Feature Archives

Despite continuing police repression, mass demonstrations occupied the city center in Buenos Aires and towns across Argentina in response to the killing of two protesters. Even President Duhalde condemned the butchery, calling it a "ferocious hunting party"; apparently seeking to escape a backlash - after taking a hardline against the protests - he imprisoned the police officers deemed responsible. 6/26: While armed battalions protect the G8 dictators, two protesters have been murdered in Argentina. Protesters attempted to blockade highways in an on-going battle against neoliberal tyranny. On-going updates from this urgent situation can be found at Argentina IMC. Violent protests also erupted in Guatemala this week.

More than 13 supermarkets were looted in poor neighborhoods of Montevideo today to the shouts of "we are hungry." Riot police were dispersed throughout the city, shooting rubber bullets at people as they tried to get food. The Minister of the Interior has called for "people to remain peaceful," but to whom does he speak? The families of children who eat grass in the schoolyard? Uruguay's crisis exploded this week when the government ordered all banks to remain closed, preventing people from getting whatever money they have saved. Fears of "another Argentina" are sending tremors through Uruguay, as the people prepare to enter another phase of their long battle against neoliberalism. More details at Uruguay IMC

Mexico: The standoff between farmers and police has ended for the time being, as hostages were released by both sides. The farmers rebelled against the government's plans to build an airport on their land, barricading freeways, burning cars, hijacking Coca-Cola trucks, and fighting pitched battles with the Mexican police. First-hand account | Kazm.net | Argentina IMC | Mexico IMC

Paraguay: Two demonstrators were killed, scores injured, and hundreds arrested as as Paraguayans have risen up against the neoliberal economic policies that have impoverished over 60% of the country. A state of emergency was declared and then lifted, but tensions remain high, as the president accused his political opponents of fomenting revolt. True or not, what is clear is that the people of Paraguay still are fed up with the crumbs thrown to them by the ruling class. Audio desde Argentina(es)

Argentina: With a government more interested in capitulating to the IMF's draconian demands, the Argentina population continues to demand true economic and political justice. On 7/18 demonstrators converged on the Plaza de Mayo to continue calls for the removal of President Duhalde and his corrupt government. Collapsing Models: Argentina | Full details at Argentina IMC

Bolivia: Next month the presidency will be decided between socialist candidate Evo Morales and the cookie-cutter, US-backed candidate, ex-president Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada. Bolivia IMC

Buenos Aires 10/26: Greenpeace Argentina demonstrated at the doors of the National Congress to repudiate a treaty that would allow the entrance of nuclear waste into the country. Shortly after the protest began, police began repressing the protests and arrested 30 activists. In a brutal attack, the police chased down, beat, and shot with rubber bullets protesters that had gathered outside the police station. 2 members of Indymedia Argentina and 1 member of Indymedia Italia were hurt in the attack. Full Story | Support Indymedia Argentina

One year after the people of Argentina taught international capital a serious lesson, events which began with a series of governmental collapses is growing into a formidable social movement. Factories are being occupied and taken over by workers, large organizations of the unemployed are marching to Buenos Aires from all over the country, neighborhood assemblies continue to become more cohesive, and global capitalism once again shows its fear of people who take control of their own destiny.

Summary of Events for D19-D20 | Friday Protest in San Francisco Details Pictures | Argentina IMC | Argentina IMC in English

After carrying out a two-week "national strike," or lock-out, and despite a helping hand from Associated Press and other media agencies, the Venezuelan elite has so far failed to force populist President Chavez to resign. In implementing reforms which benefit primarily the poor, Chavez has inspired well-funded opposition by oil barons and other business leaders, union bureaucrats and portions of the military, with the complicity of corporate media. Thousands of Venezuela's poor have rushed into the streets to prevent the "coup of the rich."

The Organization of American States has voted overwhelmingly to reject any future coup attempt in Venezuela or alteration of that nation's constitution. US religious and labor organizations and some members of Congress have asked President Bush, who had previously called for unconstitutional "early elections," to support democracy by opposing any move to oust Chavez by force. In San Francisco on 12/18, around 50 protesters gathered at noon at the Venezuelan consulate to show support for Chavez and the Venezuelan democratic process. Photos Read more: 1 2 3

1/12: San Juan, Puerto Rico - More than three thousand people marched, lead by a contingent from Vieques that had started marching on the previous day from Fajardo. People marching on San Juan Island waved flags and chanted "Peace for Vieques." While the recent news seems to confirm the rumors that the Navy has decided to depart from Vieques by May 2003, this is not seen as a complete victory for Vieques residents and activists. There is much doubt that the Navy will clean up the area, leaving an environmental disaster filled with toxic contaminants.