apply By Nancy Davies Commentary from Oaxaca October 16, 2009 With an historic 7-4 vote the Supreme Court of Mexico this week held responsible Governor Ulises Ruiz (URO) of Oaxaca for violations of human rights. Rejecting the opinion of Justice Mariano Azuela, the Court, for only the second time, blames a sitting governor for violating citizen’s individual rights. The one previous condemnation followed a massacre of seventeen campesinos in Guerrero in 1995. The governor later resigned. The present ruling justifies the claims of violations of many civil society organizations, the APPO (Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca), and Section 22 of SNTE (National Education Workers Union). The teachers union now hold symbolic leadership of the struggle for social justice in Oaxaca. The PAN-PRD-PT- Convergencia political alliance to oust the PRI in 2010 leaped into the moment of glory. Convergencia Party paid for a full-page ad in Noticias on October 15 to advise URO to resign for the sake of dignity. Ahem! The president of the Justice Commission of the Chamber of Deputies demanded that the PRD and the PAN not lynch the governor of Oaxaca, but since the PRI holds the majority in the state legislature, I assume that was rhetorical. The state government of Oaxaca (now, who could that be?) assured the public it would be “attentive to the conclusion”. Investigate itself for criminal acts? The PAN deputy Javier Corral Jurado urged that the Federal Attorney General respond to the judgment, and “place suitable penal and administrative responsibility.” And there’s the rub. The Court’s decision carries no penalties other than political fall-out, and pressure. However, the PRI leader Beatriz Paredes, declares her support for Ulises Ruiz. As is my custom I went down to the zócalo to see the crowds. No crowds. I saw only a petition table staffed by the PRD for citizens to object to the new federal sales tax. I was looking for placards painted “Ya Cayó!” and maybe even some dancing in the Alameda. Nothing. My guess is that after the initial announcement by Mariano Azuela, activists fell silent, despite teachers and APPO being photographed battling police in Mexico City outside the Supreme Court building. It felt like everyone is holding their breath. Or maybe the victory is worthless. The Court members, whose reasons for objecting to the opinion of Azuela varied widely, did not include a condemnation of former president Vicente Fox (of the PAN, which is also Calderon’s party) and officials of Fox’s cabinet. Nor did they assign blame to Jorge Franco Vargas, “El Chucky”, who acted as Oaxaca’s Secretary of Government during the repression, or to the state attorney general Lizbeth Cano. Today the opposition politicos are howling for their heads to roll. The justices decided only that URO did not fulfill his obligation to maintain public order and that his omission led to general disorder in the capital city and adjacent areas. In a session in which some of the justices changed their prior positions, the court rejected by a vote of eight to three the proposal to include Vicente Fox; Eduardo Medina Mora, ex-secretary of Federal Public Security; and Carlos Abascal, who was then Secretary of Government, as guilty of permitting a lack of governability in the state which allowed violations of fundamental rights. The investigation solicited in 2006 by the Chamber of Deputies lasted a year and a half, and was ultimately resolved in two days of discussion. The decision jumbles the blame, especially for not sending federal troops into Oaxaca sooner in prompt response to the petition of URO and the state legislature to bolster local police forces. The Supreme Court did agree that a general violation of rights took place, finding guilty some commanders of the state police: director general of Public Security José Manuel Vera Salinas, director of Ministerial Police naval lieutenant José Moreno Rivas, and director of Auxiliary Police Joaquín Darío Berges. They also held responsible local and federal troops for using excessive force. The contradiction about “governability”— APPO and Section 22 pleaded for a declaration of non-governability, which the justices now lament — was recognized in the context of URO failing to crack down soon enough against the social movement. The Court also exonerated General Héctor Sánchez Gutiérrez, ex-coordinator of the Federal Assistance Forces, and Ardelio Vargas Fosado, ex-chief of the Federal Preventive Police (PFP), now a federal deputy. Furthermore, the president of the Court, Guillermo Ortiz Mayagoitia, reproached URO for trying to transfer his state problems to the federal authorities. Justice Silva Meza alone argued that violations of rights continued after the inauguration of Calderon. Silva, clearly in the minority, was successful only in adding “the right to information” to the list of violated guarantees. According to Justice Silva, the events in Oaxaca will blacken the history pages of Mexico. He accused Daniel Cabeza de Vaca, then Attorney General of Mexico, of having lied in his report regarding the repression by denying that federal agents participated in three warrant-less raids. He also censured the Army for refusing to release names of the soldiers who participated in operations headed by the PFP, when hundreds of Oaxacans were brutalized and arrested. Silva unsuccessfully called on his co-justices to uphold the rights of victims to reparation, and to act against the public servants who had violated personal rights. He added another unsuccessful demand: the right to the truth, “understood as a mechanism of reparation of human rights, as a way to prevent repetition.” He also pointed out that those in charge during the Atenco assault were the same Executive, the same Secretary of Government, the same head of Federal Public Security, the same Attorney General. The resolution placing responsibility on Ruiz was approved by Justices Guillermo I. Ortiz Mayagoitia, Juan N. Silva Meza, José Ramón Cossío, Fernando Franco, Genaro Góngora, José de Jesús Gudiño Pelayo and Olga Sánchez Cordero. In its final form it will be sent to the President of Mexico, the Congress, the governors, the attorneys general (including the federal Attorney General) and to the heads of federal, state and municipal Public Security forces. This court decision comes as a boon to the anti-PRI political alliance for 2010. We await what benefits it might bring to the local struggle.

AI action: justice for Brad Will and Juan Manuel Martinez‏

Diana — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:54:38 +0000

Brad Will was killed in Oaxaca 3 years ago. Official investigations into his death have still not established any truth or justice for what happened. Meanwhile Juan Manuel Martinez has been jailed for over a year on the basis of flawed evidence and he appears to have been used as a scapegoat by the Mexican authorities.

By:

Amnisty International

AI action: justice for Brad Will and Juan Manuel Martinez‏ Dear friends, please find below a link to a web action on behalf of Brad Will and Juan Manuel Martinez: http://www.amnesty.org/en/appeals-for-action/demand-justice-killing-journalist-mexico The action is also currently on the main page of www.amnesty.org Brad Will was killed in Oaxaca 3 years ago. Official investigations into his death have still not established any truth or justice for what happened. Meanwhile Juan Manuel Martinez has been jailed for over a year on the basis of flawed evidence and he appears to have been used as a scapegoat by the Mexican authorities. If you would like to participate in this action, please click on the link and send an appeal, spread the news or adapt the text for your audiences - the text of the action includes a model letter to the Federal Attorney General. The Spanish and French versions will be available tomorrow. Many thanks for participating in this action! Lisa Equipo de México Amnistía Internacional Secretariado Internacional Mexico team Amnesty International International Secretariat 1 Easton Street London WC1X 0DW United Kingdom E-mail: mexteam@amnesty.org Tel: +44 (0)20 7413 5704/05/06 Fax: +44 (0)20 7956 1157

State Criminals in the Dock - Universal Protest on the Day of the Dead

Diana — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:49:22 +0000

Let us call together for the reopening of the investigation of the Acteal’s massacre case as a State crime, and let us honour the victims on the Mexican Day of the Dead. Join those individuals and groups who care in the place you live in, in order to organize a vigil for the night of November the 1st, 2009, followed by a demonstration, sit-in or any other peaceful act the following day (the Mexican Day of the Dead).

By:

Anonymous

State Criminals in the Dock Universal Protest on the Day of the Dead Let us call together for the reopening of the investigation of the Acteal’s massacre case as a State crime, and let us honour the victims on the Mexican Day of the Dead. Join those individuals and groups who care in the place you live in, in order to organize a vigil for the night of November the 1st, 2009, followed by a demonstration, sit-in or any other peaceful act the following day (the Mexican Day of the Dead). It doesn’t matter in which country you live: those actions taking place in Mexico will be joined by those organized in the Mexican Embassies in other countries, so that we complete a full day’s global call for justice. Remember that this must be a peaceful and dignified act, honouring the spirit with which the community of Las Abejas has fought for justice throughout all these years. Surf the pages in this site in order to get more information and coordinate the diverse actions. Our demand: Outraged and worried because of the recent liberation of 20 of the prisoners accused as perpetrators of the Acteal massacre, and because of the likely release of more prisoners, we have been following the events and we corroborate that the indignation is shared by many, in Mexico and abroad. Therefore, we believe this is a favourable political moment to claim for justice yet once again, with an ever louder voice demanding, concretely, the reopening of the investigation of the case, as well as punishment for the masterminds. Either we avail ourselves of this moment’s opportunity, or we will run the risk of Acteal remaining forever unpunished, and of its being followed by similar atrocities. The present climate of harassment in the region, including the serious threats and attacks against members of the Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Human Rights Centre, as well as the likely release of other 37 paramilitaries on October 14, is an indication that this is a very real threat. We therefore sum our voice to the Las Abejas community’s demand for the massacre to be cleared up, as well as the Government’s responsibility in it, punishment for the direct perpetrators and trial for the masterminds, and the reopening of the investigation of the case considered as what it is: a State crime. We are claiming thus for an independent and impartial investigation involving the pertinent international organizations. We support as well the request of an audience with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights so that it takes the Acteal case on. (Foto de Carlos Fazio, La Jornada) more info: http://actealjusticiaymemoria.wordpress.com/

Indigenous Rights Speaker in Long Island

Diana — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:55:08 +0000

Ana Maria Garcia Arreola, an indigenous rights activist from Oaxaca, Mexico will be speaking at five Long Island venues next week. This tour is organized by Witness for Peace and the Hagedorn Foundation, in partnership with the many local organizations that are hosting Ana Maria all over Long Island. Below is the tour schedule.

By:

Witness for peace

1) Panel: “The Immigrant Experience Today,” sponsored/hosted by Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare, Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Student Activities Center Auditorium, Stony Brook University. Panelists are Ana María García Arreola, indigenous rights activist from Oaxaca, Mexico, “Why We Migrate: Stories of Mexico’s Displaced, “ Heidi Beirich, Southern Poverty Law Center, “Climate of Fear: Latino Immigrants in Suffolk County, NY,” and Jaya Vasandani, Cardozo Law School Immigration Justice Clinic, “Constitution on ICE: A Report on Immigration Home Raid Operations.”

2) Ana María García Arreola, indigenous rights activist from Oaxaca, Mexico: “Why We Migrate: Stories of Mexico’s Displaced,” sponsored/hosted by Adelphi University’s Center for Social Innovation, Tuesday, October 27, 3-4:30 p.m., Adelphi University Campbell Lounge, Center for Recreation and Sport.

3) Ana María García Arreola, indigenous rights activist from Oaxaca, Mexico: “Why We Migrate: Stories of Mexico’s Displaced,” sponsored/hosted by Long Island Teachers for Human Rights, Jobs with Justice-Long Island, and Long Island Wins, Wednesday, October 28, 3:30-5 p.m, Greenhouse in basement of Student Center, Hofstra University.

4) Ana María García Arreola, indigenous rights activist from Oaxaca, Mexico: “Why We Migrate: Stories of Mexico’s Displaced,” sponsored/hosted by Shinnecock Tribal Council, OLA of Eastern Long Island, and Eastern Long Island NAACP, Wednesday, October 28, 7-9 p.m. p.m., Southampton High School Auditorium, 141 Narrow Lane, Southampton.

5) Ana María García Arreola, indigenous rights activist from Oaxaca, Mexico: “Why We Migrate: Stories of Mexico’s Displaced,” sponsored/hosted by the Social Justice Committee—Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock and Reach Out America, Friday, October 30, 7:30 p.m., Social Hall, UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, 48 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset.

Enough is Enough Lou Dobbs!

Diana — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:43:15 +0000

Lou Dobbs uses his platform on CNN to spread myths and misinformation about Latinos and immigrants, even as his network is wooing Latino viewers. It’s time we said enough. Ya basta! Join us in calling on CNN to get rid of Dobbs!

By:

Steven Renderos | Main Street Project

I’ve talked to a lot of people in my community that have never heard of Lou Dobbs in their lives. The truth is that he’s someone who with his words has affected many of us.

Lou Dobbs is a news anchor on the cable channel CNN and throughout his career he has caused a lot of controversy with his opinions on immigration. It’s no secret that Lou Dobbs has little compassion for immigrants in the United States.

He has been one of the loudest voices against just changes to the system of immigration and has utilized his program on CNN to disseminate false and offensive information against Latinos. He’s constantly used the phrase “illegal criminal alien” when referring to undocumented immigrants.

CNN, the channel where Dobbs works, is starting a new series titled “Latino in America” in which they explore the Latino community in the United States through its culture and contributions.

Maybe I’m confused but…

…on the one hand CNN is fine with Dobbs insulting our community and allowing him to spread false information on his program…then on the other hand they want to demonstrate how we’re a hard-working and positive force in our country.

I understand that there’s multiple sides to a debate, but the type of reporting that Dobbs does is completely offensive and doesn’t deserve to be included in CNN’s coverage, the station that prides itself on being the “most trusted source in news.” News should be based on facts and the truth, but Dobbs has repeatedly been exposed for his lies.

Presente.org, an organization based in California, is starting a campaign called “Basta Dobbs” to respectfully ask CNN to stop allowing Lou Dobbs continue with his daily attacks against the Latino community. Organizations across the country and internationally have answered the call to action. More than 50,000 people have joined a petition asking CNN president John Klein to remove Dobbs from his station.

Wednesday October 21st was the national day of action where our Latino community organized meetings throughout the country to talk about the damage that Lou Dobbs is doing through his irresponsibility and to let our media outlets know that voices like Lou Dobbs shouldn’t be part of the dialogue on immigration.

I became part of this campaign because I believe that we all deserve a democracy in this country that recognizes the humanity and dignity of all. Voices like Dobbs only cause hate and false ideas when we desperately need a real dialoge on immigration.

Do your part, participate in the Basta Dobbs campaign. You can do so by visiting: www.BastaDobbs.com or by texting “BASTA” to 3-0-6-4-4.

Photo: Twin Cities media organizers say "Ya basta Dobbs!"

Source: http://justice2point0.wordpress.com/