Update on Guadalajara

CALL TO ACTION:
In Guadalajara, Mexico, violent repression and torture is occurring during
protests of the meeting of Latin America and the Caribbean and the European
Union May 26-29th. Activists are protesting the meetings of an exclusive
group of heads of state who do not represent needs of their communities, who
are signing agreements that will increase poverty and exploit resources and
labor.

Police harassment and brutality has been rampant during the protests. On
May 27, after a camp where out-of-town protesters were staying, was
surrounded by police and no one was allowed to enter or exit for five hours.
The following day, Friday, May 28th, serious confrontation broke out
during the main march of the conference. The police unnecessarily attacked
protesters with tear gas, pepper spray and physical aggression. After
standing their ground for over an hour, protesters were forced to flee the
area. The majority of arrests were made after the confrontation had ended,
as protesters attempted to reach a safe place.

Over 100 activists and bystanders have disappeared. Protesters are being
held in 5 different jails and 2 different hospitals and the authorities have
refused to release their names . Witnesses in the jails have reported
torture inside the jail. Women have been forced to strip naked, and men
have been brutally beaten while handcuffed on the ground. Nine of the
people being held are foreigners, one of them severely injured. Her physical
condition is unknown and no visitors, including lawyers, have been allowed
to visit any detainees.

Authorities have claimed that they will release all but 9 prisoners on two
conditions: out-of-town protesters must leave immediately, and all damaged
property must be paid for. Even if the impossible ransom demands were
somehow met, nine prisoners with more serious charges will not be released,
facing up to four years in prison if convicted.

OUR DEMANDS:
1) Unconditional freedom for all the political detainees
2) Drop all charges
3) No more harassment, torture, beatings or arrests
4) Proper medical treatment for injured detainees
5) Safe passage home for all activists

WE CALL FOR ACTIONS OF SOLIDARITY
1) phone calls to the Mexican embassy and consulates
2) donations for legal fees
3) flyering in your community and at Mexican consulates
4) creative actions of all kinds to pressure the Mexican government
The Mexican Consulate is your area can be found at
http://www.mexonline.com/consulate.htm or call the Mexican Embassy (202)
728 1600

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