By Ken Olende
from Socialist Worker UK
A Zimbabwean judge yesterday released on bail the six socialists facing the death penalty for watching a video on the Middle East uprisings.
The judge said that the state's case might collapse as it was "not a strong one".
The release is a major step forward—since their arrest the six have been tortured, denied medical care, held in solitary confinement and forced to work.
Pressure from an international solidarity campaign has been vital in influencing Robert Mugabe's repressive government. The bail is $2,000 US dollars for each of the accused, so their supporters have had to put forward $12,000. Please keep giving to the campaign.
The strict bail terms also demand the accused reside at certain defined addresses and report to the police three times a week.
Originally 45 people were arrested when police surrounded a meeting organised by the International Socialist Organisation on 19 February. The police stormed the meeting in Zimbabwe's capital Harare after they had watched a video about the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, and were holding a discussion. Of these 39 were later released without charge.
Showing posts with label international solidarity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international solidarity. Show all posts
Friday, 18 March 2011
Zimbabwe: People who make dictators tremble
By Sherry Wolf
First published at Sherry Talks Back.
The regime of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is intent on putting six socialists on trial for their lives--on charges of treason that carry a death sentence.
THE SLIGHT, soft-spoken woman now enduring beatings and medical abuse in Zimbabwe's Chikurubi Maximum Security prison arrived at my doorstep more than a decade ago with a severe limp.
Tafadzwa Antonater Choto (age 36), one of the six Zimbabwean activists facing charges of treason, is being tortured and facing a potential death sentence for the "crime" of organizing a viewing and discussion of video footage of the Egyptian revolution in Harare on February 19, 2011.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Release Munyradzi Gwisai, free all 46 arrested activists!
The following message was sent today to Zimbabwe's diplomatic representative to New Zealand, based in Canberra.
We appeal to trade unionists, student organisations, human rights groups and others here in Aotearoa to also send their own messages, to zimbabwe1@iimetro.com.au.
Copy them to socialismfrombelow@gmail.com, ashley_fataar@yahoo.co.uk, shanthabloemen@gmail.com and international@socialist-alliance.org
We appeal to trade unionists, student organisations, human rights groups and others here in Aotearoa to also send their own messages, to zimbabwe1@iimetro.com.au.
Copy them to socialismfrombelow@gmail.com, ashley_fataar@yahoo.co.uk, shanthabloemen@gmail.com and international@socialist-alliance.org
To: Her Excellency Ms Jacqueline Zwambila, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Australia and New Zealand
4 March, 2011
Socialist Worker-New Zealand today adds its voice to the growing international campaign for the release of Munyaradzi Gwisai and 45 other civil society activists arrested in Zimbabwe.
The 45 students, trade unionists and workers were detained along with Gwisai at a meeting in Harare on February 19 while watching videos of recent political developments in Egypt and Tunisia.
Gwisai is the director of the Labor Law Centre in Zimbabwe and a former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) member of parliament.
All have been charged with treason, which carries a possible death penalty or a sentence of life imprisonment.
Gwisai has given testimony in court of torture that he and five other detainees suffered in a bid to extract confessions. All have been denied medical attention while in custody, including those suffering from HIV. The 46 were not given any reason for their arrest at the time they were taken into custody, rendering their arrest unlawful. Defence lawyer Alec Muchadehama states that police denied him access to the detainees prior to their first court appearance.
Socialist Worker, along with other supporters of the Workers Charter, was proud to host a meeting by Gwisai at Auckland's Trades Hall in 2007. The visit strengthened ties between civil society groups in New Zealand and Zimbabwe forged during the long struggle against apartheid in Southern Africa.
We echo the condemnation by Michelle Kagari, Amnesty International Deputy Director for Africa, of the torture and ill-treatment inflicted by the Law and Order Section at Harare Central Police Station.
Gwisai, a lecturer in law at the University of Zimbabwe, has told the court that meeting was to discuss constitutionalism, democracy and good governance. We urge respect for this expression academic freedom in Zimbabwe.
We are concerned at reports that the presiding magistrate in the case, Munamato Mutevedzi, was summoned on February 28 to meet with Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, a former Attorney General in Robert Mugabe's government. Any political interference in the case will further undermine the tarnished international reputation of Zimbabwe's judicial system.
We support the statement by Bongani Masuku, International Relations Secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, that the allegations against the detainees are baseless.
We repeat the call by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay that all those being held in custody illegally should be released without delay.
We further demand that the rights contained in Articles XII and XIX of the Global Political Agreement, signed by Zimbabwean Prime Minister Robert Mugabe on 15 September 2008, must be upheld now and in the future, namely:
* Freedoms of assembly and association.
* Freedom of expression.
The Zimbabwean government, its ministers and agents should be aware that the world is watching.
Central committee, Socialist Worker-New Zealand
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Zimbabwe: 46 arrested activists charged with treason, tortured
Munyaradzi Gwisai, who spoke in Auckland in April 2007.
25 February, 2011
It has now been confirmed that detained labour movement activist and leading member of the International Socialist Organization Zimbabwe Munyaradzi Gwisai (pictured) and 45 other activists detained by the Zimbabwe state on February 19 have been charged with treason.
If found guilty of treason, the activists risk a sentence of death or life imprisonment. They are being tortured to extract bogus confessions.
The arrests followed a raid on a closed meeting that was discussing the implications of the revolutions in the Arab world.
Gwisai is director of the Labor Law Centre and former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) MP.
We call on all readers, to urgently send protest messages calling for the dropping of all charges and the immediate release of the comrades. We also call on you to contact trade unions and unionists, human rights groups and members, and anyone else who can send such messages.
Please send statements of protest to socialismfrombelow@gmail.com and copy to ashley_fataar@yahoo.co.uk and shanthabloemen@gmail.com.
See below for a selection of protest statements.
You can also email protest letters to the Zimbabwe embassy in Australia [which also covers New Zealand].
People can also call the following numbers to exert pressure – at least to let the powers that be know that people are aware of what is going on.
- Patrick Chinamasa (minister of “justice”): 263 4 860 006 (home)
- President’s Office: +263 4 252 440 or +263 4 700 071
- Police Commisioner Augustine Chihuri: +263 4 250 008 (office) or +263 11 808 290 (mobile)
- Home Affairs (police) Minister Kembo Mohadi: +263 11 605 424 (mobile) or +263 4 794628 (office)
- State Security (CIO) Minister Didymus Mutasa: +263 11 200 532 (mobile) or 263 4 774189 (office)
- Wayne Bvudzijena (police spokesman): +263 11 801 172 (mobile)
- Happyton Bonyongwe (director of the Central Intelligence Organisation): +263 4 497 849 (home)
- In Australia (and New Zealand) please send an urgent e-mail to Zimbabwean officials calling for the activists and socialists to be released immediately and unharmed to zimbabwe1@iimetro.com.au.
Labels:
international solidarity,
Zimbabwe
Posted by
David
at
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, 4 February 2011
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Interview: Advancing solidarity with Gaza
Members of the latest Viva Palestina convoy celebrate after going through the Rafah crossing into Gaza
The fifth Viva Palestina convoy to break Israel’s siege of Gaza drove through the Rafah border crossing with 147 vehicles carrying 380 people from some 30 countries—and humanitarian aid worth some $5 million.
The convoy departed from London on September 18 and traveled 3,000 miles through France, Italy, Greece and Turkey before arriving in the Syrian port town of Latakia, where it was joined by two other convoys—one from Morocco and Algeria, and another that originated in Doha and came through the Gulf States and Jordan. After spending 16 days in Latakia while carrying out frustrating negotiations with Egyptian authorities, the convoys traveled on October 19 to the port city of El Arish, and from there drove into Gaza.
Kevin Ovenden, the director of the Viva Palestina convoy, spoke with Eric Ruder about the convoy’s significance for the Palestine solidarity movement.
The convoy departed from London on September 18 and traveled 3,000 miles through France, Italy, Greece and Turkey before arriving in the Syrian port town of Latakia, where it was joined by two other convoys—one from Morocco and Algeria, and another that originated in Doha and came through the Gulf States and Jordan. After spending 16 days in Latakia while carrying out frustrating negotiations with Egyptian authorities, the convoys traveled on October 19 to the port city of El Arish, and from there drove into Gaza.
Kevin Ovenden, the director of the Viva Palestina convoy, spoke with Eric Ruder about the convoy’s significance for the Palestine solidarity movement.
Posted by
David
at
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Pakistan: Labour Relief Campaign launches appeal for millions affected by floods
[Readers can also donate via the Australian trade unions’ aid agency APHEDA at http://www.apheda.org.au/news/1281331224_14992.html.]
August 7, 2010 – More than 12 million people are suffering from floods in Pakistan. Please donate to the Labour Relief Campaign to help people of Pakistan facing the worst-ever floods in its history. Torrential rains have unleashed flash floods in different parts of the country in the last three weeks. Levies have broken, leaving the people exposed to flood water.
More than 650,000 houses have collapsed, mainly in villages. Thousands of hectares of crops have been destroyed due to flood water. Livestock, household goods, clothes, shoes and other items have been destroyed. Residents of villages are without drinkable water, food, shelter and in need of clothes.
In particular, the situation is dire for children and women in desperate need of food and clothing. Disease is spreading fast due to the lack of drinkable water. In particular, flu, fever, diarrhea and cholera have been noted and are spreading.
The Pakistan government’s response has made matters worse. It failed to act immediately, leaving tens of thousands of people without aid. Only after 24 hours did it arrive at the makeshift camps with paltry amounts of food distribute. The gap between the food being distributed and the large number of people desperate to eat has led to fighting breaking out, making matters even worse for these desperate people.
Despite very little coverage in the media, the fact remains that the situation in Baluchistan is just as bad as in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa and western and southern Punjab. As usual, also, the people of Baluchistan are not at the top of the government’s priority list.
The situation is turning worse with heavy rains starting August 6 in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa province.
The Labour Education Foundation, Labour Party of Pakistan, National Trade Union Federation, Women Workers’ Help Line and the Progressive Youth Front have set up Labour Flood Relief Camps in Lahore and so far have collected more than 300,000 rupees. Rs110,000 have already been sent to Baluchistan and more than Rs200,000 are on way to southern Punjab to help flood victims.
We appeal to our friends and organisations in Pakistan and abroad for donations of a monetary kind or in the form of drinking water, clothes (new), shoes and medicine.
For further information please contact:
Khalid Mahmood, director Labour Education Foundation, ground floor, 25-A Davis Road, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: khalid@lef.org.pk. Telephone: 0092 42 6303808, 0092 42 6315162. Fax: 0092 42 6271149. Mobile: 0092 321 9402322.
If you wish to transfer funds, the details of the account for sending money to the LRC are: Account: Labour Education Foundation; account number: 01801876; Route: Please advise and pay to Citi Bank, New York, USA Swift CITI US 33 for onward transfer to BANK ALFALAH LTD., KARACHI, PAKISTAN A/C No. 36087144 and for final transfer to BANK ALFALAH LTD., LDA PLAZA, KASHMIR ROAD, LAHORE, PAKISTAN Swift: ALFHPKKALDA for A/C No. 01801876 OF LABOUR EDUCATION FOUNDATION.
Australia readers can donate via the Australian trade unions’ aid agency APHEDA at http://www.apheda.org.au/news/1281331224_14992.html.
More than 650,000 houses have collapsed, mainly in villages. Thousands of hectares of crops have been destroyed due to flood water. Livestock, household goods, clothes, shoes and other items have been destroyed. Residents of villages are without drinkable water, food, shelter and in need of clothes.
In particular, the situation is dire for children and women in desperate need of food and clothing. Disease is spreading fast due to the lack of drinkable water. In particular, flu, fever, diarrhea and cholera have been noted and are spreading.
The Pakistan government’s response has made matters worse. It failed to act immediately, leaving tens of thousands of people without aid. Only after 24 hours did it arrive at the makeshift camps with paltry amounts of food distribute. The gap between the food being distributed and the large number of people desperate to eat has led to fighting breaking out, making matters even worse for these desperate people.
Despite very little coverage in the media, the fact remains that the situation in Baluchistan is just as bad as in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa and western and southern Punjab. As usual, also, the people of Baluchistan are not at the top of the government’s priority list.
The situation is turning worse with heavy rains starting August 6 in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa province.
The Labour Education Foundation, Labour Party of Pakistan, National Trade Union Federation, Women Workers’ Help Line and the Progressive Youth Front have set up Labour Flood Relief Camps in Lahore and so far have collected more than 300,000 rupees. Rs110,000 have already been sent to Baluchistan and more than Rs200,000 are on way to southern Punjab to help flood victims.
We appeal to our friends and organisations in Pakistan and abroad for donations of a monetary kind or in the form of drinking water, clothes (new), shoes and medicine.
For further information please contact:
Khalid Mahmood, director Labour Education Foundation, ground floor, 25-A Davis Road, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: khalid@lef.org.pk. Telephone: 0092 42 6303808, 0092 42 6315162. Fax: 0092 42 6271149. Mobile: 0092 321 9402322.
If you wish to transfer funds, the details of the account for sending money to the LRC are: Account: Labour Education Foundation; account number: 01801876; Route: Please advise and pay to Citi Bank, New York, USA Swift CITI US 33 for onward transfer to BANK ALFALAH LTD., KARACHI, PAKISTAN A/C No. 36087144 and for final transfer to BANK ALFALAH LTD., LDA PLAZA, KASHMIR ROAD, LAHORE, PAKISTAN Swift: ALFHPKKALDA for A/C No. 01801876 OF LABOUR EDUCATION FOUNDATION.
Australia readers can donate via the Australian trade unions’ aid agency APHEDA at http://www.apheda.org.au/news/1281331224_14992.html.
Labels:
Asia,
international solidarity,
pakistan
Posted by
David
at
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Socialist Worker endorses Venezuela solidarity statement
Joint Solidarity Statement:
Stop the Threat Against Venezuela Now!
3 August 2010
Initiated by Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), Working People’s Association (PRP), Indonesia and Socialist Alliance, Australia. Any organization wishes to endorse this statement, please contact us at int.psm@gmail.com
We, the undersigned organizations, view with serious concern the possibility of military aggression towards the people of Venezuela by the Colombian Government, which could be supported by the United State of America using its seven military bases recently installed in Colombia.
This matter has arisen from the recent events when the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was accused on 22 July 2010 at the Extraordinary Session of the Organization of American States in Washington by the Colombian Government of promoting, supporting and maintaining a relationship with armed organizations from Colombia, such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and National Liberation Army (ELN). The accusations were only based on images which have never been substantiated or subjected to verification.
These current moves by the right-wing Colombian government are clearly an attempt backed by the US to justify a pre-emptive attack on Venezuela and its people. There has been a pattern of false allegations against Hugo Chavez’s government in recent years as part of US-backed campaign to dismantle the revolutionary process taking place in Venezuela.
Stop the Threat Against Venezuela Now!
3 August 2010
Initiated by Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), Working People’s Association (PRP), Indonesia and Socialist Alliance, Australia. Any organization wishes to endorse this statement, please contact us at int.psm@gmail.com
We, the undersigned organizations, view with serious concern the possibility of military aggression towards the people of Venezuela by the Colombian Government, which could be supported by the United State of America using its seven military bases recently installed in Colombia.
This matter has arisen from the recent events when the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was accused on 22 July 2010 at the Extraordinary Session of the Organization of American States in Washington by the Colombian Government of promoting, supporting and maintaining a relationship with armed organizations from Colombia, such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and National Liberation Army (ELN). The accusations were only based on images which have never been substantiated or subjected to verification.
These current moves by the right-wing Colombian government are clearly an attempt backed by the US to justify a pre-emptive attack on Venezuela and its people. There has been a pattern of false allegations against Hugo Chavez’s government in recent years as part of US-backed campaign to dismantle the revolutionary process taking place in Venezuela.
Labels:
international solidarity,
venezuela
Posted by
Vaughan
at
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Monday, 5 July 2010
Monday, 28 June 2010
Kia Ora Gaza
KIWI AID TO GAZA
Gaza’s 1.5 million people are imprisoned by the state of Israel in a giant concentration camp. The Israeli military enforces a blockade of essential supplies. There is terrible suffering, especially among the children. The citizens of Gaza face collective punishment, which is illegal under international law.
On 31 May 2010, a Gaza aid flotilla was hijacked on the open sea by Israel’s military. Nine civilian aid workers were shot to death. To break the siege of Gaza, on 12th September mass aid convoys will set off from London by sea and land.
We want to see Kiwi volunteers and aid go with them. Kia Ora Gaza is raising funds to make this possible.
Please give your support.
Write a cheque for ‘Kia Ora Gaza’ and post to:
Kia Ora Gaza, PO Box 59-007, Auckland.
Gaza’s 1.5 million people are imprisoned by the state of Israel in a giant concentration camp. The Israeli military enforces a blockade of essential supplies. There is terrible suffering, especially among the children. The citizens of Gaza face collective punishment, which is illegal under international law.
On 31 May 2010, a Gaza aid flotilla was hijacked on the open sea by Israel’s military. Nine civilian aid workers were shot to death. To break the siege of Gaza, on 12th September mass aid convoys will set off from London by sea and land.
We want to see Kiwi volunteers and aid go with them. Kia Ora Gaza is raising funds to make this possible.
Please give your support.
Write a cheque for ‘Kia Ora Gaza’ and post to:
Kia Ora Gaza, PO Box 59-007, Auckland.
AUCKLAND PUBLIC MEETING
7.30pm on Wednesday 7th July
Fickling Centre, 546 Mt Albert Rd, Three Kings
Come along to support Kia Ora Gaza.
Bring your family & friends.
Issued for Kia Ora Gaza by Grant Morgan. Email: grantmorgan@paradise.net.nz
7.30pm on Wednesday 7th July
Fickling Centre, 546 Mt Albert Rd, Three Kings
Come along to support Kia Ora Gaza.
Bring your family & friends.
Issued for Kia Ora Gaza by Grant Morgan. Email: grantmorgan@paradise.net.nz
Labels:
events,
international solidarity,
Palestine
Posted by
David
at
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, 14 June 2010
George Galloway announces mass sea and land aid convoys to Gaza
Viva Palestina founder George Galloway announces mass sea and land aid convoys to Gaza, which will set out on 12 September 2010.
http://www.vivapalestina.org/home.htm
http://www.vivapalestina.org/home.htm
Posted by
David
at
Monday, June 14, 2010
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Protest against Israeli massacre of humanitarian aid workers
AUCKLAND: Candelight Vigil: Friday June 4, 5pm to 7pm, US Consulate, Customs St West.
Protest March: This Saturday june 5, Gather 1pm, Aotea Square, march to the US Consulate.
WELLINGTON: protest march Satrday June 5, 12 noon Cuba mall.
CHRISTCHURCH: Wednesday June 2, 4pm Cathedral Square. [Already been, but just to show something was happening.]
DUNEDIN: Freedom March! Saturday, June 5, 12 noon Dunedin Museum Reserve Lawn, then march to Octagon.
NELSON: Peace Group Meeting on Friday 7.30pm at Ren’s house, 140 NileStreet.
Protest March: This Saturday june 5, Gather 1pm, Aotea Square, march to the US Consulate.
WELLINGTON: protest march Satrday June 5, 12 noon Cuba mall.
CHRISTCHURCH: Wednesday June 2, 4pm Cathedral Square. [Already been, but just to show something was happening.]
DUNEDIN: Freedom March! Saturday, June 5, 12 noon Dunedin Museum Reserve Lawn, then march to Octagon.
NELSON: Peace Group Meeting on Friday 7.30pm at Ren’s house, 140 NileStreet.
Labels:
events,
international solidarity,
Palestine
Posted by
David
at
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Monday, 31 May 2010
Gaza aid flotilla attacked, 10 killed
Israeli forces have attacked the international Viva Palestina aid convoy Freedom Flotilla en route to the besieged Gaza Strip, killing at least 10 people and leaving more than 50 injured.
The attack came on Monday morning, 31st May, after one of the six ships in the convoy was hit by Israeli navy forces before being stormed by commandos descending from helicopters.
The interception reportedly took place in international waters, more than 150km (90 miles) off the coast of Gaza.
For more updates visit the Viva Palestina website: http://www.vivapalestina.org/
The attack came on Monday morning, 31st May, after one of the six ships in the convoy was hit by Israeli navy forces before being stormed by commandos descending from helicopters.
The interception reportedly took place in international waters, more than 150km (90 miles) off the coast of Gaza.
For more updates visit the Viva Palestina website: http://www.vivapalestina.org/
Posted by
David
at
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Thailand: democracy shot down
Mainstream media coverage of the suppression of Thailand’s Red Shirt democracy movement has mostly been terrible. In stark contrast to their coverage of events in Iran a year ago, where Western media and governments were openly sympathetic to the democracy movement, the media is playing “impartial observer”.
Very often, reports effectively blamed the Red Shirts for the killing, because they supposedly failed to accept the Thai government’s offer of elections if the protests were called off. Never mind that the government refused to say when these elections might be, or that once the protests ended it would have had no reason to follow through.
But while Iran is part of the “axis of evil”, seen as a threat by all Western powers, Thailand is a key US ally, and the military backed elite are keen supporters of corporate globalisation.
Former deputy prime minister Supachai Panitchpakdi took over the World Trade Organisation leadership from former NZ Labour leader Mike Moore, and Thailand signed a trade agreement with New Zealand in 2005, as part of efforts to keep the free trade ball rolling after WTO stalled in the early 2000s.
This deal helped facilitate Fisher & Paykel’s relocation of it’s washing machine factory to Thailand in 2007 (which resulted in the layoff of 350 workers in South Auckland).
So long as the Thai elite keep delivering the goods for Western corporations, Western governments and media have no reason to call for democracy.
Exiled Thai political scientist, socialist and Red Shirt activist Giles Ji Ungpakorn has been posting regularly on his blog about what is happening in his homeland.
by Giles Ji Ungpakorn
19 May 2010
The anger of the ordinary people has finally erupted into violence with numerous buildings being set of fire in Bangkok and the provinces. People are also trying to use any means to fight the army. There are reports that Government buildings, banks, the stock-exchange, luxury shopping malls and pro-military media are all being set on fire.
Very often, reports effectively blamed the Red Shirts for the killing, because they supposedly failed to accept the Thai government’s offer of elections if the protests were called off. Never mind that the government refused to say when these elections might be, or that once the protests ended it would have had no reason to follow through.
But while Iran is part of the “axis of evil”, seen as a threat by all Western powers, Thailand is a key US ally, and the military backed elite are keen supporters of corporate globalisation.
Former deputy prime minister Supachai Panitchpakdi took over the World Trade Organisation leadership from former NZ Labour leader Mike Moore, and Thailand signed a trade agreement with New Zealand in 2005, as part of efforts to keep the free trade ball rolling after WTO stalled in the early 2000s.
This deal helped facilitate Fisher & Paykel’s relocation of it’s washing machine factory to Thailand in 2007 (which resulted in the layoff of 350 workers in South Auckland).
So long as the Thai elite keep delivering the goods for Western corporations, Western governments and media have no reason to call for democracy.
Exiled Thai political scientist, socialist and Red Shirt activist Giles Ji Ungpakorn has been posting regularly on his blog about what is happening in his homeland.
by Giles Ji Ungpakorn
19 May 2010
The anger of the ordinary people has finally erupted into violence with numerous buildings being set of fire in Bangkok and the provinces. People are also trying to use any means to fight the army. There are reports that Government buildings, banks, the stock-exchange, luxury shopping malls and pro-military media are all being set on fire.
Posted by
David
at
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, 14 May 2010
In solidarity with the Greek people’s resistance against austerity
Joint statement from Asia-Pacific
May 13, 2010
[If your organisation would like to sign on, please email international@socialist-alliance.org.]
We, left and progressive organisations from the Asia-Pacific region, express our solidarity with the resistance of the Greek people against the harsh austerity being imposed upon them by the governments of the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The proposed “rescue package” for the Greek economy by the IMF-EU has triggered a huge struggle that will have worldwide ramifications for working people.
May 13, 2010
[If your organisation would like to sign on, please email international@socialist-alliance.org.]
We, left and progressive organisations from the Asia-Pacific region, express our solidarity with the resistance of the Greek people against the harsh austerity being imposed upon them by the governments of the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The proposed “rescue package” for the Greek economy by the IMF-EU has triggered a huge struggle that will have worldwide ramifications for working people.
Labels:
economic crisis,
Greece,
international solidarity
Posted by
David
at
Friday, May 14, 2010
Monday, 3 May 2010
Joint Statement on May Day
by 48 organisations in 12 countries
(Australia, Bangladesh, China, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines & Thailand)
All over the world workers are organising. We are organising to demand a living wage. For health & safety at work. For compensation & rehabilitation. For the rights of migrant workers and refugees, for citizenship rights for migrant workers and their families. For the right to employment on equal terms. Workers are organising against deportations, against racism, against discrimination. Workers are organising against wars that are a disaster to millions of workers.
Workers are organising for secure jobs. Against casualisation, contracting out & outsourcing. Workers are organising for the rights of women workers. For better working conditions, to stop work becoming harder, faster, more stressful and dangerous. For shorter working hours, for paid leave and paid holidays. For affordable housing and health care. For free education and welfare, against child labour and poverty and inequality. Workers are organising for the rights of Indigenous communities who have been stripped of their land and resources. Workers are organising to fight discrimination against minorities, women, lesbians & gays.
While we struggle against these problems, we see that our planet is being ruined through reckless, wasteful and unsustainable production for profit.
Workers can fix these problems. Workers can reorganise all industry to produce for peoples’ need instead of profit. Resources can be distributed to people and places who need them so that our children will have a future.
To do this workers have to dismantle imperialism and the capitalist system. We need to make decisions together in our own workplaces, unions & political organisations about the way production and sharing need to be restructured. We need this. We have the numbers.
We control production. Capitalists will be defeated.
Posted by
David
at
Monday, May 03, 2010
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Asia-Pacific Socialists Show Solidarity with Thailand’s Red Shirts
Regional Joint Statement by the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM), the Working People Association (PRP) of Indonesia, the People’s Democratic Party (PRD) of Indonesia, Turn Left Thailand, the Socialist Alliance of Australia
Thailand: Resolve the Crisis through Democracy, Not Crackdown
10 April 2010
We are deeply concerned over the current situation in Thailand where military-backed Prime Minister Ahbisit Vejjajiva has declared a state of emergency and started a bloody crackdown amidst escalating protests calling for fresh election.
The situation is worrying as the Thai government closes down all opposition media and gives sweeping new powers to the security forces to prepare for a violent crackdown on the Red Shirt protesters. Thai troops are using excessive force including tanks and live ammunition, against pro-democracy demonstrators in Bangkok.
The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) or more well-known as the Red Shirts has re-launched massive protests against the military-installed unelected Ahbisit government since last March. This pro-democracy movement comprised of rural and urban poor, who stand up against the military-back oligarchic rule.
The current crisis unfolded in September 2006, when the military staged a coup against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, scrapped the 1997 popular Constitution and replaced it with a military-sanctioned constitution. The royalist Yellow Shirts started to organize fascistic demonstrations when the pro-Thaksin party won in the 2007 election. The current Ahbisit government was installed by the military after the fascistic mobilizations by the Yellow Shirts and a coup by the court.
The government, the army and the Yellow Shirts are afraid to face real democratic elections, as they know that they would lose since the majority of the poor support the Red Shirts. Ahbisit and the ruling elite are refusing to call for elections and are trying to buy time and even preparing for a violent crackdown. It is becoming clear that Ahbisit and the old elite are bringing the country towards a fascist dictatorship.
Thailand has entered a new phase of class war. The old ruling elite with the backing of the military are using all means to scrap democracy in Thailand. The pro-democracy Red Shirts comprised of the majority of the working class, peasantry and poor have shown their real popularity and mobilizing strength which has definitely shaken the royalists and the military. With the broadening of the masses’ support for the Red Shirts, it could be a new and important step in the struggle of the ordinary people in Thailand for the restoration of democracy and social justice.
We call for:
• The immediate resignation of the military-installed Ahbisit government and the holding of fresh democratic elections.
• A halt to all forms of violent crackdown against Red Shirt protesters. Respect the right of the people to organize, to protest and to strike.
• A halt to the suppression of democratic rights and clampdown on the media.
• The Thai government to not resort to any military coup.
The current crisis in Thailand only can be resolved through genuine democracy and people’s power.
We extend our support and solidarity to all workers, peasants and poor in Thailand who struggle against the anti-democratic government and for the restoration of real democracy.
Contact: International Bureau, Socialist Party of Malaysia / Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
Address: No.22A, Lorong Vivekananda, 50470 Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.
Tel: +60-3-22747791, (mobile) +60-19-5669518
Fax: +60-3-87374772
Email: (headquarters) psmhq@tm.net.my
(international bureau) int.psm@gmail.com
Web site: parti-sosialis.org
See also:
Thai Royalist Tyrants Use Violence to Cling to Power
by Giles Ji Ungpakorn
Thailand: Time for Fresh Elections
by Giles Ji Ungpakorn
Labels:
Asia,
international news,
international solidarity,
Thailand
Posted by
David
at
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Video: Wellington public meeting on the Nepal revolution
There’s a revolution going on, but most New Zealanders – including most activists – haven’t heard of it.
That’s why the current national speaking tour by Australian socialist Ben Peterson is important.
Ben has been talking about the unfolding revolution in Nepal. Last year, he spent four months in the country with the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).
“It’s so hard to get good information about what’s going on”, says Ben. “That’s why I decided to go there myself”.
The national tour was jointly organized by the Workers Party, Socialist Worker (publishers of UNITYblog) and the International Socialist Organisation.
The third meeting of the tour drew over 20 people to the Newtown Community Centre in Wellington. Ben explained some of the history of Nepal and its oppressive monarchy, before focusing on the development of the Maoist revolutionary movement.
“They launched a People’s War On February 13, 1996. It wasn’t a meaningful insurgency initially, but the Maoist movement started to gain popular support.
“They would take up people’s day to day demands, the rights of women, people of low caste, of national groups to be taught in their native language. They would redistribute land to people without it and force corrupt police, or money-lenders, out of the village.
“In 2001, the Maoist Party adopted the Prachanda Path, getting away from some of the more dogmatic beginnings and started to look to the cities for people to get involved in a broad democratic movement against the King.
“In 2002, King Gyanendra dismissed Parliament and took all power back under his personal control. In 2006, the Jana Andolan 2 (the Second People’s Movement) started as a call for a general strike. The King declared ‘shoot on sight’ notices for protesters. He was forced to back down.
“Under popular pressure, led by the Maoists, elections to the Constituent Assembly were finally decreed in 2008. The Maoists won 40 percent of the seats. The Royalist parties got less than half a dozen seats. It was a vindication of the revolution.
“As part of the peace agreement, it was agreed that the old Royalist military and the Maoist Peoples Liberation Army would be integrated into a new army around a new constitution drafted by the people.
“After repeated insubordination, the Maoists dismissed the head of the army. Then the right wing parties used the president to reinstate him unconstitutionally. The Maoists resigned from the government.
“The whole time this process has been happening, the real fundamental change has been happening at the grassroots level. I spent two weeks with the Peoples Liberation Army. There’s a lot of frustration. They wanted to be out doing meaningful development tasks.
“The biggest changes in Nepal are the social changes. The fact that a dalit (someone from a low caste family) can marry someone from a different ethnic group would not even have been close to a realistic possibility a few years ago. The gender roles have been challenged, too.
“The Maoists are a listed terrorist organisation in the US. From the mainstream political parties, there are accusations that there is supposedly a culture of fear in the countryside. Those claims of oppression are hollow.
“In the villages of Rolpa, road building was organized by the Maoists and made by their activists and the local community. The police and military arrested people for working on the road, and some were shot. That shows how oppressive the police and military are.
“Since 2006, the Maoists have been able to operate overground. They’ve been able to play a role in trade union organizing, building up democratic, rank-and-file unionism.
“The thing that’s exciting, that makes it a revolution, is that the people of Nepal have the absolute knowledge that they have the power to change the way their society operates. That is what I saw when I was in Nepal.”
The discussions and questions from the floor that made up the last part of the meeting focused on the current balance of power in the country, the tactics and alliances that the Maoists have pursued, the role of Western NGOs and aid agencies operating in Nepal and the Maoist approach to the peace process.
You can watch full video footage of Ben’s talk below.
That’s why the current national speaking tour by Australian socialist Ben Peterson is important.
Ben has been talking about the unfolding revolution in Nepal. Last year, he spent four months in the country with the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).
“It’s so hard to get good information about what’s going on”, says Ben. “That’s why I decided to go there myself”.
The national tour was jointly organized by the Workers Party, Socialist Worker (publishers of UNITYblog) and the International Socialist Organisation.
The third meeting of the tour drew over 20 people to the Newtown Community Centre in Wellington. Ben explained some of the history of Nepal and its oppressive monarchy, before focusing on the development of the Maoist revolutionary movement.
“They launched a People’s War On February 13, 1996. It wasn’t a meaningful insurgency initially, but the Maoist movement started to gain popular support.
“They would take up people’s day to day demands, the rights of women, people of low caste, of national groups to be taught in their native language. They would redistribute land to people without it and force corrupt police, or money-lenders, out of the village.
“In 2001, the Maoist Party adopted the Prachanda Path, getting away from some of the more dogmatic beginnings and started to look to the cities for people to get involved in a broad democratic movement against the King.
“In 2002, King Gyanendra dismissed Parliament and took all power back under his personal control. In 2006, the Jana Andolan 2 (the Second People’s Movement) started as a call for a general strike. The King declared ‘shoot on sight’ notices for protesters. He was forced to back down.
“Under popular pressure, led by the Maoists, elections to the Constituent Assembly were finally decreed in 2008. The Maoists won 40 percent of the seats. The Royalist parties got less than half a dozen seats. It was a vindication of the revolution.
“As part of the peace agreement, it was agreed that the old Royalist military and the Maoist Peoples Liberation Army would be integrated into a new army around a new constitution drafted by the people.
“After repeated insubordination, the Maoists dismissed the head of the army. Then the right wing parties used the president to reinstate him unconstitutionally. The Maoists resigned from the government.
“The whole time this process has been happening, the real fundamental change has been happening at the grassroots level. I spent two weeks with the Peoples Liberation Army. There’s a lot of frustration. They wanted to be out doing meaningful development tasks.
“The biggest changes in Nepal are the social changes. The fact that a dalit (someone from a low caste family) can marry someone from a different ethnic group would not even have been close to a realistic possibility a few years ago. The gender roles have been challenged, too.
“The Maoists are a listed terrorist organisation in the US. From the mainstream political parties, there are accusations that there is supposedly a culture of fear in the countryside. Those claims of oppression are hollow.
“In the villages of Rolpa, road building was organized by the Maoists and made by their activists and the local community. The police and military arrested people for working on the road, and some were shot. That shows how oppressive the police and military are.
“Since 2006, the Maoists have been able to operate overground. They’ve been able to play a role in trade union organizing, building up democratic, rank-and-file unionism.
“The thing that’s exciting, that makes it a revolution, is that the people of Nepal have the absolute knowledge that they have the power to change the way their society operates. That is what I saw when I was in Nepal.”
The discussions and questions from the floor that made up the last part of the meeting focused on the current balance of power in the country, the tactics and alliances that the Maoists have pursued, the role of Western NGOs and aid agencies operating in Nepal and the Maoist approach to the peace process.
You can watch full video footage of Ben’s talk below.
Labels:
Global South,
international solidarity,
iso,
Maoism,
Nepal,
overseas socialists,
revolution,
socialist unity,
Workers Party
Posted by
Unionist
at
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Ben Peterson BFM interview
Ben Peterson (pictured with hat) was interviewd by Mikey Havok on BFM’s breakfast show on Monday. Ben’s speaking tour continues with talks in Christchurch and Dunedin still to come.
See details here.
Click link below to listen:
Revolutionary movement in Nepal: Ben Peterson
Ben is a 20 year old Australian activist who lived in Nepal last year. He’s doing a speaking tour of New Zealand (March 21-26) talking about the revolutionary movement in Nepal. Ben Peterson was interviewd by Mikey Havok on BFM’s breakfast show on Monday.
Labels:
international solidarity,
Nepal,
revolution
Posted by
David
at
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Friday, 12 March 2010
Merak asylum seekers need a just solution
A call for urgent action by the
Indonesian and Australian governments
Indonesian and Australian governments
The situation at Merak has dragged on much too long. For over 120 days, the 254 mostly Tamil asylum seekers have been stranded there. They have suffered hardships at the hands of the Australian and Indonesian authorities. The International Organisation of Migration funded by Australia to provide welfare assistance for asylum seekers has used its control over food, and medicine and other welfare to deprive the refugees of basic needs such as medicine, tarpaulins, and toilets to try to force people off the boat.
With each passing day, the conditions deteriorate further and the suffering grows. The lack of medical attention and basic care cost the life of a 29 year-old man, Jacob Christin, in December 2009.
Posted by
David
at
Friday, March 12, 2010
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