[mgj-discuss] Urgent Solidarity Action... CAFTA/VIOLENCE in GUATEMALA

[Matthew Kavanagh]

(Please Forward and contact Matt [matthew at riseup.net] if you can help out!)

*************************
URGENT CALL TO ACTION
*************************
STAND IN SOLIDARITY
*WITH WOMEN, WORKERS, FARMERS, INDIGENOUS PEOPLE in Guatemala
*AGAINST CORPORATE & WEALTHY DOMINATION

::WEDNESDAY 6/9::
::NOON-1:00PM::
Guatemalan Embassy
R St & 22nd St. NW
Dupont Circle Metro (3 blocks northwest)

www.globalizethis.org * www.nisgua.org

On June 8-9, a nationwide coalition of Guatemalan indigenous, peasant,
women's, union, human rights, religious, and other organizations will
leave work to shut down Guatemala and protest a recent spate of violent
land evictions, a regressive tax reform proposal, and the US/Central
America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

The protests, which will involve massive marches and the occupation of
public buildings including Guatemala City's airport, are likely to spark
violent reactions from the government.  The president has said he is
considering using force against the peaceful demonstrators.

Nearly 60% of Guatemalans live in poverty and many have been forced to
take over vacant or unused lands as their only tool to ensure survival
after wealthy plantation owners refuse to pay salaries. Since President
Berger took office, at least twenty-three violent evictions have forced
people off their land. The National Civil Police have set fire to crops,
burned houses, arbitrarily detained some leaders, and shot others. At
least 1,500 campesino families have been left homeless as a result.

CAFTA, which was signed in the US last month and is awaiting legislative
approval, would only deepen this devastation by strengthening the grip
of
wealthy land owners and global corporations.

PEOPLE ARE RISKING THEIR LIVES to stand up against powerful interests in
Guatemala and in the United States.

WE STAND WITH THEM.  JOIN US!

WEDNESDAY @ NOON AT THE GUATEMALAN  EMBASSY

More Info:
Mobilization for Global Justice * www.globalizethis.org
Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala  *  www.nisgua.org

OR: 202.588.1529 / mgj at riseup.net

-- 
"Your silence will not protect you."
-Audre Lorde

Matthew Kavanagh :: silenceintoaction at riseup.net