CAFTA Protesters Face Violence in Guatemala

Call or Fax the Guatemalan Embassy now!

[This alert has been issued by the Stop CAFTA Coalition, of which CLR is part]
March 9, 2005, Posted March 16, 2005

Protesters in Guatemala face Brutal Repression During Protests Against CAFTA

Call the Embassy to Demand an end to Police Violence!

In the past two days, the Guatemalan government has responded to massive anti-CAFTA protests with violence and repression. As least 11 people have been injured and as many as 14 are unaccounted for and assumed to be in police custody. The Guatemalan popular movement is calling on international solidarity to denounce these actions and pressure the government for an end to violence.

On Tuesday, March 8 the government of Guatemala began the process of ratifying the US-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Having managed to delay a vote the previous week through large protests, Guatemalan popular organizations took to the streets again to prevent the Congress from voting against the interests of the people. This time, the police responded with brutal force, and the repression has continued throughout the day on Wednesday.

Despite the mobilizations and repression, the Guatemalan Congress appears poised to ratify CAFTA within the next 24 hours. President Berger has threatened to call in the military to re info rce the hoards of police currently surrounding the Legislative Chambers.

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Act Now to Stop Repression Against Anti-CAFTA Protesters in Guatemala !

CALL or FAX the Guatemala Embassy at Phone: (202) 745 4952; Fax: (202) 745 1908 and demand that the Guatemalan government cease the repression against peaceful protesters.

(Sample fax - see below for English translation, which may also be used for phone script)

Estimado Señores,

Les estoy escribiendo para exigir que el Gobierno de Guatemala cesa inmediatamente las acciones represivas por parte de las fuerzas de seguridad publica en contra a las personas y sectores quienes protestan la aprobación del Tratado de Libre Comercio con el EEUU (CAFTA por sus siglas en Ingles). Me he enterrado de instancias de violencia, que ha dejado un saldo alto de heridos, y hasta el momento 14 "desaparecidos" por manos de la policía o el ejército. Exijo que paren de inmediato la violencia contra las personas que participan en la manifestación pacifica y que dejen en libertad los manifestantes presos.

Atentamente

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(English Translation)

I am writing to demand that the Government of Guatemala stop repressive actions it has taken against those protesting the passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement. I have heard very disturbing reports of violence against demonstrators that has left many people injured, some critically, and at least 14 people unaccounted for and presumed to be held by the police or the army. This violence must stop immediately and anyone being held for demonstrating should be released.