London: PROTEST AGAINST RECENT REPRESSION IN ZAPATISTA COMMUNITIES

UK Chiapas Demonstration - Monday 10th December
2007 (1pm)

16 St. George Street
Hanover Sq.
London
W1S 1LX
PROTEST AGAINST RECENT REPRESSION IN ZAPATISTA
COMMUNITIES – OCTOBER 2007

The increase in militarisation and civil repression
throughout Mexico since Felipe Calderon became
president last year is reflected in Chiapas under new
state governor Juan Sabines, where the federal
government strategy to promote conflicts over land is
fully supported by the state government. In Mexico as
a whole many people believe a new ‘dirty war’ is under
way with detentions and disappearances, while in
Chiapas acts of violence, intimidation and aggression
towards indigenous Zapatista support base communities
have become a daily occurrence.

In September 2007 the EZLN 6th Commission took the
difficult decision to suspend the second phase of the
Other Campaign which was to visit the South and
Central parts of the country, and instead to undertake
civil and peaceful actions in defence of the Zapatista
communities. Their communiqué says:

"At this time, the state government of Chiapas and the
federal government are waging a campaign against the
Zapatista communities. ‘Official’ evictions,
paramilitary attacks, invasions sponsored by
officials, persecutions and threats, have become once
again part of the surroundings of the indigenous
communities who have set upon constructing their own
destiny and improving their living conditions, always
without losing their indigenous identity.....
Just like in the worst times .... the government is
attacking the poor and needy, while catering to and
benefiting the powerful. ....
In contrast to other
occasions, these aggressions have been met by the
silence of those voices that before rose to protest
and demand justice. ........ We will
do what we have to do, resist."