Skip to content or view screen version

Demonstration At Edinburgh Airport Going On Now

EdinChiapas Solidarity Group | 22.08.2008 10:06 | Zapatista

Demonstration at Edinburgh Airport against repression in Zapatistas Autonomous Communities in Chiapas, Mexico, Going On Now, 10:58 AM

A demonstration at the Edinburgh Airport is taking place, in a joined journey of protest at different airports in Europe (Hamburg and Frankfurt Airports among others). The aim is to let travelers know about the real situation in the South-East of Mexico, particularly at Chiapas and Oaxaca states, where human right violations are a constant and occur every day against Zapatistas Autonomous Communities and Indigenous Communities in general.

Demonstrators have attracted airport police attention. However, after 15 minutes the demo still going on, and information is being distributed to travelers.

The leaflet being distributed reads:

Dear travellers,

Mexico is a beautiful country. When you return
from your holidays you will say: "The journey
was worth it". You will have admired the
remnants of past cultures, lived cheaply, enjoyed
hospitality, and you will have enjoyed
the colourful cultural diversity.

Mexico is also a country with extreme differences
between rich and poor. It is not an aim of
Mexican politics to reduce these differences.
On the contrary. A small upper class is getting
richer at the expense of the poor. While natural
resources are being sold off to
transnational companies, many families do not
have enough of an income for a life in dignity,
in spite of their hard work.

These inhumane politics are imposed by any
means necessary. Death squads are one of them.
These armed groups, dressed in civilian clothes
hunt down dissidents and kill them on the order
of the government.

Oaxaca and Chiapas are only two of many conflict
points in Mexico. The indigenous population,
today's Mayas, are often those who suffer most.

If you think that "The journey was worth it", then
we suggest that the hospitality you have enjoyed
must not remain one-sided. Practice solidarity
with the indigenous people, who are asserting
their dignity by resisting. Inform yourself.
Get active!

EdinChiapas Solidarity Group
- e-mail: edinchiapas@yahoo.co.uk
- Homepage: http://www.edinchiapas.org.uk