Original article is at http://arizona.indymedia.org/news/2007/08/64375.php Print comments.
PAC holds Oaxaca solidarity action on Sat Aug 4th
by Mahatma
Monday, Aug. 06, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Mahatmahemry@hotmail.com
A call to action in support of the people's struggle in Oaxaca was broadcast and some amazing people converged in a show of solidarity at the Mexican consulate in Phoenix.
A dozen determined people converged on the Mexican Consulate on Saturday, Aug 4th, 2007. Banners which read, "Oaxaca Vive, La lucha sigue! and Alto! Impunidad y violencia en Oaxaca!" demanded action in response to the death of a civilian during a parade held a month ago. A call to action was made: The Phoenix Anarchist Coalition is holding a protest at the Mexican consulate in west Phoenix to push for our demands of the Mexican government on behalf of those struggling for liberty in the face of tyranny and death. Our first demand is that the Oaxacan political prisoners be released immediately, all 62 Oaxacans kidnapped, arrested, or disappeared during the July 16 Guelaguetza festival that was attacked by police. Our second demand is that the governments of the state of Oaxaca, and the Mexican federal stop their repression of social and political movements seeking justice and freedom for the poor, especially in the harassment, political persecution, and
physical attacks used by state forces in an attempt to scare participants away from the movement.
We declare solidarity with the teachers in Oaxaca, whose fight ignited the social struggle!
We declare solidarity with the participants of the struggle in Oaxaca who are fighting for freedom for the poor!
The Phoenix Anarchist Coalition demanded the immediate release of more than twenty people who have been missing since July 16th. Reports from inside the city of Oaxaca say the missing people appear to have been kidnapped by the state police and are most likely being tortured. Read more en espanol.
None of this oppression unfortunately, though not any different than any other day, is being covered in the English press so the action also help raise awareness to the people's struggle in Oaxaca.
Some people driving by on Camelback between 19th Ave and I-17 saw signs of Oaxacan solidarity and honked horns yelled "Mexico Vive" and squealed tires in response to the demonstration.
An independent reporter did an audio interview of several in the group for her portfolio. Her companion took pictures of those being interviewed and they plan to post the audio and pics to AZIndymedia.
The action lasted 3 hours with several people traveling to and fro by bus. One person who saw the demo, parked and held a sign. He said his aunt was from Oaxaca.
Overall the response was positive to the action. Although, it was too bad the consulate was closed on Saturday.