[Onthebarricades] Pro-democracy, human/civil rights and anti-government protests, Southeast Asia, December 2008
global resistance roundup
onthebarricades at lists.resist.ca
Sat Oct 24 22:08:01 PDT 2009
TAIWAN
* Student protesters prove critics wrong
* Huge sit-in against anti-protest law
* March against anti-protest law
* Students protest abuse during China demos
* Chinese spouses protest lack of rights
* Self-immolator dies, a month after protest
* Politician visits student freedom protest
MALAYSIA
* Indian activists in protest fast for Hindraf leaders
* NGO postcard campaign over book ban
PHILIPPINES
* Thousands protest against change in Constitution
* Balas crisis continues; protesters issue fresh warning
INDONESIA
* Activists demand human rights review
* Prime Minister loses temper with protesters
* Activists mark human rights day
* Buskers protest against social cleansing operation
* Bali "porn bill" protests continue
* Protests as Munir murder accused acquitted
SOUTH KOREA
* Opposition politicians stage parliament sit-in over repressive laws
* TV workers strike against media bill
* Protests continue over repressive laws, beef
* INDIA/KOREA: Protests over jailed Indian seamen
NEPAL
* Passenger dies in bus burning during protest against police violence
* Journalists call strike, protest over killing; injuries as police attack
CHINA/TIBET/HONG KONG/MACAO
* Protesters arrested for marking human rights day
* Tibet protesters target London embassy
* Macao protest against repressive law
VIETNAM
* Catholics protest political trials
BURMA
* Nine arrested in rare protest in Rangoon
NORTH KOREA
* Activists airlift leaflets into police state
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/12/09/2003430669
REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: Wild Strawberries protest proves the skeptics wrong
By Flora Wang
STAFF REPORTER
Tuesday, Dec 09, 2008, Page 3
Many people may have had reservations about whether the loosely-knit
Wild Strawberry Student Movement would be capable of staging a
successful and peaceful rally as planned when they heard that the
students had decided not to report their planned protest to the police
in defiance of the Assembly and Parade Law (集會遊行法).
Even Ho Tung-hung (何東洪), an associate professor of psychology at Fu
Jen Catholic University and a participant in the Wild Lily Student
Movement (野百合學運) of the 1990s, expressed reservations when talking
to the Taipei Times several days prior to Sunday’s demonstration.
Ho, who had been offering advice to the Wild Strawberries as a student
movement veteran, had expressed doubts about whether the students would
be able to handle such a large-scale rally.
Some people opposing the Wild Strawberries also left messages on the
students’ official Web blog (tion1106.blogspot.com), alleging that
violence and chaos could break out during the rally.
But the students’ peaceful 2.7km march to the nation’s major government
branches on Sunday and the large number of participants the parade
attracted proved the skeptics wrong.
The Wild Strawberries were able to maintain order with a team of
students tasked with keeping the peace. They had been trained by several
non-governmental organizations experienced in staging rallies.
Although they seemed inexperienced, the team helped control traffic and
the pace of the parade as the protesters marched down Zhongshan S Road,
Zhongxiao E Road and Ketagalan Boulevard, which are among the busiest
sections of downtown Taipei.
The civil disobedience training the students had received prior to the
rally, given by Chien Hsi-chieh, director of the Peacetime Foundation of
Taiwan, also proved successful, as the students resorted to applause and
cheers instead of violence when stopped by police officers on several
occasions.
The enthusiasm of the students appeared to have also ¬infected ¬hundreds
of supporters of the movement who marched with them, even though some of
the supporters were overheard saying that “the students’ action would
not be as effective as throwing gasoline bombs, like we did in the old
days.”
The police’s tacit agreement to allow the students to finish the rally
also helped keep the demonstration nonviolent. An officer from the
nearby Zhongzheng First Precinct was overheard saying that the police
had decided not to block the students’ demonstration.
But the students still struggled to prevent other civic groups from
stealing their thunder.
As the students were discouraging a group of elderly people from holding
banners advocating de jure Taiwanese independence, one of the elderly
protesters complained about the students’ interference.
“They are fighting for our freedom [of speech]. How can they limit our
freedom?” the man said.
The students also spent quite some time persuading two participating
vehicles to remove their political flags.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2008/12/08/186599/Students-end.htm
December 8, 2008 9:26 am TWN, The China Post news staff
Students end sit-in with demonstration
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- College students demanding the right to hold public
demonstrations without restrictions decided to end their month-long
sit-in after staging a march in Taipei yesterday.
With supporters and sympathizers joining their ranks, the students
marched on the boulevard that link the Anti-Corruption Plaza, the
Legislative Yuan, and the Executive Yuan (Cabinet) in the capital to
protest the regulations that they say limit people's constitutional
right to demonstrate freely.
The students, many in black shirts symbolizing impaired human rights,
shouted slogans as they paraded past police and government buildings.
The existing regulations made it mandatory for people to get "permits"
in advance when they want to hold large-scale public demonstrations.
The new rules proposed by the new government, which are still under
consideration by the lawmakers, will require "no permits" from the
authorities for such gatherings.
But the new rules require that organizers of protests "report" their
plans to police so that preparations can be made to avoid traffic
disruptions.
The students demanded that demonstrators be allowed to stage protests as
they wish. They said the current law and the proposed new rules give
police too much power to bar protests.
During yesterday's march, the group ignored police officers who held up
signs ordering them to disperse for failing to obtain approval in
accordance with the exiting rules.
Despite their issuing warnings, police made no attempt to block the
students' march.
The students have been staging sit-ins for weeks to protest what they
saw as heavy-handed police measures to limit protests during a Nov. 3-7
visit by mainland Chinese envoy, Chen Yunlin, to hold talks on
cross-strait issues.
But the protests against Chen's visit ended in violent clashes between
police and protesters, leaving more than 110 people injured after
demonstrators started hurling stones and attempted to run down barricades.
The students have been demanding that Premier Liu Chao-shiuan make an
apology and resign over the violence.
They agreed yesterday to halt the sit-in protests at the Liberty Square
in the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park.
Student leaders said they will pull out from the square and concentrate
on working out new tactics to continue pushing their cause.
Other measures to be taken will include closer monitoring of debate on
these issues by lawmakers in the Legislative Yuan.
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Asia&set_id=1&click_id=126&art_id=nw20081207132138460C217884
Students protest demonstration law
December 07 2008 at 03:47PM
Taipei, Taiwan - About 3 000 Taiwanese college students marched in the
capital on Sunday to protest a law that they say limits people's
constitutional right to demonstrate freely.
The students, many in black shirts symbolising impaired human rights,
shouted slogans as they paraded in a downtown district with police and
government buildings.
They protested a law that requires police approval of public gatherings
and demanded that demonstrators be allowed to stage protests as they
wish. They said the current law gives police too much power to bar protests.
The group ignored police officers who held up signs ordering them to
disperse for failing to obtain approval.
The students have been staging sit-ins for weeks to protest what they
saw as heavy-handed police measures to limit protests during a November
3-7 visit by a mainland Chinese envoy, Chen Yunlin.
They have agreed to halt the protests after Sunday's demonstration
because lawmakers said they would debate the issue in the Legislature.
Chen, the highest Chinese official to visit Taiwan in nearly six
decades, was dogged by protesters who viewed his trip as a Chinese
attempt to put the self-governed island under its fold.
At one point, hundreds of protesters confronted police outside a
restaurant where Chen was having dinner.
Thousands also demonstrated in downtown Taipei when President Ma
Ying-jeou held a brief meeting with Chen. Many later tried to surround
Chen at his hotel, an area off limits to protesters, prompting police to
use water cannons and clubs to disperse the crowd. - Sapa-AP
http://www.taiwanheadlines.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=142613&CtNode=39
Students plan new protest
12/02/2008 (Taiwan News)
Taiwan students protesting against police brutality and in favor of
changes to laws regulating demonstrations said on Monday that they were
planning a march through downtown Taipei for December 7.
Organizers said they hoped to mobilize at least 100 students from all
over Taiwan to show up Sunday.
Students from Kaohsiung said they would bring a puppet effigy of
President Ma Ying-jeou dressed in a military uniform to symbolize their
charge that the government was turning back to the days of martial law.
The effigy was two meters high, and made of bamboo and cloth. It had
long arms which could be used to beat up people from every social class,
the students said.
The protesters said they would not apply for permission to stage
Sunday's march, which is scheduled to take them by the Executive Yuan,
the Legislative Yuan, and Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the
Presidential Office building. The students said they would appoint more
than 30 supporters to police the march themselves.
The protest was necessary because the government had shown no remorse
and no sincerity over the past three weeks, protest leaders said.
Former Academia Sinica president Lee Yuan-tseh said that when students
express their opinions, it was only right that people should give their
full attention to them.
The student action began in the wake of clashes between police and
protesters during the controversial November 3-7 visit to Taiwan by
China's top cross-straits negotiator, Chen Yunlin.
The students started their sit-in protest without a permit outside the
Executive Yuan on November 6, while Chen was still in Taiwan. The next
day, they were removed by police, but decided to continue the
24-hour-a-day protest under the gate to Liberty Square in downtown Taipei.
Lawmakers have promised they will change the Parade and Assembly Law to
abolish the rule that all protests need to obtain police approval before
they go ahead. The students want registration to be sufficient.
The protesters yesterday also reiterated their demands for apologies
from President Ma and from Premier Liu Chao-shiuan, and the resignation
of the national police and national intelligence chiefs.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Asia&set_id=1&click_id=126&art_id=nw20081207132138460C217884
Students protest demonstration law
December 07 2008 at 03:47PM
Taipei, Taiwan - About 3 000 Taiwanese college students marched in the
capital on Sunday to protest a law that they say limits people's
constitutional right to demonstrate freely.
The students, many in black shirts symbolising impaired human rights,
shouted slogans as they paraded in a downtown district with police and
government buildings.
They protested a law that requires police approval of public gatherings
and demanded that demonstrators be allowed to stage protests as they
wish. They said the current law gives police too much power to bar protests.
The group ignored police officers who held up signs ordering them to
disperse for failing to obtain approval.
The students have been staging sit-ins for weeks to protest what they
saw as heavy-handed police measures to limit protests during a November
3-7 visit by a mainland Chinese envoy, Chen Yunlin.
They have agreed to halt the protests after Sunday's demonstration
because lawmakers said they would debate the issue in the Legislature.
Chen, the highest Chinese official to visit Taiwan in nearly six
decades, was dogged by protesters who viewed his trip as a Chinese
attempt to put the self-governed island under its fold.
At one point, hundreds of protesters confronted police outside a
restaurant where Chen was having dinner.
Thousands also demonstrated in downtown Taipei when President Ma
Ying-jeou held a brief meeting with Chen. Many later tried to surround
Chen at his hotel, an area off limits to protesters, prompting police to
use water cannons and clubs to disperse the crowd. - Sapa-AP
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/394747/1/.html
Taiwanese students protest police 'abuse' during anti-China demos
Posted: 07 December 2008 1840 hrs
A Taiwanese student holds a placard reading, 'President Ma, Apologize
for Police Violence'.
TAIPEI: Hundreds of college students protested in Taipei on Sunday
against what they called police abuse in handling anti-China
demonstrations last month and demanded an apology from President Ma
Ying-jeou.
The students from across the island, joined by sympathisers, marched
through Taipei chanting slogans, bringing to a close a month-long sit-in
launched after the clashes and scuffles surrounding the visit of a top
Chinese envoy.
China's top Taiwan negotiator, Chen Yunlin, made history when he visited
the island and met Ma last month, but protests against his visit ended
in violent clashes between police and protesters that left more than 110
people injured.
"President Ma Ying-jeou must apologise for the police abuse," said a
spokesman for the students.
Chen became the most senior Chinese official to visit the island since
it split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949.
In October, his deputy Zhang Mingqing – in Taiwan to prepare for Chen's
visit – was jostled and pushed to the ground by pro-independence
activists in the southern city of Tainan.
Ties between Taipei and Beijing have eased since Ma of the
China-friendly Kuomintang swept to power in March on a platform of
reducing hostilities with Beijing and allowing in more Chinese tourists.
- AFP/so
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/12/28/2003432281
Chinese spouses protest lack of human, civil rights
STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA
Sunday, Dec 28, 2008, Page 3
A Chinese spouse holds up cuffed hands while performing a skit outside
Taipei Guest House yesterday. The skit was part of a demonstration
demanding that Chinese spouses be given the same rights as other foreign
spouses.
PHOTO: CNA
More than 40 Chinese spouses, the Alliance for Human Rights Legislation
for Immigrants and Migrants (AHRLIM), the Awakening Foundation and other
organizations demonstrated yesterday outside the Taipei Guest House,
saying that a lack of human rights and domestic and marriage legislation
were turning them into second-class citizens.
They demanded that the Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the
Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (台灣地區與大陸地區人民關係條例) be
amended so they could enjoy the same human rights as other foreign spouses.
Tseng Chao-yuan (曾昭媛), Awakening Foundation secretary-general, said
there were about 98,000 Chinese spouses residing in Taiwan, but that
they have to wait for 10 years before they can obtain citizenship,
unlike other foreign spouses who are eligible after four years.
Hsia Hsiao-chuan (夏曉鵑), associate professor in Shih Hsin University’s
Graduate Institute for Social Transformation Studies, said that although
Taiwan was a country that respected human rights, Chinese spouses were
discriminated against. adding that international conventions on women’s
rights state that foreign spouses should enjoy basic human rights
protection in their new country.
Zheng Xiaowen (鄭曉文), who has lived in Taiwan for five years, said
that many Chinese spouses experienced economic problems, because they do
not have the right to work, which means if their spouse dies and they
have no children, or if they divorce because of domestic violence, the
Chinese spouse has to return to China.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/12/15/2003431135
Self-immolator dies one month after envoy protest
By Loa Iok-sin
STAFF REPORTER
Monday, Dec 15, 2008, Page 3
“Unfortunately, the operations did not seem to be very effective because
of Liu’s age. In addition, infection began to set in last week.”
— Tsai Chi-hsun, secretay-general of the Taiwan Association for Human Rights
Former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) member Liu Po-yen (劉柏煙), who
set himself on fire to protest the government’s special treatment of
Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait Chairman Chen Yunlin
(陳雲林) last month, died in hospital yesterday.
“Liu had eight skin graft operations over the past month while at
National Taiwan University Hospital,” Taiwan Association for Human
Rights secretary-general Tsai Chi-hsun (蔡季勳), who has been helping
Liu’s family to cover his medical costs, told the Taipei Times in a
telephone interview.
“Unfortunately, the operations did not seem to be very effective because
of Liu’s age,” Tsai continued. “In addition, infection began to set in
last week.”
Doctors announced Liu’s death a little after 4am yesterday morning.
Liu, aged 80, set himself on fire on Nov. 11 in Liberty Square as
members of the Wild Strawberry student movement staged a sit-in protest
against alleged police brutality in cracking down on anti-China
demonstrations during Chen’s visit from Nov. 3 to Nov. 7.
In a flyer that Liu handed out to passers-by before setting himself on
fire, Liu said that he joined the KMT in 1950.
“I don’t know what the president thinks about what happened lately — I
saw people getting arrested by the police for waving the national flag
on the street, and I saw nothing happened to police officers who beat
people,” he said in the statement. “I heard that 16 civilians have been
arrested and may be indicted, I wonder if the police officers who beat
up civilians with batons will receive merits?”
Liu also said that he was upset to see President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九)
being happy to be addressed by Chen as simply “you.”
“I wonder if the president will kneel down to welcome Chinese officials
of higher ranks?” he wrote.
KMT Legislator Lee Ching-hua (李慶華) said Liu was not a KMT member,
“since he did not reinstate his membership in 2000.”
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2008/12/28/189606/Tsai-Ing-wen.htm
Sunday, December 28, 2008 4:16 am TWN, The China Post news staff
Tsai Ing-wen attends funeral of protester who set himself on fire
Opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen yesterday attended the funeral of an old
man who died about a month after setting himself in flames in support of
students staging a pro-human rights protest in Taipei.
The Democratic Progressive Party chief paid tribute to Liu Po-yen, 80,
at a Tainan funeral house.
Liu, a retired teacher, set fire on himself on Nov. 11 at Taipei's
Liberty Square, where some students were staging a sit-in protest
demanding changes to the assembly law. Liu died on Dec. 14 in a hospital
after more than a month of treatment.
His daughter declined suggestions that the family stage further
protests, saying Liu was no politician. He was just a simple man who
wanted to see harmony in Taiwan, the daughter said.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/12/07/2003430489
Lee Teng-hui visits sit-in protest to express support
STAFF WRITER
Sunday, Dec 07, 2008, Page 3
Former president Lee Teng-hui visits the Wild Strawberry Student
Movement protest at Liberty Square in Taipei yesterday.
PHOTO: WANG YI-SUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) yesterday visited members of the
Wild Strawberry Student Movement staging a protest at Liberty Square and
promised to help them in their campaign to have the Assembly and Parade
Law (集會遊行法) amended.
Lee urged Taiwan Solidarity Union Chairman Huang Kun-huei (黃昆輝), who
accompanied him, to back the students as well and offered words of
encouragement ahead of a rally scheduled for this afternoon. Lee said he
hoped the students would not get sick from sitting outside in the cold
weather.
The Wild Strawberries have run a weeks-long campaign calling for
legislators to scrap regulations in the assembly law that require
organizers of protests to seek a permit from police for any events. The
protesters also demand that President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and Premier
Liu Chao-shiuan (劉兆玄) apologize and that National Police Agency (NPA)
Director-General Wang Cho-chiun (王卓鈞) and National Security Bureau
Director-General Tsai Chao-ming (蔡朝明) resign from their posts over
what the students have called police brutality against protesters during
a visit by a Chinese delegation last month.
Lee yesterday said he understood the students’ dissatisfaction with the
law and agreed the regulations should be changed.
He said democracy and freedom were the nation’s most prized possessions
and that the true meaning of democracy was that sovereignty rests with
the public. The government should not require police permits to
demonstrate, Lee said, and police should only intervene if a
demonstration turns violent.
Asked about Ma’s comment earlier this week that a visit by the Dalai
Lama would not be appropriate, Lee said there was no acceptable reason
for the government’s opposition to a visit.
The public is under economic stress, forcing it to focus on money
matters, Lee said.
“What is needed in this situation is religious comfort and there should
be no talk of this not being an appropriate time [for a visit by the
Dalai Lama],” he said.
In related news, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Hsieh
Kuo-liang (謝國樑) said yesterday he would leave for the US today on
behalf of the National Security Council (NSC) to address Washington’s
concerns about eroding judicial impartiality.
Hsieh said the NSC felt it was necessary to explain the matter to
friends in the US as they, including Ma’s mentor during his studies at
Harvard University, professor Jerome Cohen, had gotten the wrong
impression about the situation in Taiwan after a visit by Democratic
Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chai Trong-rong (蔡同榮).
Chai visited the US last month and expressed concern that the government
was influencing prosecutors in cases against DPP figures.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY SHIH HSIU-CHUAN
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/malaysia/2008/12/15/187699/20-Indian.htm
December 15, 2008 10:15 am TWN, AP
20 Indian activists in Malaysia launch protest fast for leaders
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- About 20 ethnic Indian Malaysian activists
launched a protest fast Sunday to demand the release of their leaders
who have been imprisoned without trial for allegedly threatening racial
stability.
The protesters began consuming only water outside a Hindu temple in
Kuala Lumpur, but there was no consensus about how long they will
continue the fast, said S. Jayathas, a member of the Hindu Rights Action
Force.
“We want the government to listen to us and look into our legitimate
rights,” Jayathas said.
The group shot to prominence in Nov. 2007 when it led tens of thousands
of Indians in a rare street protest seeking an end to policies
benefiting the Malay Muslim majority and to gain better opportunities
for Indians, who form the bottom rung of Malaysia’s social ladder.
The protest marks the first anniversary of the jailing of five of the
group’s leaders last December under a tough security law that allows
indefinite detention without trial.
The government has also since banned the group, accusing it of inciting
racial hatred.
Last year’s street rally was considered a watershed in the country’s
politics, emboldening Malaysians unhappy with the government and
boosting opposition parties to spectacular gains in general elections in
March.
Minority Indians and ethnic Chinese have recently become more vocal in
speaking out against the government’s decades-old policy that provide
privileges in education, jobs and business to Malays, who comprise
nearly two-thirds of Malaysia’s 27 million people.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/10/nation/2761137&sec=nation
Wednesday December 10, 2008
NGOs protest against book ban with 1,000 signed postcards
PUTRAJAYA: A group of 10 non-governmental organisations including
Sisters in Islam, Suaram and representatives from the Bar Council handed
some 1,000 postcards protesting against the banning of books to the Home
Ministry here.
SIS senior programme manager Maria Chin Abdullah said the postcards were
collected from September and bore the signatures of people voicing their
protest over the ban.
“We are concerned because the guidelines leading to the ban of books are
vague and the decision by the Government is often arbitrary. Some of the
banned books have also been published and widely sold in stores for some
time but then, the Government decides to confiscate them.
“Similarly, we didn’t even know the books were banned until we read
about it in the newspapers,” she told reporters here yesterday, pointing
to a book published by SIS — Muslim Women and the Challenge of Islamic
Extremism — as an example.
“We want the ministry to call for a consultation with all the parties
involved in the publication of books to resolve this matter. Banning
books has a negative effect on information and intellectual
development,” she pointed out.
Maria said the non-governmental bodies also wanted to know if writers
would be compensated for losses suffered when their books are damaged or
destroyed in the confiscation process.
The SIS book was edited by Prof Norani Othman from Universiti Kebangsaan
Malaysia, who was also present.
http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-12/2008-12-12-voa46.cfm?CFID=159018933&CFTOKEN=18118114&jsessionid=8830af0b357bdfab78b67a222264a77651e3
Thousands Protest Constitution Change in Philippines
By VOA News
12 December 2008
Protesters display placards as they prepare to march towards Manila's
financial district, 12 Dec 2008
Thousands of people in the Philippines have demonstrated against a move
to revise the constitution, which they say could extend the presidential
term in office.
Left-wing lawmakers and religious groups joined opposition protesters in
a march through central Manila Friday, with police on high alert.
Supporters of President Gloria Arroyo have held public hearings in
congress on amending the constitution. The president's opponents said
the amendments would enable her to stay in office beyond 2010, when her
six-year term expires.
President Arroyo has survived several coup attempts and efforts to
impeach her on charges of corruption.
In recent decades, massive street protests in the Philippines have led
to the ousters of former presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada.
Mr. Estrada has warned President Arroyo to distance herself from moves
to change the constitution to prevent street protests from turning violent.
The Philippine constitution allows only one six-year presidential term.
President Arroyo replaced Mr. Estrada after he was deposed in 2001. She
was able to run in the 2004 presidential election because she had served
no longer than four years as interim president.
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/139038/Manila-mayor-leads-gathering-of-anti-Chacha-protesters
Manila mayor leads gathering of anti-Chacha protesters
12/12/2008 | 11:05 AM
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MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim on Friday led a group of
anti-Charter change rallyists gather at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila a
few hours before the massive interfaith rally in Makati City.
Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo said the rallyists, composed mostly of students
and city hall officials and employees, bore streamers saying "No to
Cha-cha! No to con-ass! No to term extensions! Yes na yes Concon 2010!"
Around 8,000 people from various political, religious, and civil society
groups are expected to show up at the rally in Makati City to protest
current moves to amend the 1987 Constitution.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) had earlier said that
police personnel to be deployed to secure the protest action had been
increased to nearly 5,000.
The NCRPO had said that 3,142 security personnel will be tapped to deal
with any eventuality arising from the rally - including 600 from the
military's NCR Command, 669 from the Manila Police District, and 573
from the Southern Police District.
Additional police forces from Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central and
Southern Luzon and Bicol were also tapped to secure the event. - Johanna
Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/139120/Thousands-of-protesters-start-Makati-City-rally-vs-Cha-cha
Thousands of protesters start Makati rally vs Cha-cha
12/12/2008 | 04:53 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of anti-Charter change protesters
started their march Friday afternoon in Makati City, showing off a
multi-sectoral opposition against moves to amend the 1987 Constitution.
GMA News' Jiggy Manicad said the rallyists, composed of civil society
groups that included Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Partidong
Manggagawa, Gabriela, and Courage, began marching along Paseo de Roxas
at 3:30 p.m.
The groups were led by progressive party-list Representatives Satur
Ocampo and Teodoro Casiño of Bayan Muna, Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan
of Gabriela, and Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis.
Also present was the Whistleblowers' Association of the Philippines led
by jueteng witness Sandra Cam.
Organizers are expecting 20,000 people to attend the interfaith rally,
which could last until 9 p.m.
Other political personalities, such as ZTE national broadband network
mess star witness Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr, and former government
officials tagged as the Hyatt 10, were also at the rally.
Former President Joseph Estrada briefly showed up but left after a while
to attend to his mother's poor health condition, said the report.
Separate reports aired over radio dzBB said Jose "Joey" de Venecia III,
who led the filing of the recently dismissed impeachment complaint
against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was also at the rally.
Also at the rally were senators Manuel Roxas II, Loren Legarda, Panfilo
Lacson, and Francis Escudero.
"Ang ating mga kababayan nagkakaisa isa tinig dito labanan, tutulan,
ibasura, patayin itong Gloria forever Cha-cha na ito (Our countrymen are
one in saying that we should fight, reject, junk, and kill this Gloria
forever Cha-cha)," said Roxas in an interview over radio dzBB. - Johanna
Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138507/Militants-to-focus-on-Chacha-issue-on-HR-Day-protests
Militants to focus on Chacha issue on HR Day protests
12/10/2008 | 05:24 AM
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MANILA, Philippines - Militant groups will make Charter-change (Chacha)
issue the focus of their protest actions on International Human Rights
Day Wednesday.
Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan
(Bayan) sought to prevent the extension of President Arroyo's term,
which it said may lead to more abuses.
Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said the theme of Wednesday's
nationwide protest actions will be "no to term extension, no more years
of human rights abuses."
He said protests will be held in Baguio, Bicol, Iloilo, Bacolod,
Tacloban, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.
All those protests will lead to the grand prayer rally against Charter
change in Makati City this Friday, he said. - GMANews.TV
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081212-177627/Bayan-Protesters-nabbed-in-Cubao
Bayan: Protesters nabbed in Cubao
By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:16:00 12/12/2008
Filed Under: Protest, Charter change, Police
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) An activist group accused police of
arresting a group of protesters on their way to join the interfaith
rally against Charter change in Makati City Friday afternoon.
Bayan (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, New Patriotic Alliance) secretary
general Renato Reyes Jr. said the activists from the Moro-Christian
People's Alliance were reportedly stopped by members of the police
Highway Patrol Group in Cubao, Quezon City, and hauled off to nearby
Camp Crame because the jeepney they were riding was outside its approved
route.
Reyes identified the arresting officers as Sergeants Sesas, Rodrigo and
Solomon.
Meanwhile, activists who Bayan had earlier reported were blocked by
police in Cavite province have decided to commute to Metro Manila to
make it to the rally, Reyes said, as he accused the police of
“harassment” and trying to “delay people from attending the protest.”
Earlier Friday, Bayan said police had blocked the activists from Cavite,
led by Fr. Joe Dizon, and a contingent from Bataan led by Bishop
Socrates Villegas, which was stopped at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
But PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome denied this,
saying there has been no directive from PNP Director General Jesus
Verzosa to prevent protesters from attending the Makati rally.
Bartolome said the checkpoints set up by police are part of “Task Force
Manila Shield,” which was reactivated effective 6 a.m. Thursday ahead of
the Makati City rally, and not intended to prevent people from joining
the protest.
“Checkpoints are part of the normal law enforcement function of the
PNP,” he said.
“There is no directive from the PNP leadership against blocking off
protesters,” Bartolome added.
He also stressed that police are under instructions to assist, not
block, protesters entering Metro Manila.
Bartolome said any group blocked by police should not hesitate to report
the incident to the city or provincial police chief.
Government critics say the efforts at Charter change are intended to
extend the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo beyond 2010.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20081212-177685/Protesters-nab-police-infiltrator
Protesters nab police ‘infiltrator’
By Thea Alberto, Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 21:49:00 12/12/2008
Filed Under: Protest, Charter change, Espionage & Intelligence, Police
MANILA, Philippines -- Activists attending the interfaith rally against
Charter change apprehended a police intelligence officer they said was
on a mission to “infiltrate” their ranks.
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan, New Patriotic Alliance) said
Inspector Teddy Mina Erum of the Philippine National Police Intelligence
Group, was mingling with the crowd in civilian clothes and had a mission
order.
He was turned over by human rights workers to the Makati police.
Makati police chief Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz confirmed the
incident and said Mina was turned over immediately to National Capital
Region Police Office chief Director Leopoldo Bataoil.
Cruz said police were prohibited from mingling with protesters during
the entire program, even with an existing mission order, but explained
that no charges were filed against the intelligence officer because he
was merely doing his job..
"We just checked kung totoong member ng IG ng PNP. Ang ginagawa niyang
intel [We just checked if he was really a member of the IG of the PNP.
The intelligence gathering he was doing] is also for the protection of
rallyists and VIPs [very important persons] present," Cruz said.
He added that aside from this, no other untoward incident was reported
at the protest.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081212-177652/Protesters-converge-on-Ayala
Protesters reject Charter change
Warnings of civil unrest aired
By Katherine Evangelista, Thea Alberto, Abi Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:36:00 12/12/2008
Filed Under: Charter change
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 13) Thousands of protesters converged at
the junction of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas in Makati City for a
rally against moves by administration lawmakers to amend the Constitution.
The protest turned into a huge Christmas party for several
organizations, with song and dance numbers were staged on a colorfully
lit street with holiday decorations all over the buildings in the city’s
financial district.
Apart from protest banners and placards scattered in the streets, there
were also vendors selling dirty ice cream, native clothes, and other
accessories. One vendor was selling souvenir buttons with the words
“Moderate your Greed” and “Oust Gloria” printed on them.
At the middle of Paseo de Roxas, a small eatery serving rice porridge
and noodles had been set up.
At the start of the protest, Makati mayor Jejomar Binay declared Makati
City a Charter change-free city. “Handa ho kaming makibaka, teka,
seditious yata yan [We are prepared to fight, wait, that seems to be
seditious],” Binay quipped.
“Dito sa Makati, maniwala kayo magkakasama tayong lalaban sa anumang
pagbabago sa ating Saligang Batas [Here in Makati, believe me, we are
together to fight any attempt to change the Constitution],” he said.
Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, who represented his father, former
president Joseph Estrada, criticized the recent dismissal of an
impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the
House of Representatives.
“Kamakailan, pinatay ang impeachment complaint, hindi idininig ang
ika-apat na impeachment complaint, kaya patuloy ang katiwalian sa ating
bansa [Recently, they killed the impeachment complaint, they did not
hear the fourth impeachment complaint, which is why corruption continues
in our country]” he said.
Senator Panfilo Lacson thanked religious groups for helping spearhead
the protest and assured them that Filipinos would follow their lead.
“Pangunahan ninyo, susunod kami sa inyo [Lead and we will follow],”
Lacson said at the rally.
Senator Francis Escudero said that instead of pushing Charter change,
the government should be discussing more important issues like improving
health and education, generating employment within the country, and
lowering the prices of goods.
“Huwag na tayong mag-aksaya ng panahon para pag-usapan pa ang Cha-cha
[Let us not waste time discussing Charter change],” Escudero said.
Early Friday evening, Renato Reyes, secretary general of the Bagong
Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said they had achieved their goal of
mobilizing 10,000 people from a "broad range of forces" including
churches and various political parties and civil society groups, which
he said showed how "widely rejected Cha-Cha [Charter change] has become."
But National Capital Region police office (NCRPO) Director Leopoldo
Bataoil refused to give a crowd estimate and “argue [with protesters] on
figures.”
“As to the crowd estimate, I will not give my own, I will leave that to
the organizers, and I will respect their crowd estimate,” he added.
Media outfits estimated the crowd peaking at 8,000.
Bataoil also said the protest was “generally peaceful with no untoward
incidents.”
The five-hour rally ended promptly at 9 p.m. with protesters ending the
program with the nationalist song “Bayan Ko” (My Country) while holding
lit candles, and then quietly dispersing.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police said 4,700 anti-riot police
would be deployed to provide security during the rally.
Protesters converged at the protest site at 4 p.m. Members of the
contingent led by Bayan carried around huge Christmas lanterns with the
words “Junk Cha-Cha,” with drums and folk dancers marching along.
A contingent from the Liberal Party, led by Senators Manuel Roxas II and
Rodolfo Biazon, and Representative Ruffy Biazon, and former senator
Franklin Drilon, among others, gathered in front of the Makati Post
Office, to march to the rally site.
At the start of the protest, rallyists let loose swarms of green
balloons to protest any moves to amend the Constitution.
"I hope we will be able to stop Cha-Cha [Charter change] after this.
Charter change now is a manglement [sic], a rape of our constitution,"
said Roxas in an interview.
Also at the protest were Senators Loren Legarda, Benigno Aquino III and
Ma. Ana Consuelo Madrigal, Bayan Muna (People First) Representatives
Teddy Casiño and Satur Ocampo, Gabriela Representative Liza Maza,
Representative Teofisto Guingona III, and lawyer Harry Roque, among others.
Former president Corazon Aquino was not able to make it to the rally but
issued a statement, read during the program, saying she supports calls
to junk plans to amend the Charter.
But former president Joseph Estrada, who promised to join the rally, did
not show up as he rushed to be with his ailing 103-year-old mother.
Margaux Salcedo, Estrada's spokesperson, said the former president
rushed to the San Juan Medical Center where Doña Mary Ejercito is in
"extreme medical condition."
A contingent led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan, New Patriotic
Alliance), armed with colorful Christmas lanterns and dancing to native
music, marched from Makati Avenue.
Ocampo, Casiño and Maza carried lanterns that read, "Junk Cha-Cha."
Reyes accused police of “harassment” and trying to “delay people from
attending the protest,” citing the alleged arrest in Cubao by Highway
Patrol Group policemen of activists from the Muslim-Christian Alliance.
Reyes said the activists were hauled off to Camp Crame.
He also said a contingent from Cavite province, who police had
reportedly prevented from going to Metro Manila, had decided to commute
to the rally on public transport.
Reyes had said a contingent from Bataan province, led by Bishop Socrates
Villegas, was also blocked at the North Luzon Expressway by police.
“The Filipino people, even the entire Philippine Senate, are opposed to
Charter change,” said Bayan chairperson Carol Araullo.
“It should send a clear message to Mrs. Arroyo and her allies that it is
time to quit moves to revise the Charter and extend her term in office,”
Araullo said.
A leftist fisherfolk’s group on Friday called on mayors of Metro Manila
cities to declare their respective bailiwicks “Charter change free” to
show “strong opposition” against plans by administration allies to amend
the Constitution.
“The people of the National Capital Region are extremely opposed to
Cha-cha and to the alleged plot of Malacañang and the President’s allies
to extend the term of the Chief Executive and all incumbent elected
officials. It is the duty of all mayors in Metro Manila to carry this
collective sentiment and political interest of their constituents,”
Fernando Hicap, chairman of the fisher folk group Pamalakaya (Pambansang
Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas, National Strength of the
Fishers’ Movement in the Philippines), said in a statement.
Meanwhile, thousands of youth brought a giant Christmas card to Friday’s
protest in Makati City.
The card read, “Our wish this Christmas: No cha-cha [Charter change] and
No [President] Gloria [Macapagal-Arroyo]!" and, “The Filipino people's
best gift to the nation is a Cha-Cha-free Christmas and a Gloria-free
New Year!”
Students from University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila
University, De La Salle University, Miriam College, Polytechnic
University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, University of
the East, and other schools in Metro Manila joined the protest.
“We are gathered here today to exercise our freedom of speech and at the
same time to deliver a message, a warning. Youth protests will continue
for as long as cha-cha is being pushed for Arroyo's benefit. We vow to
sustain our protests and guard against any attempts to amend the
Constitution,” said Anakbayan chairman Ken Ramos.
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137769/Erap-urges-Pinoys-to-join-the-Dec-12-anti-Cha-cha-protest
Erap calls for anti-Cha-cha protest; Reds issue warning
12/05/2008 | 08:55 PM
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MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada on Friday called
on all Filipinos to join the protest march against the bid to amend the
Constitution on December 12 in Makati City.
Estrada's call - the latest of several warnings against the
administration plan to amend the Charter - was aired during a speech at
the OFW Family Club Grand Family Day celebration at Star City in Roxas
Boulevard.
In that speech, he criticized administration congressmen for pushing for
Charter change now instead of crafting bills to help Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFWs) amid the world financial crisis.
"Marami sa ating mga OFW ngayon ang nag-uwian na dahil nawalan sila ng
trabaho at maaaring marami pa ang mawawalan ng hanapbuhay , pero ang
ating mga kongresista ang ina-asikaso pa ay ang Cha-cha o Charter change
... Gusto ng mga bayarang kongresista na sila ang susulat ng bagong
Saligang-Batas ...," he said in a press statement.
He then appealed to the crowd to stand up against Charter change.
"Papayagan ba natin na ang mga bayaran at corrupt na mga kongresistang
ito ang magbago sa ating Saligang-Batas? Kaya ako ay nananawagan sa inyo
na dumalo sa malawakang protesta laban sa Cha-cha sa Biyernes," he said.
Cha-cha, Arroyo's last dance?
For its part, the Communist Party of the Philippines ordered the New
People's Army (NPA) to intensify tactical offensives to "punish" those
pushing for Cha-cha and prevent the regime from perpetuating its hold on
power.
"Revolutionary forces led by the CPP fully support the Filipino people
in their struggle to stop Cha-cha and the ruling clique's attempts to
prolong Arroyo's rotten and oppressive rule. The CPP calls on the
Filipino people to make Arroyo's latest Cha-cha gimmick her last dance,"
it said in a statement on its Web site.
It added that as anti-Arroyo and anti-Cha-cha movements gain momentum,
the NPA will intensify its offensives nationwide.
"As mass demonstrations and other forms of protest intensify, the Red
fighters of the NPA and other revolutionary forces will be intensifying
their tactical offensives nationwide to punish the US-Arroyo regime and
prevent it from perpetuating its hold on power," it said.
The CPP said Mrs Arroyo is becoming more and more desperate to hold on
to power beyond 2010, as she is aware she faces a string of charges once
she steps down from power.
Worse, it said the Arroyo family and its cohorts are now brazenly
revving up their Cha-cha offensive in a last-ditch effort to prolong
Arroyo's rule through the most convoluted "legal" means.
"Right after getting rid of the fourth impeachment case against Arroyo,
her own sons, in-laws and lackeys in Congress have choreographed one
resolution after another to push their Cha-cha offensive," it said.
The CPP said the Arroyo clique's latest resolution calls for convening
Congress as a constituent assembly to force Cha-cha.
Aside from this, it said Malacañang is further banking on the
forthcoming recomposition of the Supreme Court to knock down any further
legal resistance to Mrs Arroyo's "Con-ass" scheme.
By the end of 2009, practically the entire Supreme Court will be
composed of Arroyo appointees, it noted.
With the Supreme Court in her pocket, the CPP said that Mrs Arroyo plans
to employ the military and police to crush the mass demonstrations and
other protests expected to erupt against 'Con-ass' in order to prevent
them from snowballing into a mass uprising against her rule.
Should this be not enough, the CPP said she still has the option of
imposing "emergency rule" or outright martial law, with the "state of
emergency" declaration in February 2006 serving as a dress rehearsal.
"But Arroyo is making her biggest miscalculation. Cha-cha is turning out
to be the climactic battleground between the US-Arroyo regime and
Filipino people who see it as Arroyo's last straw in her desperation to
prolong her rule. With patriotic and democratic forces at the core, the
broadest national united front is now rapidly forming against
Cha-cha,"it said.
"Millions are expected to join mass demonstrations and other forms of
protest versus Cha-cha and all efforts to prolong Arroyo's illegal rule.
The more Arroyo and her ilk force through with Cha-cha, the more
vigorous the people's resistance will be," it added.
Bishop's warning
Meanwhile, a senior Catholic bishop similarly warned the Arroyo
administration against ignoring people's desperation, which he likened
to a big and deadly time bomb.
Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz said such desperation once it
explodes "neither sees who are killed nor cares what it destroys."
"So too when people are desperate, woe to all those whom they perceived
as their oppressors, and to those especially whom they know as their
exploiters. Now, it cannot be said that the 'Call'—pleading, alarm,
warning—has not been made and sounded," Cruz said in his Web
log.
He said Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Angel
Lagdameo already led four other bishops, including Cruz, in calling for
radical action against graft and corruption.
Even business groups have called for such change and have voiced
opposition to Charter change, especially at this time.
"One, positive action is mandatory. Two, an upright government is
essential. Three, there is a better future for the Filipinos," Cruz
said.- PR/GMANews.TV
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137636/Militants-Palace-arrogance-to-fuel-protests-vs-Chacha
Militants: Palace arrogance to fuel protests vs Chacha
12/05/2008 | 07:11 AM
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MANILA, Philippines - Militants "thanked" Malacañang for what they
called its "sheer arrogance" in dismissing protests by various groups,
including the influential El Shaddai, against Charter change.
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said this arrogance will give
opponents of Charter change more reason to go to the streets.
"Malacañang has just given the people all the more reason to go to the
streets. An arrogant government like this deserves the public's wrath,"
said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr., in a press statement on
the Bayan website.
Reyes noted the Palace showed similar arrogance not once but twice, when
it said it will not stop its allies in the House of Representatives from
pursuing Cha-cha.
He said more than 50 organizations and personalities have already
signified their participation in the Dec. 12 inter-faith prayer and
protest rally along Ayala Avenue in Makati City.
The mass action will include Catholic, Protestant, evangelical and
Muslim groups as well as business and civic groups, students and
teachers, lawyers, trade unions, and government employees.
"The administration's overweening pride will be its own undoing. The
Charter change move is already extremely unpopular as only Malacanang
and its House allies are supporting it, while a broad range of forces
stands opposed to it," Reyes said.
Also, Bayan contested Palace pronouncements that the executive branch
cannot interfere with a co-equal branch of government in relation to the
Charter change efforts.
"Malacañang should not influence Congress? Who are they kidding?
They've been doing that since Day 1. They did that to the impeachment
complaint. Now they're telling us they can't intervene? That's just
ridiculous," Reyes said.
Despite Palace pronouncements that term extension is not on the agenda
of Charter change, Bayan said the call to stop the measure is
"non-negotiable."
"Our demand is for an end to any and all efforts to change the
Constitution under Gloria. This is a non-negotiable demand. Arroyo's
allies must withdraw all pending resolutions advocating Cha-cha before
the House of Representatives. This includes the Nograles resolution and
the still-to-be-filed Villafuerte resolution," Reyes said.
Bayan said that until all possible moves for Charter change are
withdrawn, the public cannot afford to be complacent. The group said
that Arroyo will do everything to stay in power.
"The only acceptable outcome is for Arroyo to give it up completely.
As of now, there are no indications that Malacañang is even
reconsidering or backpedaling on Charter change. Protests must
continue," Reyes said. - GMANews.TV
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/139364/NDF-Palace-to-push-for-Cha-cha-despite-protests
NDF: Palace to push for Cha-cha despite protests
12/14/2008 | 08:50 PM
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MANILA, Philippines – The threat of Malacañang forcing Charter change
remains despite the massive rally staged against it last Friday, the
National Democratic Front (NDF) warned Sunday evening.
The regime will use the military and police to put down opposition or
emergency rule or even martial law to contain protests, NDF Eastern
Visayas spokesman Fr. Santiago Salas said.
"The Arroyo regime has already tried declaring a 'state of emergency'
such as what it did in February 2006," Salas said in a statement posted
Sunday night on the Communist Party of the Philippines' Web site
(www.philippinerevolution.net).
"It will certainly use the armed strength of the state to quell the
people's resistance to the Cha-cha if it is already in danger of
ouster," Salas added. "Thus the people must express their opposition
widely in various forms of protest and in mustering their biggest
numbers to confront the regime."
On the other hand, he said the New People's Army (NPA) in the
countryside will support efforts to end the Arroyo Administration and
bring it to account.
He said the Arroyo regime is pushing for Charter change to prolong its
hold on power and to avoid being brought to account for its numerous crimes.
Administration officials have said Mrs Arroyo will step down when her
term expires in 2010, but she has not made any categorical statement.
Salas explained: "The New People's Army intensifies and widens the
tactical offensives against Arroyo's forces, which are responsible for
so many political killings, enforced disappearances, attacks on civilian
communities, and other brutal violations of human rights and
international humanitarian law just to keep the regime in power.
"The guerrilla offensives deliver the message to the regime that it is
also confronted by the rising armed revolution. Both the peaceful and
armed struggles work together to surely end and punish the regime."
Salas said the Arroyo regime knows that there is no other legitimate way
to stay in Malacañang beyond 2010.
He said the people will not allow being cheated twice via the 2010
elections.
- GMANews.TV
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/11/07/news/protesters.to.dabu.release.our.back.wages.or.else.html
Friday, November 07, 2008
Protesters to Dabu: Release our back wages or else
By Jovi T. De Leon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The protesting sacked quarrymen of the Biyaya A
Luluguran At Sisikapan (Balas), through former leader Christopher
Ocampo, gave Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu an ultimatum.
They urged Dabu to release their back wages on or before Nov. 15 or they
will go to court and charge her with oppression and grave misconduct.
These back wages include night differentials, terminal leaves and cash
gifts.
What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers
The letter, which Dabu described as "somewhat threatening," pointed out
that the protesting Balas boys, whose back wages are being held pending
cuts and deductions that would have to be made, stated that they are
giving Dabu "one last opportunity" to release the protesters' salaries
and wages dating back to 2007.
"If we do not hear from you until such time," it said, "we will have no
choice but to go to court and file the necessary charges against you."
The letter also denied that there was an overpayment in the salaries of
the protesters. It told Dabu: "You may have conveniently forgotten that
your categorical position regarding the Balas Boys is that the
Provincial Board is not correct in downgrading salary grades of casual
employees."
"Consistent with your stand," the letter went on, "you even signed a
letter instructing Ms. Manalad and Mr. Benjamin Yuson to approve the
salary grade (SG) of Filologo Rodriguez, Allan Cunanan, and myself from
1 to 22, and the Balas personnel from SG 1 to SG 5 and SG 7."
Ocampo said in the letter it is for such reasons that Dabu "had no right
to hold the release" of their back wages.
He also denied Dabu's accusations of electricity theft, calling them
"baseless allegations" since they have not illegally tapped on the power
lines of the provincial Capitol, and as such, their pays on-hold could
not be subjected to such cuts, "least of all the cost of electricity."
On October 27, Dabu wrote the dismissed quarry checkers and monitoring
team leaders informing them that their request for the release of their
back wages has already been processed by the Capitol, but is being
withheld pending the submission by the Commission on Audit (COA) of
deductions and cuts that will to imposed on the pay of several
protesters who are no longer connected with the flagship program.
Dabu said in the letter that necessary cuts will have to be made on the
payroll of those who received grade 7 and 8 salaries as all casual Balas
personnel have been reverted to salary grade 1.
The sacked quarrymen will be charged for the electricity they used in
their now four-month picket at the park. The letter noted that their
electric power lines have been tapped with the Capitol's lines so they
will charged for the electric power they consumed during their stay at
the capitol grounds starting August 11 when they (the protesters) moved
to Arnedo Park's Capitol Boulevard side.
There were also hints that charges of electricity theft will be filed
against the protesters for illegally tapping on the capitol's power lines.
Last Wednesday, the provincial administrator said there was indeed
"overpayment" in the quarrymen's salaries as cited in Civil Service
Commission (CSC) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
provisions, stipulating that pro-rated deductions would have to be made
on the back wages of the protesters.
She said she would immediately reply to the letter of Ocampo and the
protesters to once and for all clarify matters regarding their requests.
Additionally, Dabu said their overtime pays had already been released
and it is only their night differentials of 2007 which are being held,
but are currently being processed by the Capitol.
"Some of the rallyists have yet to submit to us their necessary
clearances, and we have to wait for these in order for them to get their
cash gifts, night differentials and terminal leaves," Dabu said, adding
that they are only complying to proper CSC and COA rules and regulations
regarding their pays.
But Dabu reiterated the Capitol's stand that the cost of electricity
during their stay at Arnedo Park would really have to be borne by them,
saying "Who will pay for their bill?"
She said contrary to reports, she did not order the re-tapping of the
lines the are using from the city's to the Capitol's, but it was upon
the instance of the San Fernando Electric Company (SFELAPCO), whom she
said reported to them the illegal connections.
Capitol personnel have already obtained the protesters' load
requirements, which they will use in computing the amount of power
consumed by the Balas rallyists. "SFELAPCO," Dabu said, "has professed
their willingness to assist us in fairly computing the consumption and
charges."
According to Dabu, this development has complicated the release of their
back wages. "As long as they are connected with the Capitol's power
lines, the longer the computation would take, the longer their salaries
would be put on hold," she said.
She asked, "What if they stay there for three years?"
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/12/20/news/protesters.backwages.remain.unreleased.html
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Protesters' backwages remain unreleased
By Jovi T. De Leon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Despite getting off the Capitol's power lines
for their electricity needs at their picket line at Arnedo Park here,
the protesting sacked quarrymen of the Biyaya A Luluguran At Sisikapan
(Balas) are yet to get their night differentials, terminal leaves, and
cash gifts.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu told Sun.Star Friday that she is
still waiting for a "formal notice" from city power provider San
Fernando Electric Company (Sfelapco) regarding the acquisition of a
power meter by the protesters and the disconnection of their power lines
from the Capitol main power source.
Earlier, Dabu "promised" the protesters that their backpays of 2007
"shall be released only after we are assured that you are no longer and
will no longer illegally tap on the power lines of the Provincial
Government."
Reacting to the demands of Dabu and "sensing" that this may finally lead
to the release of their claims, the protesters immediately applied for a
power meter and the necessary permits from the City Government and
Sfelapco.
Last week, Sfelapco installed the power meter, under the name of former
Balas supervisor Agustin de Leon, and took their power lines off the
Capitol.
On Monday until Friday, the protesters sought to inform Dabu of the
development but failed and were surprised to learn from sources at the
Capitol that she wanted a "certification" from Sfelapco if she was to
release their claims.
The protesters were reportedly told by officials of the power firm that
they "do not issue such certifications even for big commercial
establishments or government institutions.
Sfelapco officials, according to them, "found it unusual" to request for
such a certification, much more for them to issue one since such
transactions, like the installation of a power meter, are well documented.
The power firm, meanwhile, provided the protesters with original copies
of the agreement to purchase electricity, the connection order,
receipts, the temporary permit granted by the City Government and other
legal documents that would support and validate the acquisition of a
power meter by the protesters.
Protesters have reiterated their appeal to Capitol executives for the
immediate release of their backwages.
In separate letters sent to Governor Eddie Panlilio and Dabu, they said:
"In the spirit of the Christmas season, we are appealing for the payment
of our rightful claims not for our sake but more importantly for the
sake of our respective families."
The letter further stated, "we believe in your sense of justice and
Godliness" and that "we have had some disagreements which could be
answered in the proper forum."
"To withhold our salaries, night differentials and cash gifts is
tantamount to inflicting injustice to us and our families," the
protesters said.
http://newsbreak.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5648&Itemid=88889051
IBP calls for nationwide protests against gov’t
Written by Carmela Fonbuena
Thursday, 04 December 2008
In a strongly worded statement published in the Philippine Star, the
Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Wednesday called on the
public to “make the corrupt and uncaring government feel the chill of
fear from our collective anger.”
Asked in a phone interview what form of action the IBP wants the public
to do, its president Feliciano Bautista told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak,
“We want them to stage protests to show indignation against the
government.”
“We are the solution to our problem. Let us not be passive. If a
government has little or no respect for the rule of law, we in the
Integrated Bar of the Philippines would unhesitatingly support our
people’s efforts at making those who betray the people’s trust account
and face the dire consequences of their transgressions,” the statement
said.
“If there’s any interested person or group who will join our cause, we
will join. We are coalescing with any group that will espouse the same
causes,” Bautista said in the interview.
Asked when is the best time to stage protests, “anytime is a good time.
As soon as the people are ready,” he said.
The IBP is the latest among normally politically conservative groups to
openly call on the public to fight corruption in government. “We have
made a stand to be an active stakeholder in the solution of national
issues,” Bautista said.
In October, five bishops of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the
Philippines issued a statement saying that “the time to prepare a new
government is now.” A month later, the Makati Business Club and the
Management Association of the Philippines—in a joint statement—said, “We
should now prepare for a new kind of governance.”
“There’s commonality in action. It’s a continuous reaction to what is
happening,” Bautista said.
In December 2007, the IBP also issued a statement calling for the
prosecution of corrupt officials. It was triggered by the bribery expose
of Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio involving President Arroyo for allegedly
giving away P500,000 each to governors and congressmen.
String of government controversies
The IBP statement condemned the string of controversies involving all
three branches of government—the executive, the legislative and the
judiciary.
• The killing of the impeachment complaint.
• The push for Charter change, which IBP believes is meant to remove
politicians’ term limits.
• The dismissal of the graft case against former DOJ Secretary Nani Perez.
• The P728-million fertilizer fund mess.
• The Russian caper of involving 8 police generals and 105,000 euros.
“This is not the government we deserve. We pine for government servants
who work for lasting peace for the entire country, who toil for economic
security in the face of a global financial crisis, who put national
interest way above and before self-interest. Sadly, these are not the
qualities people in government now have,” the statement said.
“As the saying goes, however, we merely get what we deserve. If we
continue to remain silent and do not rise and shout our indignation, our
sorry fate shall persist. If we continue voting for and supporting these
people who in turn appoint and position people of the same corrupt and
inept mold, then we should not hope for anything bright for us., our
children, and our children’s children,” the statement added.
The statement is co-signed by the eight IBP governors—Abelardo Estrada
of northern Luzon, Ernesto Gonzales Jr. of central Luzon, Marcial
Magsino of greater Manila, Bonifacio Barandon Jr. of Bicolandia,
Evergisto Escalon of eastern Visayas, Raymund Jorge Mercado of western
Visayas, Ramon Edison Batacan of eastern Mindanao, and Carlos Valdez Jr.
of western Mindanao.
Open to coalescing with militants
Asked if they will welcome the leftist militant groups, Bautista said,
“Any group that is sympathetic to our cause will be appreciated. We are
different shades of the equation. If we have a common denominator, we
will join them.”
Asked what the common denominator could be, Bautista said, “that could
be arrived at in a consensual meeting.”
Bautista clarified that “we are not militants. We are legal
personalities. We have our own cause of action. We are not playing
politics. We are reacting to a dirty brand of politics.”
No call to rebellion
When the bishops made the call for “new government,” they were
criticized by administration allies for being “seditious.” Among them
was Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, who interpreted the bishops’
statement as a call for the removal of President Arroyo.
When asked about the possibility that their statement may be interpreted
as seditious, Bautista said, “Expression of one’s opinion is not
rebellion. To express one’s belief is protected by the Constitution.
What is forbidden is the taking of arms. When you use your freedom of
expression, that is not forbidden. That is Constitutionally provided.”
(abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak)
---------------------------------------------------
Activists demand human rights review
Jakarta Post - December 11, 2008
Andi Hajramurni and Yuli Tri Suwarni, Makassar,
Bandung -- Rights activists across the country
celebrated International Human Rights Day on
Wednesday by staging rallies and other events
expressing their views and voicing their demands
about the current state of human rights in
Indonesia.
In Bandung the head of the religious activities
monitoring team, Ahmad Baso, said the number of
incidents of violence against religious groups
filed at the National Commission on Human Rights
(Komnas HAM) in 2008 had declined. It recorded 72
such cases, only around 2 percent, compared to
4,000 incidents of human-rights infractions due to
other causes.
The five dominant infractions the public reported
include abuse of civil rights, political rights,
land disputes, police brutality and government-
sanctioned violence.
Reports on religious violence, frequent from
January to April this year, Baso said, were
dominated by cases involving the Ahmadiyah faith,
closure of unlicensed churches and the eviction of
the Dayak Losarang community from Indramayu, West
Java.
Despite the overall decline in reported belief-
related incidents, Baso pivoted the question,
saying there was an urgent need to review police
and public order officers' practices in cases of
religious violence, since they still overlooked
their role in protecting victims.
Baso said Komnas HAM should work together with the
Religious Affairs and Home ministries, the Attorney
General's Office and the police to curb violence
against religious groups.
Meanwhile in Makassar, students and activists from
groups affiliated with the Front for the People's
Struggle for Human Rights commemorated the day by
holding a rally at the Mandala Monument for the
Liberation of West Irian.
They said the state and the government had failed
to protect people's rights.
"The state has not protected the basic rights of
citizens but instead has carried out various
violent actions against its own citizens,"
protester Mukhtar said. They called for the
government to immediately ratify the convention on
international crimes, thoroughly investigate human-
rights violators and stop criminalization of
citizens, students and workers exercising sincere
efforts to uphold democracy.
They also demanded the government revise the laws
on ways to voice opinions publicly, investment and
management of water resources, coastal areas and
small islands.
They rejected any form of discrimination,
exploitation and violence against women, children
and minorities, and called for a ban on the use of
firearms by police while handling demonstrations.
They also firmly opposed the planned ordinance on
the implantation of microchips in people living
with HIV/AIDS in Papua, citing the plan as a clear
violation of human rights, because the infected
would be classified as second-class citizens.
In Sentani city in Papua's Jayapura regency,
International Human Rights Day was commemorated by
the civic group International Parliament for West
Papua (IPWP) which held a photography exhibition on
human-rights abuses in Papua alongside the
screening of a documentary at the Theys Hiyo Eluay
memorial.
"The photo exhibition presents repressive practices
by security personnel in Papua in the past until
now," IPWP home secretary-general Victor Yeimo
said.
The exhibit includes a photo taken during the
arrest of IPWP head Buchtar Tabuni.
"The current model of oppression is a bit
different. In the past whenever there was trouble,
Papuans would immediately be killed, but now the
practice is legal repression. People have been
arrested and brought up on charges just for holding
differing opinions. Buchtar Tabuni, for example,
was arrested for expressing his opinion in public,"
Yeimo said.
In Jayapura, Papua, students from the Anti-Violence
Student Alliance marked International Human Rights
Day by addressing the crowd in front of the Abepura
post office.
They arrived carrying posters and two coffins and
spoke to the implementation of protective
legislation in Papua.
"Although Indonesia has adopted the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights in Law 12/2005, its
implementation is still weak, especially in Papua,
where the threat from militarism still directly
impinges on human rights in this region," rally
coordinator Zakarias Horota said.
[Angela Flassy contributed to this story from
Jayapura.]
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
President Yudhoyono throws a wobbly after protest
headache
Jakarta Post - December 13, 2008
Desy Nurhayati, Jakarta -- In a rare loss of self-
control, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono vented
his anger Friday at a group of protesters rallying
outside of the State Palace, saying they were
disturbing a Cabinet meeting he was chairing.
"We are just about to start the meeting, but the
rally is there now. We cannot work. Are they
allowed to turn up that loudspeaker to such a
volume? As if this is the only country in the world
where everybody can do anything they like,"
Yudhoyono said in a high tone.
Among those attending the meeting were National
Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri,
Indonesian Military chief Gen. Djoko Santoso and
Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal and
Security Affairs Widodo Adi Sucipto.
"Who should be responsible for handling this (the
demonstration)?" the President asked his Cabinet to
no reply. "If no one can cope with this, all of
them (demonstrators) will enter the palace," he
said.
The President said a mechanism was necessary to
prevent members of the public from rallying outside
the palace to protest any government policy. Last
week, the President appeased representatives of the
Sidoarjo mud victims at the palace.
It was unclear how the Cabinet members reacted to
the President's ire, as the sole cameraman tasked
with filming the meeting was quickly ushered out of
the room following the outburst.
When asked shortly after the meeting whether the
police would adopt stricter measures against
demonstrators, police chief Bambang said yes. "Yes,
we will take tough measures against any protester
who violates the regulations," Bambang said.
To prevent rallies from becoming chaotic, Bambang
said the National Police had enforced a regulation
from a 1998 law on freedom of expression in public
spaces.
The law states that individuals or groups intending
to hold a rally must notify the police in advance
of the time, participants and aim of the
demonstration. Under Soeharto's rule, a police
permit was required to stage a demonstration.
---------------------------------------------------
=================^==================================
I N D O L E F T - News service > >
=================^==================================
Yogyakarta activists, women workers commemorate
Human Rights Day
Detik/Tempo Interactive - December 10, 2008
Yogyakarta -- Hundreds of students and non-
government organisation activists in the Central
Java city of Yogyakarta took to the streets on
December 10 to commemorate Human Rights Day. They
also demanded that the government revoke a joint
ministerial decree (SKB-4) limiting wage rises to
economic growth and end to the exploitation of women
workers.
Despite drizzling rain throughout most of the day,
actions were held at a number of locations and
shopping centres in different parts of the city. The
first action was carried out by scores of women
activists from the We Can Campaign Indonesia
alliance at the Serangan Oemoem (SO) March 1 Plaza
Monument. The second action was held by the United
People’s Committee (KRB) at the Yogyakarta Monument.
During the action at the Plaza Monument, which was
joined by women workers, some of which brought
children and infants, they unfurled banners with
messages such as “Stop violence against womenâ€,
“Oppose the exploitation of workersâ€, “Fight for
women’s rightsâ€, “Oppose and revoke the SKB-4†and
“Nationalise foreign assetsâ€. The protesters also
sung patriotic songs such as “For You My Nationâ€,
“Mother Kartini†and “Struggle of Bloodâ€.
In a speech, KRB action coordinator Muhammad Iron
warned the people not to be enticed by the sweet
promises of the political elite in the lead up to
the 2009 legislative and presidential elections,
saying that they are competing with each other
making promises about bringing prosperity to the
people yet they have never done this in the past.
“Remember that there is no evidence to back these
promises. All those participating in the 2009
elections are imperialist lackeys. The 2009
elections are an election of human rights violators
such as [former Kopassus commander] Prabowo in the
Gerindra Party and [former armed forces chief]
Wiranto in the Hanura Party along with the other
fake reformist partiesâ€, said Iron. (Detik.com,
10/12/2008)
Activists in Semarang say many human rights cases
left unresolved
Semarang -- Human Rights Day was also commemorated
in the Central Java provincial capital of Semarang,
where scores of activists and victims of human
rights violations protested at the East Java
regional police headquarters and the Regional House
of Representatives (DPRD) on December 10.
The action stared at the Fountain Roundabout on Jl.
Pahlawan then moved off to the regional police
headquarters some 500 metres away. During the march,
police could be seen directing traffic which had
became congested with protesters taking up half of
the road. At the police headquarters, demonstrators
from non-government organisations and students took
turns in giving speeches.
Following this, scores of human rights victims
joined the action, hitting and trampling on a straw
figure as a symbol of their anger at the handing of
human rights cases that are often left unresolved.
“Come on hit it! Trample on it! Can’t you do better
than thatâ€, shouted one of the protesters
provocatively.
Satisfied with destroying the straw figure, the
protesters moved off to the Central Java DPRD some
500 metres away from the police headquarters. They
plan to end the action by returning to the Fountain
Roundabout at around 11.30am. (Detik.com,
10/12/2008)
Protesters in Medan give government ‘red report
card’ on human rights
Medan -- The upholding of human rights in Indonesia
is still week. This has been proven by the
widespread cases of violence by state institutions
against civil society.
This ‘red report card’ on human rights was
emphasised by around 1,000 demonstrators who
commemorated World Human Rights Day at the North
Sumatra DPRD in Medan on December 10. The majority
of the protesters, who came from the North Sumatra
Civil Society Alliance (AMSSU), said they were
victims of human rights abuses, mostly involving
land disputes.
During a speech, action coordinator Minggu Saragih
said that the government has failed to fully
implement the Universal Human Rights Declaration
which has also been signed by Indonesia. Farmers are
seen as easy victims of human rights violations in
North Sumatra by state institutions and the
government therefore, must immediately implement the
1960 Agrarian Law on land reform.
“Land problems are mushrooming in North Sumatra.
People are being evicted from their land everywhere.
Not a few of these people have suffered violence,
both physical as well as mental. In upholding human
rights, the government’s report card is still redâ€,
said Saragih.
The AMSSU also urged the government to revoke the
joint ministerial decree, implement the People’s
Consultative Assembly Decree Number 11/1998 and to
take responsibility for ensuring a reasonable
standard of living for the poor. (Detik.com,
10/12/2008)
Farmers in Malang demand resolution to land dispute
with marines
Malang -- Thousands of farmers from the sub-
districts of Pagak, Bantur and Gedangan demonstrated
at the regent’s office in the East Java city of
Malang on December 10.
According to action coordinator Hadili, the protest
was held both to commemorate World Human Rights Day
as well as to demand that the central government
intervene to resolve a dispute over land in Purboyo
that has been used as a Marine Combat Training
Centre for the last 30 or so years.
“The Combat Training Centre can continue to exist,
but we are asking for public and social facilities
to be constructed. We [want] to be allowed to
rebuild homes that have been partly destroyed by
members of the marines. Please also provide
electricityâ€, said Hadili, adding that they had been
struggling over this issue for the last eight years.
The protest action at the regent’s office only
continued for around 15 minutes, after which the
demonstrators moved off to the Gajayana train
station to join up with protesting workers and
students. (Tempo Interactive, 10/12/2008)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
****************************************************
---------------------------------------------------
Buskers say police went too far in anti-thug
operation
Jakarta Post - December 1, 2008
Jakarta -- About one hundred street musicians
rallied in front of East Java Police headquarters
in Surabaya on Monday to protest the rounding up of
their fellow street musicians in nationwide anti-
thug sweeps.
The buskers, who said they were members of the East
Java branch of the Indonesian Buskers Union,
demanded the police stop criminalizing them.
"Buskers are not thugs. We're making an honest
living on the street. The police should stop these
arrests," said Slamet Kusairi, the rally
coordinator, as quoted by Tempointeraktif.com.
The National Police had vowed to get rid of petty
criminals by conducting a national operation amid
rising concern about the rise in street crime.
(dre)
---------------------------------------------------
=================^==================================
I N D O L E F T - News service > >
=================^==================================
Students protesting anti-pornography law arrested in
Bali
Detik.com - December 9-10, 2008
Denpasar -- The signing of the Anti-Pornography Law
by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has attracted
protests in the Indonesian resort island of Bali,
with two of the students planning to demonstrate
against the law being arrested by police.
The students were arrested when they were holding a
protest action to greet YudhoyonoÂ’s arrival to open
the Institute for Peace and Democracy at the Udayana
University in the provincial capital of Denpasar on
December 10.
“The students were secured because they did not have
a permit to demonstrate”, said Bali regional police
spokesperson Assistant Superintendent Sri Harmini.
The two students who were arrested are currently
being questioned by the Bualu sectoral police while
the other students were able to slip away.
The 15 or so Udayana University students started the
action by gathering at the faculty of technology. As
they started to move off however, the police arrived
unexpectedly and made the arrests. “When we wanted
to [start] the protest, we were suddenly arrested by
police”, said one of the students. (Detik.com,
9/12/2008)
Semarang artists and activists hold anti-corruption
ritual
Semarang -- Artists and non-government organisation
activists in the Central Java provincial capital of
Semarang held an ‘anti-corruption ritual’ in which
they set fire to a billboard with a list of pending
corruption cases in Semarang.
During the action to commemorate Anti Corruption
Day, which falls on December 9, the artists, bare-
chested and wearing black trousers, used rice
straws, flowers, incense, tree seedlings and oil
lamps as mediums for the ritual. Sitting in front of
the Youth Monument, they dipped the rice straws in a
pool then circled the area waved them around.
In the following ‘scene’, the billboard was set
alight and after it had died down, several of the
artists sprayed kerosene over the fire. At the end
of the ritual, the artists plunged into the pool
surrounding the monument to symbolise cleansing
themselves from the lust of corruption. (Detik.com,
9/12/2008)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski from reports
posted on the Detik.com news portal.]
****************************************************
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2008/11/16/2003428800
Hundreds protest in Bali against pornography law
AFP, DENPASAR, INDONESIA
Sunday, Nov 16, 2008, Page 4
Balinese dancers perform during a rally protesting against an
anti-pornography law in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, yesterday.
PHOTO: EPA
Hundreds of people rallied yesterday in the Hindu-majority holiday
island of Bali against a tough anti-pornography law branded by critics
as a threat to religious freedom.
About 400 people marched through the capital Denpasar against the law,
passed by mainly Muslim lawmakers in Jakarta last month.
Protesters denounced as too broad the law’s definition of pornography,
saying it was a threat to Indonesia’s diverse non-Muslim minorities and
could shatter national unity.
High-spirited protesters in traditional sarongs and translucent temple
blouses marched toward the provincial governor’s office, cheering wildly
at traditional dances and performances by local pop singers in
curve-hugging pants. The chair of the West Papua provincial parliament,
Jimmy Demianus Ijie, said the law criminalizes Papuan culture, where
many people are semi-naked.
“I’ve taken part in many Papuan performances in many places and I’ve
only worn traditional clothes, but you could see my arse and I was
swaying my hips, I was being sexy. Are they going to arrest me for that
too?” he told reporters.
A challenge to the law would be launched in Indonesia’s Constitutional
Court next week, activist Ngurah Harta told the protest.
“We have to win this judicial review or we will hold a massive civil
disobedience campaign,” he said.
Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika pledged last month that his
government would not enforce the pornography bill, but he did not turn
up to yesterday’s protest.
Muslims make up roughly 90 percent of Indonesia’s 234 million
population, which also contains sizable Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and
Confucian minorities.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24859827-2703,00.html
Ex-spy chief acquitted of murder of rights activist Munir Said Thalib
• Font Size: Decrease Increase
• Print Page: Print
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Jakarta correspondent | December 31, 2008
Article from: The Australian
INDONESIAN police have locked down a Jakarta court where angry
supporters of a murdered human rights activists clashed with backers of
a former military chief acquitted of the killing.
FORMER spy chief Muchdi Purwopranjono is mobbed by supporters outside
court in Jakarta. Reuters picture
Muchdi Purwopranjono, ex-deputy head of the country's intelligence
agency and a one-time commander of Indonesia's special forces, escaped a
15-year jail sentence requested by prosecutors for the 2004 murder of
lawyer Munir Said Thalib.
"The accused is found legally and convincingly not guilty of
premeditated murder ... and is freed from all charges," chief judge
Suharto said in the South Jakarta district court.
The acquittal was unexpected and critics will say it casts a heavy pall
on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's drive to weed out corruption.
The prosecution had argued that Munir was targeted for his work exposing
human rights abuses perpetrated by military units, including the feared
Kopassus commando brigade, which Muchdi briefly led.
Muchdi was said to have been enraged at losing his job when the abuses
were exposed.
Munir died in agony aboard a Garuda airlines flight from Jakarta to
Amsterdam in September 2004, after being given arsenic in an orange
juice drink by an off-duty pilot with the airline, Pollycarpus Budihari
Priyanto. He was 38.
Pollycarpus is serving 20 years for the murder, which prosecutors
claimed was ordered by Muchdi even though Pollycarpus insisted during
his own trial he had never met the senior military man.
A mystery witness who has never appeared at any of the several trials in
connection with the murder, Budi Santoso, gave written evidence that he
was the go-between for Muchdi and Pollycarpus.
Supporters of Muchdi shouted "Allahu akbar" as the decision was read
out, while Munir's supporters repeatedly screamed "murderer" at him as
he left the courtroom.
Police rushed to separate the two groups of supporters and Muchdi
refused to comment to reporters on the verdict.
Former intelligence agency supreme chief Mohammad As'ad has also been
linked to the murder, with the revelation he ordered Pollycarpus be
assigned as "corporate security" on the death flight. He has never been
charged.
http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2008/12/17/five-protest-rallies-to-happen-in-jakarta-wednesday/
12/17/08 10:45
Five protest rallies to happen in Jakarta wednesday
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Five protest rallies are expected to take place
at different locations on Wednesday with the potential of causing
traffic jam on a number of main roads in the capital city.
According to information from the Jakarta Police`s Traffic Management
Center (TMC) on Wednesday morning, the five rallies would be staged in
Central Jakarta and South Jakarta.
In Central Jakarta, the protesters would stage three rallies
respectively in front of Jakarta City Hall on Medan Merdeka Selatan
street, Supreme Court office on Medan Merdeka Utara street, and
legislative building on Gatot Subroto street.
While in South Jakarta, two other groups of protesters would also stage
similar rallies in front of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)
office on HR Rasuna Said street, and in front of the Public Works
Ministry office on Pattimura street, Kebayoran Baru.
In addition to the five rallies in Central and South Jakarta on
Wednesday, another protest rally would also be staged at Cikarang
Selatan area in Bekasi, West Java.
The rally in Cikarang Selatan would take place in front of PT Tewon
Indonesia at Jababeka-II industrial area.
TMC reported that the rallies would start at around 9 a.m. until 2 on
Wednesday afternoon.(*)
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/korea/2008/12/31/189953/South-Korean.htm
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 9:57 am TWN, AP
South Korean lawmakers ordered to end protest
SEOUL, South Korea -- The parliament speaker ordered opposition
lawmakers camped out inside the National Assembly to end their five-day
protest, warning Tuesday he would send in guards to force them out if
they refused to leave.
Dozens of lawmakers from the opposition Democratic Party have been
occupying the main hall of the National Assembly since Friday to prevent
the ruling Grand National Party from forcing through dozens of bills
before year's end, including a controversial free trade deal with the U.S.
The pact would be the largest for the U.S. since the North American Free
Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, and the biggest ever for South
Korea.
The ruling party, which has control of parliament with 172 seats in the
299-member National Assembly, has said it will unilaterally vote on some
80 bills Wednesday.
After two days of negotiations to find a compromise ended without
success late Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o invoked his
right to order security guards to “keep order,” Kim spokesman Bae
June-young said.
The opposition said it cannot accept Kim's decision, raising concerns
about another violent scuffle at the National Assembly.
Earlier in the month, in a bid to force the introduction of the U.S.
free trade agreement and other bills, ruling party members set up
barricades of furniture near the committee's doors to prevent Democrats
from entering the room.
Enraged opposition lawmakers used sledgehammers and construction tools
to break down doors blocked by ruling party legislators. GNP lawmakers
fought back with fire extinguishers.
South Korea and the U.S. signed the accord calling for slashing tariffs
and other barriers to trade in April last year, but the pact still must
be ratified by both countries' legislatures.
Opposition lawmakers say the US$29 billion trade agreement favors major
corporations.
The Democrats' floor leader, Won Hye-young, accused the legislature of
degenerating into “a place for a dirty war for President Lee Myung bak.”
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/12/113_36899.html
12-28-2008 20:56
Largest opposition Democratic Party (DP) leaders protest against
governing Grand National Party leader’s plan to pass some 85 bills this
year at the DP’s headquarters in Seoul, Sunday. DP leader Chung
Sye-kyun, right, holds a placard reading “No wiretapping of mobile
phones.” Others read, “No ownership of banks and TV networks by chaebol”
and “no criminalization of protestors for wearing masks”.
/ Yonhap
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2899112
TV workers join strike to protest a media bill
December 27, 2008
A growing number of television producers, anchors, reporters,
technicians and other employees are joining a strike to protest
legislation that would allow cross-ownership of newspapers and broadcasters.
The ruling Grand National Party yesterday tried to pass the contentious
bill, which it says is aimed at strengthening the nation’s media
businesses so they can compete against global giants. But the opposition
Democratic Party and media labor unions contend the bill would offer
control over TV news editorial content to local conglomerates.
The National Union of Media Workers, an umbrella union of local media
industry workers, announced the beginning of an industry-wide strike as
of yesterday morning, calling for more companies and their employees to
enter the fray. Some 2,000 unionized workers of MBC, one of three major
Korean broadcasting stations, joined the strike, which is the first
broadcasting industry strike in nine years.
Familiar faces of well-known news anchors were conspicuously absent
yesterday, while their seats were occupied by a few nonunionized
workers. Production of popular entertainment shows could also soon grind
to a halt. TV station SBS also joined the strike, but decided to leave
some essential workers in place to maintain normal programming. But most
of its news anchors dressed in black in a sign of protest.
Korea’s Vice Culture Minister Shin Jae-min said the strike is “illegal”
and “immoral” for disrupting broadcasting. He said the government would
“respond firmly based on law and order.”
Proposed by the Korea Communications Commission, the legislation eases
restrictions on ownership of broadcasting stations. The most disputed
part of the bill allows big companies with assets of more than 10
trillion won ($7.7 billion), local newspaper companies and news wire
agencies to purchase up to a 20 percent stake in broadcasters. Firms
with assets of less than 10 trillion won could take a 49 percent stake.
http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2008/200812/news01/20081129-01ee.html
December 1. 2008 Juche 97
S. Korean Puppet Police Suppression of Protest Actions Slammed
Pyongyang, November 29 (KCNA) -- The Solidarity for Implementing the
South-North Joint Declaration in south Korea on November 22 denounced
the puppet police for blocking a sit-in strike on the situation to
shatter the suppression of candlelight actions and the case against the
above-said solidarity and abolish the "National Security Law".
The organization recalled that the group of sit-in strikers has staged a
signature campaign demanding a stop to the suppression of candlelight
actions and soapbox oratory laying bare the treacherous nature of the
Lee Myung Bak regime after pitching tents in front of the Posin Pavilion
in Seoul every day since October 6.
It accused the police of preventing them from pitching tents on the
charge that the sit-in strike is in violation of the "law on assembly
and demonstration" and the "law on traffic" though it was the 48th day
since their start of the strike.
Branding the action taken by the police to check the tent pitching,
terming it "an illegal act," as suppression of the sit-in strike, the
organization declared that it would launch various activities to counter it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7797714.stm
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Protest for jailed Indian seamen
The wife of Capt Chawla and parents of Syam Chetan at the rally
Relatives and hundreds of supporters of two Indian seamen jailed in
South Korea over an oil spill have protested in Mumbai (Bombay) against
the conviction.
This month Capt Jasprit Chawla was jailed for 18 months and chief
officer Syam Chetan for eight months.
Their Hebei Spirit was rammed by a barge a year ago, releasing 11,000
tonnes of crude oil on to beaches.
Capt Chawla's wife said she was shocked when an appeal court overturned
a ruling and imposed the sentences.
'No grounds'
The accident occurred after a barge owned by Samsung Heavy Industries,
that was carrying a construction crane, broke free in rough seas.
Capt Chawla and Syam Chetan are appealing against the sentences
The crowd in south Mumbai protested against Samsung and destroyed some
of its products.
Gurpreet Kaur Chawla, the captain's wife, said: "All along we were quiet
because we were so sure that both of them are innocent and they would be
freed.
"When the court acquitted them in June their innocence was proven. We
thought it was not possible to lose this appeal as there were no grounds."
Commodore DR Syam, father of Syam Chetan, said the Indian authorities
had conveyed their displeasure to the Korean authorities.
"But then the two officers should have been released on bail after the
Indian authorities took up the matter," he said.
He pointed out that Capt Chawla had been praised by Lloyd's List, the
maritime industry daily, for his exemplary efforts in trying to minimise
the spill.
Shipping operators and seafarer unions have insisted the tanker crew
were blameless. The pair are appealing to the Supreme Court.
The appeal court found they had failed to act promptly to reduce the
spillage after the accident on 7 December last year.
Capt Chawla was also fined 20m won ($14,000) and the chief officer 10m
won. The Hebei Spirit's owner was fined 30m won.
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/22/stories/2008122259190400.htm
Tamil Nadu - Chennai
Protest for release of two mariners from jail in South Korea
Special Correspondent
The two were held on charges of negligence and violation of
anti-pollution laws
— Photo: R.RAGU
Merchant Navy Officers Association members and their families protest in
Chennai on Sunday, demanding the release of two mariners lodged in a
South Korean jail.
CHENNAI: Hundreds of mariners who protested near the Government Guest
House and in front of Samsung Factory in Sholinganallur demanded the
release of two of their colleagues who were jailed in South Korea on
charges of negligence and violation of anti-pollution laws.
The two arrested mariners, Jasprit Singh Chawla and Chetan Shyam, the
captain and chief officer of the crude oil tanker ship M.V. Hebei
Spirit, were held responsible for an oil spill of about 10,500 tonnes
from the tanker on December 7 last year.
Oil spill
The spill occurred when a barge carrying a floating crane owned by
Samsung Heavy Industries broke loose and one of the two tugs towing it
drifted in the gale and resulted in the spilling of oil.
A South Korean district court indicted five persons, including the
skippers of the barge and the two tugs.
In June, the local court in Daejeon acquitted the Indians of all charges
but prevented them from leaving the country, pending appeal by prosecutors.
On December 10, following the appeal, Captain Chawla was sentenced to 18
months’ imprisonment and $ 14,000 fine. Officer Shyam was sentenced to
eight month’s imprisonment and a fine of $ 7,000.
“We are asking that the mariners be released immediately on bail. They
are not being allowed to meet their family. Hebei Spirit Shipping
Company, based in Hong Kong, is taking care of the family. This decision
[by the court] is incomprehensibly vindictive and will impact on all
professional mariners,” said K. Vivekanand, president of Merchant Navy
Officers Association, who led the protest.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Asia&set_id=1&click_id=126&art_id=nw20081202093320267C418883
Nepal protestors burn bus, kill passenger
December 02 2008 at 10:05AM
Kathmandu - At least one person was killed and several others injured on
Tuesday after protestors in south-eastern Nepal set fire to a bus with
passengers still inside, police said.
The violence flared up in Saptari district, about 350 kilometres
south-east of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, on Tuesday morning, when
protestors enforcing a general strike in the area attacked the bus,
police said.
The strike was called by the ethnic Madesh Janatantrik Party to protest
the death of its cadre who was killed in clashes with police earlier
this week.
"The strike supporters set fire to the bus with passengers still inside,
accusing them of defying their strike," Saptari district police office
said. Police said the Mashes Janatantrik Party cadres did not give the
passengers time to get out of the bus before setting it on fire.
"The person who died was at the back of the bus and was asleep when the
incident happened," the police said. "He could not get out as the fire
quickly engulfed the bus, trapping him inside."
Police said they were unable to identify the passenger as his body was
charred beyond recognition. Another five passengers were injured in the
incident.
No one had been arrested and investigations were underway, the police said.
Madesh Janatantrik Party is one of several armed groups operating in
Nepal's restive southern plains known as Terai.
The group has been accused of murder, extortion and abduction of civil
servants and its opponents.
The attack came as the government prepared to hold talks with armed
rebel groups in Terai.
The Nepalese government has said more than a dozen groups were now in
contact and that the formal negotiations would be held soon.
However, there are widely differing views among the armed rebels on the
peace talks, with some putting forward pre-conditions and others
demanding changes to the government negotiation team.
Hundreds of people have died in violence in southern Nepal in the past
two years. Repeated government attempts to bring the rebels for talks to
end the violence have so far failed. - Sapa-dpa
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/southasia/news/article_1446063.php/One_burnt_alive_as_Nepal_protestors_set_fire_to_passenger_bus_
One burnt alive as Nepal protestors set fire to passenger bus
South Asia News
Dec 2, 2008, 6:06 GMT
Kathmandu - At least one person was killed and several others injured
Tuesday after protestors in south-eastern Nepal set fire to a bus with
passengers still inside, police said.
The violence flared up in Saptari district, about 350 kilometres
south-east of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, on Tuesday morning, when
protestors enforcing a general strike in the area attacked the bus,
police said.
The strike was called by the ethnic Madesh Janatantrik Party to protest
the death of its cadre who was killed in clashes with police earlier
this week.
'The strike supporters set fire to the bus with passengers still inside,
accusing them of defying their strike,' Saptari district police office
said. Police said the Mashes Janatantrik Party cadres did not give the
passengers time to get out of the bus before setting it on fire.
'The person who died was at the back of the bus and was asleep when the
incident happened,' the police said. 'He could not get out as the fire
quickly engulfed the bus, trapping him inside.'
Police said they were unable to identify the passenger as his body was
charred beyond recognition. Another five passengers were injured in the
incident.
No one had been arrested and investigations were underway, the police said.
Madesh Janatantrik Party is one of several armed groups operating in
Nepal's restive southern plains known as Terai.
The group has been accused of murder, extortion and abduction of civil
servants and its opponents.
The attack came as the government prepared to hold talks with armed
rebel groups in Terai.
The Nepalese government has said more than a dozen groups were now in
contact and that the formal negotiations would be held soon.
However, there are widely differing views among the armed rebels on the
peace talks, with some putting forward pre-conditions and others
demanding changes to the government negotiation team.
Hundreds of people have died in violence in southern Nepal in the past
two years. Repeated government attempts to bring the rebels for talks to
end the violence have so far failed.
http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=101520
NEPAL: FNJ organises nationwide protest against scribe's killing
Federation of Nepalese Journalists blames increase in journalist
killings on government's failure to punish culprits
Nepal News
Sunday, Novemeber 30, 2008
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) staged protest programmes in
various parts of the country, including Kathmandu, on Sunday in protest
of the killing of Kailali-based journalist Jagat Prasad Joshi under
mysterious circumstances following his abduction.
FNJ organised a protest rally from New Baneshwor in the capital at 2 pm,
which later converged into a mass assembly after reaching Babarmahal.
Human rights activist Krishna Pahadi, lawmaker Nilamber Acharya,
journalists from various press associations and other people
participated in the protest rally.
Speaking at the rally, FNJ General Secretary Poshan K.C said that
violence against journalists has increased in the country because of the
government's failure to book the culprits involved in previous cases.
K.C also demanded immediate action against the culprit, proper
compensation to the victims' family and security for journalists.
All district chapters of the umbrella organisation of Nepalese
journalists, as per the previously announced schedule, organized protest
programmes through the nation.
On Saturday, FNJ expressed serious concern about the murder of
journalist J.P Joshi whose skeletal remains were found in Pragati Mahila
Community Forest in Malakheti VDC, Kailali.
The FNJ also formed a team to carry out an independent probr of the
incident.
Joshi, who was the editor of Dhangadhi edition of Janadisha daily, had
been missing since October 8. He was a member of the pro-Maoist
Revolutionary Journalists Association.
Joshi's family has already filed a case against Lokendra Rawat and his
brother Karan Rawat at the Kailali District Administration Office,
alleging them of killing Joshi Saturday. Police has already arrested
Karan on the basis of the complaint but Lokendra has been absconding since.
Date Posted: 11/30/2008
http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=102423
NEPAL: Police rough up journos protesting attack on Himalmedia
Federation of Nepalese Journalists condemns attack on Himalmedia, calls
it an attempt to muzzle the media
Nepal News
Monday, December 22, 2008
Police used force to break up a rally of journalists who were protesting
yesterday's attack on Himalmedia by pro-Maoist workers, in the capital,
on Monday.
Secretary of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Ramji Dahal
sustained injury in his head as police resorted to baton-charging at
Maitighar. The police beat up several other journalists taking part in
the peaceful demonstration.
Human rights activists and civil society representatives also joined in
the FNJ rally that started from Naya Baneshwor. Police intervened into
the rally, without provocation, when it arrived near Maitighar Mandala.
FNJ and several other media rights groups, human rights organisations
and political parties have condemned the attack on Himalmedia describing
the attack as a deliberate attempt to muzzle the independent media.
Himalmedia CEO Ashutosh Tiwari, Nepali Times editor/publisher Kunda
Dixit, executive editor of fortnightly news magazine Himal
Khabarpatrika, Kiran Nepal, and its senior correspondent, Dambar Krishna
Shrestha, were among a dozen staffers assaulted by a group of people
affiliated with pro-Maoist workers' union over a news report published
in the new issue of the magazine on the unruly activities of the union.
Date Posted: 12/22/2008
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/dec/dec27/news11.php
Journos continue protest against attacks on media
Journalists across the country carried out protest on Saturday against
the recent attacks on media offices and journalists.
Journalists stage protest against recent attacks on media offices and...
In Kathmandu, hundreds of journalists staged dharna (sit-in) at
Bhrikutimandap with their mouths tied with black bands. The scribes put
aside their notepads and cameras as they staged the protest demanding
guarantee of press freedom and security to media offices and journalists.
Journalists outside the capital valley also staged similar protests. In
many districts, local leaders of different political parties and
representatives of the civil society also joined in the protest
programmes called by the Federation of Nepal Journalists.
The protests come in response to recent attacks on Himalmedia, Ankur
daily in Birgunj and Ruru FM in Gulmi and the disruptions in Kantipur
Publications' Biratnagar office.
Journalists have been organising protest programmes against these
attacks for the last few days. nepalnews.com mk Dec 27 08
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/dec/dec26/news03.php
FNJ announces fresh protests, Maoist union still obstructing works at
Kantipur regional office
The Federation of Nepalese Journalist (FNJ) on Thursday announced more
protest programmes to exert pressure on the government to fulfill its
demands.
The announcement came after the talks between the FNJ and government
ended inconclusively the same day when the latter reportedly asked for
more time to consider the five-point demand put forth by FNJ.
FNJ’s demands include legal action against perpetrators of Himalmedia
attack, steps to create a mechanism to ensure protection for media
houses and apology for police intervention in a peaceful protest rally
on Sunday.
As part of the protests, the FNJ said all journalists will wear black
arm bands across the country Friday and display pens, recorders and
cameras out in the open as a symbolic protest for an hour at Bhrikuti
Mandap on Saturday.
FNJ said that it will announce further protests if the government does
not address its demands soon.
In another report, Chief of United Nations Mission in Nepal Ian Martin
visited Kantipur Publications office in Kathmandu to inquire about the
ongoing attacks on press freedom.
Meanwhile, the regional office of Kantipur Publications in Biratnagar
could not print the Friday edition of the Kantipur and its sister
publication the Kathmandu Post due to the obstruction created by Maoist
affiliated trade union.
The regional office was not able to print Thursday edition of the
newspapers also due to the obstructions.
Meanwhile Himalmedia filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the
Lalitpur Metropolitan Police Range on Thursday against the attack on its
office and staff members on Sunday. The complaint has been filed under
the Public Crime and Punishment Act 2027.
Editor of Nepali Times and director of Himalmedia Kunda Dixit moved the
police office against Ramesh Pant, President of All Nepal Hotel and
Workers' Association and Ramesh KC, Vice-President of All Nepal
Communications and Press Workers' Association. nepalnews.com Dec 26 08
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/dec/dec24/news12.php
Alliance for press freedom to continue its protests
The Alliance for press freedom, which was formed in the wake of assault
against Himalmedia by pro-Maoist workers, has decided to continue its
protest programmes.
It has stated that all its member newspapers, TV stations, radio
stations would relay similar messages to champion the cause of press
freedom. For the time being, they have fixed 'Our struggle for press
freedom continues' as the slogan, which will be highlighted consistently.
The alliance has said that its protest campaign will continue until and
unless the authorities detain two pro-Maoist trade union leaders Ramesh
Babu Panta and Ramesh KC – who were identified as being directly
involved in attacking Himalmedia.
Likewise, they have also demanded that the government tender apology and
provide reliable commitment to protect press freedom.
The alliance has added that it supports the trade union rights and the
rights to collective bargaining of workers but would not stand violation
of press freedom under any pretext.
The Alliance was formed on Tuesday and includes Media Society,
Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, Broadcasting Association of
Nepal and Kathmandu Valley FM Broadcasters. nepalnews.com Dec 24 08
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080077902
Nepal protest attack on press freedom
Press Trust of India
Saturday, December 27, 2008, (Kathmandu)
Journalists in Nepal will put down their pens, cameras and recorders for
an hour on Saturday as a symbolic protest against widespread attack on
media houses.
Despite the detention of two Maoist trade union leaders, who allegedly
led an attack on the premises of Himal Media, the Federation of Nepalese
Journalists (FNJ) have continued their agitation saying there is
widespread attack against the press and more culprits need to be brought
to justice.
"Our protests continue and the agitation will not end unless the
government guarantees security to journalists and protect the press
freedom by bringing all culprits to justice," General Secretary of FNJ
Poshan K C said.
"Journalists throughout the country will wear black bands around their
wrist and will put down their pens, cameras and recorders for an hour as
symbolic protest against attack on media," he said.
In Kathmandu, hundreds of scribes would gather at Maitighar Mandala in
the afternoon and stage a rally, a source at the FNJ said.
With Nepal's ruling Maoists coming under growing pressure to act against
cadres targeting journalists, Ramesh Babu Panta, president of Maoist
affiliated All Nepal Hotel and Workers Association and Ramesh K C,
Vice-president of All Nepal Communication and Press Workers'
Association, the main culprits in the Himal Media incident, surrendered
to the police yesterday.
"Though the arrest of the two culprits is a positive development, the
action is not enough as there are many more serious incidents and those
responsible should be brought to book," K C said.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/dec/dec23/news09.php
Journalists take out rally protesting attack on free press
Media persons took out a rally and staged sit-in demonstration at the
prohibited area in the capital city Tuesday protesting the recent
violent attacks against free press.
They also condemned Monday’s police intervention on their peaceful rally
which left about a dozen journalists injured.
The rally taken out from Babarmahal gathered at the southern gate of
Singh Durbar, a prohibited area, and assembly and demonstration were
organized. Civil Society leaders, senior journalists, political party
leaders and professionals from various field participated in the rally
organized by Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ).
Speaking at the gathering, senior journalists flayed growing
intervention in free press and demanded independent probe into the
attack on Himalmedia. They also demanded that the perpetrators of the
assualt should be brought to book.
Meanwhile, reports say that district branches of FNJ organized similar
demonstration programmes in various districts across the country against
the attack since early this morning.
The journalists’ umbrella organisation has called for a nation-wide
protest starting Tuesday against the attack on the media houses and the
journalists by Maoist affiliated trade unions. nepalnews.com Dec 23 08
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=262509&version=1&template_id=44&parent_id=24
Nepal dailies run without editorials in protest
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s leading newspapers appeared without editorials
yesterday, a sign of protest over a weekend attack by Maoist activists
on a local publishing house in which journalists were beaten and its
office ransacked.
On Sunday dozens of activists belonging to a labour union affiliated to
the ruling Maoists attacked the office of Himalmedia, publishers of the
weekly English-language Nepali Times and other magazines, injuring some
staff including journalists.
The attackers said they were unhappy with negative coverage.
Major English and Nepali language newspapers yesterday left their
editorial spaces blank, some with bold black borders.
“We feel the attack on Himalmedia and other media houses represents a
serious threat to press freedom, democracy and pluralism in this
country,” media groups Nepal Media Society and the Editors’ Alliance
said in a statement.
“It is ironical that it should be perpetrated by a group affiliated to a
party that won the election and leads the government,” the statement
said. “We feel enough is enough.”
About 300 journalists and human rights activists marched through
Kathmandu on Monday in opposition to the attack and some people were
injured as protesters clashed with police.
The Maoists head a coalition government after emerging as the biggest
political party in an April election.
They signed a peace deal two years ago and ended their decade-long civil
war against the former monarchy.
But the ex-guerrillas have drawn criticism from political parties for
continuing violence and intimidation.
The Maoist party promises to protect press freedom and says the attack
on the media house would be investigated.
Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda has vowed to punish those who were guilty.
Nepal’s other main political parties, the European Union, the United
States and the United Nations have condemned the attack. – Reuters
http://www.startribune.com/world/35935454.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUdcOy_nc:DKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
China detains protesters on Human Rights Day
Last update: December 10, 2008 - 7:45 PM
BEIJING - China marked international Human Rights Day with newspaper
editorials and television commentaries hailing the country's
"unremitting efforts" and "nonstop progress" in promoting free speech
and individual rights.
It was also a busy day for public security officials, who were
dispatched to quell a protest of about 40 people who rallied outside the
gated headquarters of the Foreign Ministry. After about 30 minutes
calling for free elections and demanding a crackdown on corruption, the
demonstrators were herded onto buses and taken away.
For Liu Xiaobo, one of China's most high-profile dissidents, Wednesday
marked the third day of detention for what friends and relatives say was
his role in drafting a bold public letter that demands political, legal
and constitutional reform.
The document was published on the Internet and signed by 303 Chinese
academics, artists, farmers and lawyers.
http://www.euronews.net/2008/12/10/china-protests-on-human-rights-anniversary/
China protests on human rights anniversary 10/12/08 19:21 CET
Human Rights
world news
Protestors in China were determined to mark the 60th anniversary of the
Declaration of Human Rights. “We have no human rights,” complained
dozens of women outside China’s Foreign Ministry. One said she had been
repeatedly arrested and sent to a reeducation camp for asking to see the
body of her dead son. As they were being taken away against their will,
hundreds of Chinese lawyers, writers and academics issued an online
appeal for greater freedom.
Elsewhere the date was being marked with pomp and ceremony. Celebrations
in Berlin in Germany were led by the Chancellor Angela Merkel and
Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier.
The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, said the declaration is needed as
much now as it was in 1948.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Asia&set_id=1&click_id=126&art_id=nw20081210091756579C233398
Protests in downtown Beijing
December 10 2008 at 09:49AM
Beijing - Two dozen people protested outside China's Foreign Ministry in
downtown Beijing on Wednesday, using the 60th anniversary of the UN's
Universal Declaration of Human Rights to decry a myriad of alleged
government abuses.
Kneeling outside the front gate of the building, the group held up
letters of complaints and called for redress for illegal detentions,
government seizures of land, and abuses by local courts.
One woman clasped a bright red copy of the constitution close to her
chest, and another a white banner in English that read: "Safeguard human
rights." Others held photos of relatives allegedly beaten in labour camps.
Many were petitioners, people who come to the capital to ask the central
government for help against abuses by local governments, a centuries-old
practice dating from days when people could petition the emperor. Many
cannot air their stories in local media or courts, which are both
controlled by the Communist Party.
"Today is human rights day, but there is no human rights in China. I
want my land, I want to eat," said Yang Guiyin, a middle-aged woman from
Shanxi in northern China. She said her land was taken away four years
ago for development and her house knocked down, but the local government
refused to give her compensation.
Yang said she had been sent to a labour camp on three separate
occasions, where she was badly beaten.
Another protester, Zhang Zhenxin, has been petitioning for 10 years
after his house in Beijing was destroyed to make way for a development
project.
"Today is...the day of the universal declaration of human rights. Today
Beijing's petitioners are planning to submit to the Chinese government
an agreement on protecting human rights," he said.
Beijing police contained the protesters behind a police rope, but let
them continue for nearly half an hour, before they were herded onto a
public city bus and taken away, pressing their complaints to the windows
and shouting at foreign journalists.
"They are going to relevant departments," said one police officer, who
refused to give his name.
The United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights in 1948, a year before the communists came to power in
China. While not binding it has inspired many later human rights treaties.
It is unusual for petitioners to take their complaints to the Foreign
Ministry, and they normally go to so-called "Letters and Visits" offices
in the capital, which are supposed to receive grievances. Many are often
followed by local police to the capital and taken back home.
Their plight is often ignored by Chinese media. But on Monday, the
Beijing News newspaper published an investigative report that said
provincial officials in a city in eastern Shandong province committed
petitioners complaining about local corruption or land seizures to
mental hospitals. - Sapa-AP
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/12/414985.html
Tibetans and Supporters Mark Human Rights Day with Chinese Embassy Protest
Kevin Otto | 11.12.2008 01:05 | Repression | Social Struggles
LONDON - Upon the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights the Chinese government's appalling human rights record was the
focus of a joint protest between Tibet support groups and Falun Gong
practitioners at the Chinese embassy in London.
Banners reading 'End human rights abuses in Tibet' and 'Stop the
genocide in China' were accompanied by a vocal call for the release of
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima the XI Panchen Lama who has been detained since the
age of six years old, and an end to the use of torture against Tibetans
and Falun Gong practitioners detained by the Chinese authorities.
Supporters and members of the public were urged by organisers to take
action on behalf of political prisoners such as Dhondup Wangchen,
director of the film 'Leaving Fear Behind' who was detained on 26 March
this year and remains in detention.
Rights groups have condemned the Chinese government's human rights
record in Tibet and China. "Despite voting in favour of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights sixty years ago the Chinese government are
continuing to fail to adhere to that historic document at the cost of
Tibetan lives," said Terry Bettger, Campaigns Coordinator of Students
for a Free Tibet UK, "The UN Committee Against Torture has stated that
the use of torture by the Chinese authorities against Tibetan political
prisoners is 'routine and widespread'. It is vital that world leaders
and decision makers apply firm pressure upon the Chinese government to
respect the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people and to cease
the sickening use of torture."
Kevin Otto
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/asia_news/2008/12/21/hk_democrats_barred_from_macau_ahead_of_protest_march
HK democrats barred from Macau ahead of protest march
No age limit: Elderly women taking part in a march against a proposed
national security law in Macau yesterday.Picture: AFP
MACAU
Sunday, December 21, 2008
MORE than 20 Hong Kong democracy campaigners, including nine
legislators, were barred from entering Macau yesterday ahead of a march
against a proposed national security law, one of the lawmakers said.
The group was stopped by immigration officials and detained for half an
hour, before being put on a ferry back to Hong Kong, Emily Lau, deputy
chairwoman of the Democratic Party, told AFP.
"They told us we have broken Macau security law, but they could not be
more specific," Lau said.
Among those prevented from entering was well-known activist and
legislator "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung, chairman of the Democratic Party
Albert Ho and former chief executive candidate Alan Leong.
Macau government spokeswoman Elena Au said she was not immediately able
to comment.
Many of the activists had been allowed entry to the territory in the
past few weeks, Lau said.
The pro-democrats were planning to take part in a march against a
proposed national security law for the former Portuguese colony, which
toughens the punishment for crimes such as treason and subversion.
A similar law was proposed in Hong Kong in 2003, but it met with huge
public dissatisfaction including a rally attended by 500,000 people on
worries it would restrict freedom of speech.
As a result, the Hong Kong government was forced to abandon its plans.
Lau said pro-democrats were worried that the bill was being introduced
in Macau as a precursor to reintroducing it in Hong Kong.
"What sort of state is Macau in?" said Lau by telephone after she
arrived back in Hong Kong.
"(The decision to bar the protesters from entering) reflects very poorly
on the chief executive Edmund Ho and shows that the administration is so
lacking in confidence... It is very sad."
Macau and Hong Kong were both handed back to China by their respective
colonial powers in the 1990s. AFP
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/2366360
Vietnam Catholics in rare protest
Published: 6:20PM Monday December 08, 2008
Source: Reuters
Hundreds of Vietnamese police and riot police sealed off streets leading
to a government building as eight Catholics went on trial over their
attempt to claim a plot of disputed land in the capital.
More than 1,000 Vietnamese Catholics turned up at the People's Committee
offices in a Hanoi district to protest against the trial, a rare
expression of dissent against the southeast Asian country's ruling
Communist Party.
In a peaceful demonstration, the Catholics sang hymns and held up
banners demanding justice for the eight, whose court appearance is the
latest twist in a dispute that has been rumbling on for months.
The piece of land in question is owned by a garment company but the
protesters argue it is church land.
In August, state television showed pictures of people using hoes and
hammers to break what it said was a section of the brick wall
surrounding the plot, leading to police claims of causing public
disorder and intentional destruction of property.
"They're trying these eight people to send a message to the rest," one
of the protesters said, asking not to be named for fear of recrimination.
Religion remains under state supervision in the mostly Buddhist country,
although Vietnam has the second largest Catholic community in Southeast
Asia after the Philippines, with about six million among the 86.5
million population.
The Hanoi government is working towards establishing formal diplomatic
relations with the Vatican, and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visited
the Pope there a year ago.
http://www.mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/1493-nine-arrested-in-rare-protest-in-rangoon.html
Nine arrested in rare protest in Rangoon
by Mizzima News
Tuesday, 30 December 2008 20:08
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – At least nine opposition party members demanding
the release of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi were arrested by police
in a rare protest on Tuesday in Rangoon, according to eyewitness and
opposition sources.
The protesters holding aloft pictures of the leader of the National
League for Democracy party and banners reading – "Free Aung San Suu Kyi"
– urging people to express their desire were arrested by the police in
front of an unused Parliament building on Tuesday afternoon, the NLD
spokesperson Nyan Win told Mizzima.
"I know seven people were arrested but some said nine people were
arrested," Nyan Win said.
An eyewitness said, at least nine youth members of the NLD, who had
finished attending a meeting, held at the party head office in West
Shwegondine Street in Bahan Township, marched out on to the street
shouting slogans. They were picked up by the police in a light TownAce
truck near an unused Parliament building.
Nyan Win said, the NLD regularly conducts meetings on Tuesday to discuss
current and contemporary politics of Burma. Today's discussions were led
by party executive member Khin Maung Swe, who was released recently
after serving a long prison term.
The eyewitness, who had also attended the meeting, said, security
police, beat the peaceful protesters before taking them away to unknown
location.
According to the eyewitness, those arrested included Htet Htet Oo Way,
Tun Tun Win, Ye Ni, Win Myint, Thet Maung Tun, Pyae Pyae, Min Thein,
Aung Phyo Wai, Kaung Htet and Kaung Htet Hlaing.
Additional reporting by Myint Maung
http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-12/2008-12-02-voa17.cfm?CFID=257358025&CFTOKEN=36755689&jsessionid=de30118da62e1b65cb351a5a45666c5d327f
N. Korea Critics Clash with Peace Groups in South Over Leaflets
By Kurt Achin
Seoul
02 December 2008
Private groups attempting to launch leaflets into North Korean territory
got into physical scuffles near the inter-Korean border with groups
supportive of North-South reconciliation, Tuesday. North Korea has cited
the leaflets as a reason for worsening North-South relations. VOA's Kurt
Achin has more from Seoul.
North Korean defector who is leading recent propaganda leaflet effort,
left, struggles with pro-North Korea protesters in Paju, 02 Dec 2008
It has become a familiar sight lately in South Korean media: members of
a private South Korean coalition inflating giant balloons and using them
to launch leaflets into the North. On several previous occasions, they
have launched thousands of the leaflets, blaming North Korean leader Kim
Jong Il for his country's impoverishment and suffering.
However, Tuesday's attempted launch in the South Korean town, Imjingak -
near the heavily armed North-South border - was not nearly as successful.
This time, groups that support engagement with North Korea faced off
with the North Korea critics.
About 30 members of a pro-North Korea group interfered with the launch.
Minor clashes erupted and about 35 police officers were mobilized to
keep the two sides apart.
Jeong Dae-yeon, a member of the pro-North group, calls the balloon
launchers "reckless."
He says North and South Korean relations have just stepped onto a path
of reconciliation and cooperation, after so many years of antagonism. He
says he and his group cannot let the balloon launchers reverse that trend.
North and South Korea ties did warm, following a 2000 summit, ushering
in an era of massive South Korean aid and investment with few, if any,
strings attached. However, the so-called engagement policy did not
prevent Pyongyang from testing a nuclear weapon, two years ago. It also
produced no improvement in North Korean human rights policy or in
addressing Seoul's concerns about South Korean abductees believed to
remain in the North against their will.
Choi Seong-yong leads a group representing abductees' families. He says
the balloon launches will proceed.
He says the balloon launchers will continue their daily work and will
not make concessions.
North Korea has expressed fury at the administration of South Korean
President Lee Myung-bak, who took office early this year promising a
firmer policy toward the North. Pyongyang cites South Korea's failure to
stop the leaflet launches as one reason it has sharply downsized
North-South cooperative projects and border access.
Park Hee-tae, chairman of Mr. Lee's conservative Grand National Party,
says he "fully understands" why the anti-Pyongyang groups are organizing
the leaflet launches - which he views as legal.
Although he cites the launches as a free-speech issue, he says his party
will seek a solution through dialogue with the groups sending the leaflets.
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