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Time to Fight for Papers! Sin Papeles Actions in Barcelona

imc uk | 13.06.2004 15:19 | Migration | World

On Saturday 5th June, more than 2000 'sin papeles' (immigrants without papers) occupied Barcelona Cathedral and the church Santa Maria del Pie [pics]. They are calling for unconditional recognition and that the authorities take responsibility for their unstable situation [Manifesto es | en].
Although police violently evicted the Cathedral [reports] and 25 immigrants are facing certain deportation, the Assembly for Regulation Without Conditions is calling for further actions [1 | 2], supported by many civil society organisations and demonstrations all over Spain.
While Barcelona’s ‘Cultural Forum 2004’ (sponsored by multinationals) appears to celebrate culture, peace, and sustainability, it remains obvious that some are not welcome. Many immigrants living ‘illegally’ in squatted abandoned buildings have been evicted and the buildings demolished to make room for housing developments connected to the Cultural Forum [article].

Imc Barcelona [es | en] | Imc Estrecho [es]
Sin Papeles Updates | Plan Gotta [es] | Papeles Para Tod@s 2003
Barcelona Forum Parody Page

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On Saturday 5th June, more than 2000 'sin papeles' (immigrants without papers) occupied Barcelona Cathedral and the church Santa Maria del Pie [pics], following a demonstration of about 5000 and a public assembly the previous week [pics 1 | 2 | 3; flyers]

Police violently evicted the Cathedral in the very early hours of the morning and the church the next day [reports]. An unknown number of people were detained. 25 immigrants are now facing certain deportation. The Assembly for Regulation Without Conditions held a Night of Reflection and is calling for further actions [1 | 2].

The immigrants did not have the support of the church, but many civil society organisations have expressed solidarity. More demonstrations followed the next day in Barcelona, Madrid, Murcia, Huelva, Sevilla, Palma de Mallorca, Almeria, and Valencia.

While Barcelona’s ‘Cultural Forum 2004’ (sponsored by multinationals) appears to celebrate culture, peace, and sustainability, it remains obvious that some are not welcome. In fact many immigrants living ‘illegally’ in squatted abandoned buildings in Barcelona’s Poble Nou and San Andreu districts have been evicted and the buildings demolished to make room for housing developments connected to the Cultural Forum [article].

Sin Papeles and supporters are calling for the unconditional recognition and acceptance of responsibility by the authorities for the unstable situation [Manifesto es | en]. Without official papers – residency and work permits - nobody can carry out banking transactions, or sign labor contracts, or travel out of the state, they cannot take money out of the bank, or freely move around.

Indymedia Barcelona [es | en]
Sin Papeles Updates | Plan Gotta [es] | Papeles Para Tod@s 2003
Barcelona Forum Parody Page

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