Melbourne Indymedia

Melbourne and Mexico

Melbourne Indymedia — 2007-02-18T02:16:37

People gathered in Melbourne's Federation Square on Saturday in a rally to show support for the people of Oaxaca, Mexico in their struggle to rid themselves of a corrupt local governor, Ulises Ruiz. The action was one of many around the globe in an international day of solidarity to express support and to draw attention to the extreme repression that is being experienced by the people of this region in their campaign, including murders, torture and disappearances. [Full Story...]

[International Actions | Call Out | NarcoNews]

Pinochet is Dead

Melbourne Indymedia — 2006-12-13T11:29:06

Fifty people gathered in Federation Square to remember those executed, and the disappeared on the occasion of the death of the brutal military dictator, Augusto Pinochet. On the 11th September 1973 Augusto Pinochet led a CIA backed military coup against the democratically elected government of Chile headed by marxist President Salvador Allende.

Remember Chile | Memoria Viva | Santiago IMC

land troops sent to Tonga

Melbourne Indymedia — 2006-11-27T00:11:44

Pro-democracy movement leaders in Tonga say the system needs to change, according to a report (with photos) by indymedia activists. This comes after riots broke out in Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, on November 16 resulting in 8 deaths and many businesses set ablaze. The riots occurred after a demonstration of 800 people marched on parliament with banners calling for immediate reform. Other banners attacked public figures, and another labeled the current structure a "deadly virus".

Australia and New Zealand have dispatched troops to Tonga to shore up the corrupt rule of the Tongan Monarchy. The Australian government has intervened as part of its pro-market agenda for its Pacific sphere of influence. Wellington protest. Auckland protest.

Aotearoa IMC | Tonga: Biggest Protest Ever! (May 05) | Tonga - schools smashed - 200 arrested! (Aug 05) | A Revolution in the Pacific? (Aug 05) | Tongan activist rams gate of King's Auckland Residency (July 06)

Melbourne Rally in Solidarity with Oaxaca

Melbourne Indymedia — 2006-11-15T20:55:47

A group of around 70 people staged a noisy protest in Melbourne on Monday to show solidarity with the people of Oaxaca, Mexico who are currently experiencing murder, torture and disappearances at the hands of the Mexican government. Oaxaca has been the scene of a 5 month old campaign to remove a corrupt local governor, Ulises Ruiz, implicated in the murders of local activists and also Brad Will from NYC Indymedia. In the last week, the President of Mexico, Vincente Fox, has sent heavily armed police to the town to forcefully repress demonstrators. Heriberto Salas from The Other Campaign addressed the rally in Melbourne calling for protests against Vincente Fox when he arrives in Melbourne for the G20 governmental meeting. [Full Story]

Latest News: [Global Indymedia | Indybay IMC | Narco News]

[Zapatista Experience talk audio | Repression and Resistance | The Communications War in Oaxaca]

NYC Indymedia volunteer killed in Oaxaca

Melbourne Indymedia — 2006-11-15T20:57:34

An American Indymedia reporter has been shot and killed by pro-government forces whilst filming on a barricade in the midst of the uprising in Oaxaca, Mexico. Brad Will, 36, a documentary filmmaker and reporter for Indymedia in New York, Bolivia and Brazil, died of a gunshot to the chest when pro-government attackers opened fire on a barricade in the neighborhood of Santa Lucia El Camino, on the outskirts of Oaxaca, Mexico. He died with his video camera in his hands.

The city of Oaxaca has been in rebellion for months since striking teachers took over the streets. Since then the movement has grown into a demand that the Government and Governor of the state resign. The people have declared the city an autonomous zone run through the democratic assemblies of the APPO. Television and radio stations have been seized by the people and the streets are constantly barricaded against the threat of military and police attempts to retake the city. People continue to be shot and killed in drive by shootings by undercover police and other pro-government forces. [Full Coverage]

Current reports are that Mexican Federal Police are attacking the Oaxaca people's assembly see Global Indymedia or Mexico Indymedia (spanish) for up to the minute coverage

[Recent email from Brad | Melbourne Solidarity Action this Monday]

IMF/World Bank Protests

Melbourne Indymedia — 2006-09-13T03:28:00

"Civil society groups worldwide have reacted angrily to the Singaporean government�s ban on up to 20 delegates who plan to attend Bank/Fund annual meetings there next week." said a statement from Friends of the Earth International. NGOs have also condemned Singapore for applying pressure on the administration of neighbouring Batam, Indonesia, where a major civil society conference will be held. Following an international outcry, Indonesian officials confirmed the conference in Batam can go ahead. [Read More]

"Singapore is showing its dark side. One that does not respect civil rights, one that treats people like children," said Walden Bello, executive director of the Focus on the Global South, and one of the individuals banned by Singapore from attending along with his organisation, as Space for Dissent Narrows on Eve of Bank/IMF Meet.

Call for Global Actions Against IMF/World Bank | Activists to mount global protests versus IMF-WB

Target: WTO | Focus on the Global South | Jubilee South | Mobilization for Global Justice