Due to lack of coverage by the mainstream media, we need to bring to you the story of severe state repression in the state of Oaxaca. This is an area of Mexico, Central America, whose people have struggled for centuries against poverty and colonial oppression. Although the colonial rulers were thrown out, indigenous peoples and settlers are still struggling for autonomy against modern state power and big business who are encouraged to take land and resources because of free trade agreements with the USA. Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico and a large cross-section of the local people are fighting for better pay.

Since a teachers’ strike begin in May 2006 which closed all the schools, there is an ongoing social rebellion in Oaxaca that is especially directed at the corruption of the state Governor. The central Mexican government responded to protests in October by sending in thousands of Federal military police (the PFP), who have attacked the local radio station inside the university in an attempt to silence the voice of the people. Since the middle of the year, many people have been beaten up or killed by the police. Right-wing thugs and plain-clothes police with small arms are also shooting, kidnapping and ‘disappearing’ those involved in the popular uprising. Brave people have fought back against these attacks with their hands and bodies, and sometimes homemade weapons. Amongst those killed, missing or injured are indigenous activists, nurses, teachers, janitors, construction workers, mechanics, students, children, other local residents, plus independent journalists and observers.

We know we can only do little when we are so far away in Britain. Our intentions are to highlight an example of severe state repression, but one which has resulted in an inspiring defence by local people. We have experienced first-hand the brutality of riot police in Britain and police powers are increasing even further though new laws, and we will oppose them here. We offer our message of solidarity along with those who have organised protests in Mexico, South America, USA, Britain and elsewhere in the world. We do know that international solidarity has been vital to the struggle of the Zapatistas in the neighbouring state of Chiapas who have been struggling against Mexican forces for years. In Nottingham we intend to organise a film or slideshow event at the Sumac Centre in Forest Fields, and we would very much like to link up with any Mexican people (such as the Mexican students society) who have been inspired or worried by this struggle.

Initiated by Nottingham anarchists and Indymedia activists, November 2006.

Links: The Sumac Centre:  http://www.sumac.org.uk
Notts Indymedia:  http://notts.indymedia.org.uk
Oaxaca Uprising:
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2006/oaxaca/