Publish to Newswire
Add an EventFrom the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Oaxacans Succesfully Boycott and Protest Government Guelaguetza Despite Repression
Ruiz's protested government is forced to pay state workers to fill Guelaguetza auditorium; tens of thousands march in Oaxaca City despite recent repression
Today, on the 30th of July tens of thousands of people from the APPO(Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca) and the 22 section of the teacher’s union along with sympathizers participated in a protest against and demand a popular boycott of the official Guelaguetza festival. This festival has been the subject of conflict since the uprising in Oaxaca began last year. The Guelaguetza is a dance and cultural festival meant to reflect the traditions of the diverse indigenous population in the state of Oaxaca. However, the government of Ulises Ruiz, the governor ousted by popular demand but who refuses to step down, co-opted the festival as a tourist attraction heavily sponsored by multi-national corporations.
The protest, which began from the outskirts of the city, circled around Cerro de Fortin, where the government of Ulises Ruiz held the official Guelaguetza, although the state government had to pay state workers and others in order to fill the Guelaguetza stadium in face of the successful boycott.
The APPO had planned to block the official Guelaguetza but in face of repression two weeks ago decided to march instead.
On Monday, July 16th, 2007, the APPO realized a popular Guelaguetza in the Zocalo in protest of the government Guelaguetza. That day the APPO also went in a march of 10, 000 people to the site of the official Guelaguetza, the auditorium in the Cerro Fortin to protest the use of the auditorium for non-popular purposes. The march was immediatly attacked by state and federal police, resulting in one participant in a coma, an unconfirmed death, several disappearances, over 60 people arrested who later reported torture and sexual abuse inside the jails, and dozens of injuries.
Last year the Guelaguetza auditorium was attacked by the APPO and the Guelaguetza stage was burned.
Tensions remain high in Oaxaca with the upcoming state elections on August 5th, where many people fear the PRI party of Ulises Ruiz will commit fraud in order to secure power over the PRD party.
Activists in Oaxaca remain under the threat of selective repression, some reporting being chased through the streets by unmarked pickup trucks.
The protest, which began from the outskirts of the city, circled around Cerro de Fortin, where the government of Ulises Ruiz held the official Guelaguetza, although the state government had to pay state workers and others in order to fill the Guelaguetza stadium in face of the successful boycott.
The APPO had planned to block the official Guelaguetza but in face of repression two weeks ago decided to march instead.
On Monday, July 16th, 2007, the APPO realized a popular Guelaguetza in the Zocalo in protest of the government Guelaguetza. That day the APPO also went in a march of 10, 000 people to the site of the official Guelaguetza, the auditorium in the Cerro Fortin to protest the use of the auditorium for non-popular purposes. The march was immediatly attacked by state and federal police, resulting in one participant in a coma, an unconfirmed death, several disappearances, over 60 people arrested who later reported torture and sexual abuse inside the jails, and dozens of injuries.
Last year the Guelaguetza auditorium was attacked by the APPO and the Guelaguetza stage was burned.
Tensions remain high in Oaxaca with the upcoming state elections on August 5th, where many people fear the PRI party of Ulises Ruiz will commit fraud in order to secure power over the PRD party.
Activists in Oaxaca remain under the threat of selective repression, some reporting being chased through the streets by unmarked pickup trucks.
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
It is interesting to note that some of the facts of your "reporting" are in question. First off, the second Guelaguetza opening, on July 30, was in fact free of charge for anyone who wanted to attend. While there were widespread rumors that the first show, the prior week, was in fact attended by many state and local workers, that was not the case on the 30th. It is true that people from the city of Oaxaca stayed away, but many others from outlying regions were bussed in, Courtesy of Gov. Ulises, and saw the show for free, many for the first time. It should also be noted that whatever the size of the protest on July 30th, it was not disruptive, and most Oaxacans I came in contact with were not even aware of it. At best, it was a small regionalized protest, not the major citywide disruption like your article implies.
I know that many people are supporting APPO for the work with the Section 22 teachers, and that is admirable, but reality begs a few questions. How is discouraging tourism, the number one industry in the state, benifitting the local people? The majority of people I come in contact with are sick and tired of both URO and his refusal to leave, and APPO and their destruction of their once beautiful city. That was true last year, and it is true this year. Both sides in this affair have forgotten the regular everyday Oaxacan in their zeal to speak for the "masses."
The continuous protests, graffitti, (evident in your photos) fear of violence, and general intimidation have cost the state, and by extension, many indiginous workers the ability to make a living. If a Zapotec family makes their living weaving rugs and they cannot sell those rugs, how are they to survive? How do they buy the food they need to feed their children?
I have yet to see a plan from APPO to deal with this reality. It is true that URO has been a horrible governor and should resign. But for APPO to criticize and act as though they are not part of the problem and have no responsibility for the solution is just wrong.
I would love to see your organization do some investigative reporting on APPO occasionally.
I know that many people are supporting APPO for the work with the Section 22 teachers, and that is admirable, but reality begs a few questions. How is discouraging tourism, the number one industry in the state, benifitting the local people? The majority of people I come in contact with are sick and tired of both URO and his refusal to leave, and APPO and their destruction of their once beautiful city. That was true last year, and it is true this year. Both sides in this affair have forgotten the regular everyday Oaxacan in their zeal to speak for the "masses."
The continuous protests, graffitti, (evident in your photos) fear of violence, and general intimidation have cost the state, and by extension, many indiginous workers the ability to make a living. If a Zapotec family makes their living weaving rugs and they cannot sell those rugs, how are they to survive? How do they buy the food they need to feed their children?
I have yet to see a plan from APPO to deal with this reality. It is true that URO has been a horrible governor and should resign. But for APPO to criticize and act as though they are not part of the problem and have no responsibility for the solution is just wrong.
I would love to see your organization do some investigative reporting on APPO occasionally.
For more information:
http://www.adventurenotes.blogspot.com
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Donate
$225.00 donated
in the past month
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network