by Mario A. Murillo, Colombia Journal, 15 October 2008
More than 12,000 indigenous activists and representatives of other popular and social sectors of southern Colombia have congregated in the “Territory of Peace and Coexistence” in La Maria Piendamó in Cauca and are confronting a massive presence of state security forces who have been ordered to dislodge them. The popular mobilization began on October 12, and was called to protest the militarization of their territories, the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, and the failure of the government of President Alvaro Uribe to fulfill various accords with the indigenous communities relating to land, education and health. In initial clashes, more than 50 indigenous were injured and one killed.
American Friends Service Committee: Warning of an Imminent Massacre Colombian’s Call for International Support!
Photo: ACIN
Violent and repressive tactics are being used against thousands of Indigenous people who are participating in a national mobilization to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis they face.
In Cauca where the most severe violence is occurring 35 people were wounded on October 14, 2008 when the Colombian military and anti-riot police shot indiscriminately into a crowd of 12,000 who were blockading a road.
Our e-mail boxes are flooded with requests for action and support. You can help by urging the U.S. Department of State and congress to take action.
You must be logged in to post a comment.