OAS condemns racist attacks against Bolivian indigenous farmers at Sucre

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OAS condemns racist attacks against Bolivian indigenous farmers at Sucre

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Caracas, Venezuela, 3 May 2008. The Organiztion of American States (OAS) has condemned the violent and racist attacks on Bolivian indigenous and pro government farmers at Sucre on May 24, 2008. They were hurt by separatist forces that oppose President Evo Morales during an event organised by the government. According to information and footage received by OAS..."the campesinos and indigenous people were insulted with racist epithets, kicked and clubbed with sticks, forced to kneel in the Plaza 25 de Mayo, humiliated in various ways, and robbed of their documents, money, and clothes. More than 20 people were injured. A journalist was also attacked".

The OAS General Secretary, José Miguel Insulza, stated such action constituted a grave violation of Human Rights consecrated in numerous international treaties. In addition to the General Secretary condemnation, the Inter American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) also expressed its objection to the attacks. IACHR urged the Bolivian governmet to investigate the aggresion, punish those responsible and make reparations to the victims.

Bolivia is currently divided over the attempts to force illegal separatism among its eastern provinces or Media Luna. Political rightist sectors that oppose the current socialist government of Evo Morales have already held private consultation -called referendum- in Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando. These rightist groups have been helped by some members of the Venezuelan opposition. Both student leader Jon Goicohea and  Alejandro Peña Esclusa have provided political advice to the separatists in Santa Cruz, Boliva. A recent article published by Christian Science Monitor tried to show them on a crusade against socialism in the name of democracy. However, it obliterated the participation of Peña Esclusa in most abjected acts of violence against the poor and pro government groups in Venezuela. With suc advice,  no wonder the OAS had to condemn the attacks of the indigenous farmers of Sucre.

Sources: ABI, OAS, IACHR, CSM, La Razon, Correo del Sur,  

Related stories:  Bolivia: Violence prevents Evo Morales visit to Sucre, Bolivia: Beni and Pando to celebrate illegal separatist consultation tomorrow, Bolivian dialogue: some agreement on fundamental national issues