Feature Archives
On October 15th, 300+ police - in many cases armed - raided houses throughout New Zealand making 17 arrests. The arrestees are all activists in the Tino Rangatiratanga (Maori self-determination), peace, and environmental movements. They have initially been multiply charged with various offenses under the Arms Act, relating to alleged past possession of various firearms and ammunition; however, police are considering charges under the 2002 Suppression of Terrorism Act.
October 6–13 is an international week of solidarity to demand that "terrorism" charges against Salvadoran water privatization protesters be dropped. The corporate takeover of the world's water, often aided by repressive US-trained police forces, has been called "the greatest theft of common resources facing humanity and the planet today."
Sat Oct 6 2007
Burmese Community Protests Outside of Chinese Consulate
Hundreds of Burmese activists and supporters protested outside of the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco Friday October 5th, to confront the government's support of military oppression in Myanmar. Nyunt Than, President of Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA) said the Chinese government should use its influence to stop the killings in Burma. The French government and France's largest company, Total, are also struggling to contain growing criticism of the oil company's record in Burma.
Thu Aug 16 2007
Hundreds Die In Sectarian Bombings
On Wednesday August 15th, 4 car bombs killed up to 500 people and wounded many more in two Northern Iraqi Yazidi villages. As sectarian violence increases across the country, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has announced a new ruling coalition that contains no Sunni representation.
Mon Aug 13 2007 (Updated 08/14/07)
Overnight Vigil At Philippine Consulate After 3 GABNet Members Are Detained
Update:
8:58 am Tuesday: a friend of the women writes: "all three of them are on a plane to the US right now - hurray!"
On Monday, August 13th, GABRIELA Network USA (GABNet) held a US-wide vigil in front of Philippine Consular Offices to demand the immediate removal of 3 of its leaders from the Philippine Department of Justice's "hold" list and that they be allowed to return home to the US at once. The San Francisco protest took place at 4pm at the Philippine Consulate located at 447 Sutter St.
A report from a friend of one of the women being held, reported Tuesday morning that they have now been released and "all three of them are on a plane to the US".
Mon Aug 6 2007 (Updated 08/07/07)
PRI wins in Oaxacan elections as almost 80% abstain from voting
During the night of August 5th at approximately 10 pm, while the votes were being counted that confirmed an Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) sweep of the state legislative elections, five people were taken off the streets of the Zocalo in Oaxaca City by police. Almost 80% of the Oaxacan population abstained from voting, which came as a disappointment for the APPO’s “punishment vote” campaign against the PRI. Police presence continues to be extremely heavy in the streets of Oaxaca City.
Sat Aug 4 2007 (Updated 08/06/07)
Oaxaca Braces for Elections
On August 5, Oaxacans participated in the state legislative elections. The elections occurred days after a series of bombings throughout Mexico claimed by the Popular Revolutionary Army (EPR). Many fear widespread fraud similar to what brought Ulises Ruiz to power, while some question the legitimacy of the EPR and worry that their actions will be used as a justification for repression.
International:
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