Violence Against Strikers in Oaxaca, Mexico Triggers Solidarity Actions

Report produced by Melinda Tuhus

Deadly violence in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, claimed a half a-dozen lives over the weekend, as paramilitaries connected to government forces began an assault to retake the city's central plaza, the Zocalo, from striking teachers and their supporters, who had been peacefully occupying the plaza since May. Teachers were demanding a wage increase and financial support for their student's books and meals. Oaxaca is Mexico's second poorest state and the state with the largest indigenous population.

Protesters in Oaxaca asked that their supporters rally in front of Mexican consulates around the world to demand the ouster of Oaxaca's governor, Ulises Ruiz, whom they accuse of corruption and of fomenting the violence. They also demanded the removal of all armed forces acting on behalf of the government, and that those responsible for the killings be prosecuted.

Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus attended a rally of more than 200 people in front of the Mexican consulate in Manhattan on Oct. 30. Many of those who participated were friends of Brad Will, the 36-year-old independent journalist from New York City who was killed on Oct. 27 while documenting the struggle of the teachers and their supporters. The coalition of activists is named APPO., the Spanish acronym for the Popular Assembly of the Oaxacan People.

Melinda Tuhus interviewed Alex Vitale, an officer in the union representing 20,000 faculty and staff professionals at the City University of New York, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers. He explains how his union developed solidarity with the striking teachers in Oaxaca.

Tuhus also spoke with Joan Roney, a close friend of Brad Will. She and another woman had locked themselves to the front door of the consulate, preventing people from entering or leaving. Police later sawed through the chain and arrested both women.

For more information on the developing situation in Oaxaca and solidarity actions around the world, visit www.indymedia.org or www.narconews.com

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