[Onthebarricades] Anti-neoliberal, anti-capitalist and anti-corporate protests, November 2008

[global resistance roundup]

* TURKEY: Ankara - Police attack workers' anti-IMF protest
* MALI: Uprising over water privatisation in northwest, 1 killed as 
troops open fire
* BULGARIA: Protesters shut down pipeline presentation
* PERU: Cop killed during mine protest - informal workers demand pay, 
benefits
* COLOMBIA: Scam protests cut oil output
* KOREA: Beef protesters target retail outlet
* PHILIPPINES: Protest against G20 summit
* US: Washington DC - Hundreds rally outside summit
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu - workers protest foreign investment increase
* GREECE: Annual commemorative march - US embassy targeted, stores torched
* GREECE: Clashes in Thessaloniki, youths Molotov police, banks
* INDONESIA: Protest against G20 summit - US "angel of death"
* FRANCE: Clashes at Vichy immigration summit
* PARAGUAY: Victory for rural reform protesters after clashes
* PERU: Bush visit sparks "timid" protests
* PERU: Thousands blockade city, torch govt building in mining dispute
* UKRAINE: Protests planned over IMF deal
* SPAIN: Barcelona - workers attack Nissan office over layoffs
* PHILIPPINES: Farmers protest slow action on Luisita massacre
* TAIWAN: Protests target national debt
* ZIMBABWE: Workers target foreign exchange shops
* ZIMBABWE: Bulawayo - Police attack bank customers, spark clashes over 
currency crisis
* HUNGARY: Rally against austerity measures
* US: Nationwide protests demand "bail out the people"
* ICELAND: Thousands protest at parliament over crisis, seek fall of govt
Protesters clash with police after arrest
* US: Richmond - protest at Federal Reserve
* SWITZERLAND: Protest at bailouts, bonuses
* PAKISTAN: Protest against IMF package
* US: Week of action against banks
* UK: Victory for Brighton Starbucks protesters
* SPAIN: Camp-out at bank over bailout
* US: Louisville, Kentucky - Protest against bailout
* UKRAINE: Lvov - Left and right clash on revolution anniversary





http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2008/11/30/nb-05

Police clash with workers in Ankara
30/11/2008
ANKARA, Turkey -- Police clashed with protestors who rallied in Ankara 
on Saturday (November 29th) against growing unemployment and higher 
prices According to the media, tens of thousands of workers took part in 
the action. Several were hurt when they clashed with police after 
refusing to be searched. Tear gas eventually dispersed the 
demonstrators. (Hurriyet, Milliyet, Radikal - 30/11/08; AP, RBK, AFP, 
Anadolu news agency - 29/11/08)





http://www.euronews.net/2008/11/29/economic-protests-spark-clashes-in-turkey/

Turkey

The following article has been retrieved from the archive and no longer 
contains the original video.
There have been clashes in Turkey as the country’s two largest unions 
took to the streets to protest against spiralling prices and a possible 
government deal with the International Monetary Fund.
Turkey is in negotiations for a loan from the IMF. But the Unionists say 
they will not pay the price for the financial crisis.
“We are here to protest against price increases and being poor”, said 
one man. “We have had 80 to 90 per cent price increases in energy, food 
and every aspect of our lives since the beginning of the year”.
Thousands of people joined in the angry demonstrations, and not just 
unionists. Numerous university students took part too. They face a very 
uncertain future as unemployment in Turkey hovers around 10 per cent.





http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/30/content_10433033.htm

Police, demonstrators clash in Turkey

Police protect themselves behind their shields from stones being thrown 
by leftist demonstrators during clashes in Ankara November 29, 
2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)






http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LT641884.htm

Turkish workers clash with police at anti-IMF demo
29 Nov 2008 14:38:34 GMT
Source: Reuters
ANKARA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Thousands of Turkish workers clashed with 
police in Ankara on Saturday at a demonstration held by the country's 
two biggest unions to protest rising prices and a possible new 
International Monetary Fund deal.
The workers chanted slogans against the government and the IMF, which is 
holding negotiations with Turkey on a loan to stem the impact of the 
global financial crisis on the country.
Riot police used truncheons and tear gas to disperse stone-throwing 
protesters after clashes erupted when police asked demonstrators to 
leave behind sticks used to carry their signs before entering a square 
in the city centre.
Six police officers and several protesters were injured and being 
treated in hospital, the state Anatolian news agency reported.
"We will not pay the price of the crisis," a sign carried by protesters 
said. University students were also among those at the demonstration.
The rising price of basic commodities such as heating gas has hurt 
consumers and the government is working on a stimulus package to trim 
rising unemployment, which is hovering around 10 percent. (Reporting by 
Selcuk Gokoluk; Editing by Sophie Hares)







http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hA40p1aCePt_eyliWfiOeq1wH1Qg

One dead, five hurt after Mali authorities open fire on protest
Nov 10, 2008
BAMAKO (AFP) — One person died and five were injured Monday when 
security forces opened fire on a protest over plans to privatise 
drinking water distribution in northwestern Mali, hospital and official 
sources said.
Authorities intervened after hundreds of protesters ransacked city hall 
in the town of Lere and threw stones at the mayor and his deputy, 
injuring them and several other people, said a municipal official.
"There was disorder, so the national guard shot real bullets," the 
official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Ousmane Diallo, the head of the local medical centre, said the facility 
treated six demonstrators for bullet wounds.
"We have received for emergency care six demonstrators wounded by 
bullets fired by elements of the national guard. Some cases are very 
serious," Diallo told AFP.
"Some of them had bullets in the shoulder, others in the buttock, which 
may indicate that they were fleeing the security forces," Diallo said.
One of the six injured, Kassim Sidibe, later died, a source close to the 
medical centre said.
It was unclear how many guards shot, with a city hall source putting the 
number at "one or two," while others said several had opened fire on the 
crowd.
Like other towns in Mali, Lere, which is in the region of Timbuktu 700 
kilometres (435 miles) north of Bamako, suffers from water distribution 
problems.
A delegation of Lere residents plans to be in Bamako Tuesday to ask 
authorities to suspend the decision to privatise drinking water 
distribution, sources said.
They will also demand that the guards who shot protesters be punished.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=98820

Protesters Cause Cancellation of Presentation of Burgas- Alexandroupolis 
Project
Society | November 12, 2008, Wednesday
A loud protest rally interrupted on Wednesday a scheduled presentation 
about the construction ot the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil line to be 
conducted by the "Trans Balkan Pipeline company",

About 50 people busted in the conference hall in the Black Sea city of 
Burgas, forcing the cancellation of the presentation.

Before the beginning of the event, the demonstrators rallied in front of 
the building holding sings and shouting against plans for the 
construction of the pipeline.

Alexander Tarakanov, Chief Executive Director of "Trans Balkan Pipeline" 
has been just 2 minutes into his presentation, when the protesters 
busted into the conference hall and interrupted his speech.

The accusations were directed at the Bulgarian Deputy Minister of 
Regional Development Kalin Rogachev, who tried to appease the rally by 
explaining that the pipeline construction would not interfere with 
Bulgarian laws and NATURA 2000.

The presentation moderators declared a 30-minute break and later decided 
to cancel the presentation altogether.

Alexander Tarakanov stated that he was shocked by to the strong reaction.

"Honestly, we did not expect such rally. Our main goal was to come here 
and give people reliable information to dissipate the many rumors 
surrounding this project," Tarakanov said.







http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-11-25-764735790_x.htm

Peru police officer killed in mining protest
Posted 11/25/2008 12:46 PM | Comment | Recommend

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Mining protests in the highlands near Peru's capital 
have left one police officer dead and 17 workers in custody.
Police say the officer was killed when a 50-kilogram (100-pound) rock 
thrown down a hillside by protesters hit him in the head. Police were 
attempting to clear a highway blocked by some 400 miners.
The workers are employed informally by silver, zinc and copper miner 
Casapalca Mining Company and are demanding higher pay and formalized 
benefits like social and health insurance.
A police communique says 17 protesters were arrested during the protest 
early Monday, but gave no more details.
Labor Minister Jorge Villasante called on workers to abandon protests, 
but also urged the mining company to honor its labor obligations.






http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssEnergyNews/idUSN2529020120081125?feedType=RSS&feedName=rbssEnergyNews&rpc=22

Protest cuts south Colombia oil output - Ecopetrol
Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:34pm EST

BOGOTA, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Oil production in the southern Colombian 
province of Putumayo, which accounts for almost 4 percent of the 
country's crude output, has been slowed by protests over a financial 
scam, Ecopetrol said on Tuesday.
Thousands of bilked investors have taken to the streets to protest a 
series of pyramid investment schemes, which are not related to the oil 
industry, that threaten millions of dollars in losses.
People in Putumayo were heavily invested in the scams.
"We have problems with the Putumayo operation," a spokesman for 
state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol said.
"We are producing partially. We have increased security at the 
installations," the spokesman added. "There is no state of emergency. We 
are trying to reestablish full operations." (Reporting by Javier Mozzo; 
Editing by Walter Bagley)





http://sg.biz.yahoo.com/081126/16/4kigb.html

Wednesday November 26, 4:56 PM
Civic GRPs Protest's Korean Retailers' Decision to Sell US Beef
SUWON, Nov 26 Asia Pulse - A local civic group rallied Wednesday in 
front of a major discount outlet, urging the retailer to rethink its 
decision to sell U.S. beef.
Some 30 people from the People's Association Against Mad Cow Disease 
gathered at a Home Plus location in Suwon, a city just south of Seoul, 
holding signs reading, "Do not sell dangerous U.S. beef!"
"The U.S. inspection protocol on the mad cow disease is not trustworthy. 
If major stores start selling the U.S. beef, South Koreans will be 
exposed to the potential danger of the disease," the group said in a 
statement.
South Korea was the third-largest importer of U.S. beef, after Japan and 
Mexico, until a blanket ban was imposed in 2003 following the discovery 
of a case of mad cow disease in the U.S. state of Washington.
After rounds of negotiations, Seoul agreed in April to resume U.S. beef 
imports. But fears over the brain-wasting illness stirred thousands of 
South Koreans to take to the streets daily for months on end throughout 
the summer, demanding the deal be renegotiated.
President Lee Myung-bak apologized twice to the public over the issue, 
and the import agreement was partially amended to introduce stronger 
health safeguards.
When imports resumed in June, the demand for U.S. beef surged, although 
the sales were limited mostly to smaller butcher shops, fueled by the 
price competitiveness compared to homegrown beef.
South Korea's top three discount chains -- E-Mart, Home Plus and 
Lottemart -- had been reluctant to stock U.S. beef at their sales 
counter, worried about public reaction and their reputation after the 
large-scale demonstrations.
"We urge the South Korean government to come up with measures to prevent 
the disease from breaking out in the country," the protesters said.
After reading their statement, the protesters went inside the store and 
marched chanting, "No to U.S. beef."
(Yonhap)








http://www.gmanews.tv/story/133808/Militants-hold-protest-march-vs-G-20-summit

Militants hold protest march vs G-20 summit
11/15/2008 | 10:21 PM
Email this | Email the Editor | Print | ShareThis
MANILA, Philippines - Militants took to the streets of Manila Saturday 
to denounce the formal opening of the G-20 summit called by US President 
George Bush Jr. in Washington D.C to address the global financial crisis.

The Freedom from Debt Coalition said Saturday's action was part of the 
Global Day of Action against summit, which it branded as an "elite 
jamboree."

"Sadly, the G-20 Summit is not only elite-centered, inequitable and 
dominated by US interest, moreover, the solutions that it would be 
promoting is more or less the same under an unchanged and archaic 
economic system which for the longest time has been proven to be 
crisis-endemic, debt-generating and poverty-creating," FDC President 
Walden Bello said in an article on the FDC Web site (www.fdc.ph).

A report on Q-11 television said the marchers tried to proceed to the US 
Embassy but police blocked their path. They proceed to T.M. Kalaw Street 
instead.

The protesting groups led by the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC), 
Focus on the Global South, Jubilee South and the Global Call to Action 
Against Poverty (GCAP) said while they support moves for different 
nations to come together in order to develop sustainable and viable 
solutions to the crisis, they believe the process to come up with the 
necessary solutions should not only be more open and participatory.

Groups joining the protest included Akbayan, Kilusan para sa Pambansang 
Demokrasya (KPD), Youth For Nationalism and Democracy (YND), Makabayan, 
Kilusang Mangingisda (KM), Alab-Katipunan (AK) and Youth Against Debt 
(YAD). They underscored the culpability of the Bush administration in 
the global economic meltdown.

Bello said social movements as early as the late 1970s already warned 
that the policies of aggressive loan pushing, financial and trade 
liberalization would only result in more poverty and social inequalities.

"Neoliberalism, as we have already said so many times has only 
facilitated the further disconnection of economic activities to the real 
needs and activities of the people. This has happened time and time 
again, and we are now witnessing the end-result of how immense 
wealth-creation is juxtaposed with growing social inequality amid the 
widening gap between the financial and the real economy," Bello said.

Focus on the Global South campaigner Joseph Puruganan added G-20 is more 
about rescuing a flawed system rather than resolving the root causes of 
the crisis.

"On international trade, they will prescribe a more open and deregulated 
trading system when clearly, it is this regime of liberalization that's 
partly to blame for the crisis," Puruganan said.

GCAP Philippine Coordinator Joel Saracho said G-20 leaders should 
prioritize the needs of people living in poverty especially during the 
economic downturn.

"Surely, even in a time of an economic crisis, the priority should not 
be the bailout of banks and big corporations but the social bailout of 
the people," Saracho said.

The protesting groups also said the G-20 summit is no more than a 
"private clinic" of the global elite to prescribe another escape route 
for the system to run away from the crisis.

"The G-20 Summit can take two options to address the crisis. It can 
either push for the continuation if not the completion of the neoliberal 
framework of less and less government intervention in the market and 
trading or return to a "regulated-type of capitalism such as the Bretton 
Woods system under the Roosevelt era," Bello said.

Lidy Nacpil, regional coordinator of Jubilee South-Asia Pacific Movement 
for Debt and Development, reiterated a global call signed by 209 
international, regional and national networks, made demands to address 
the crisis. These include:






http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/15/america/NA-US-Meltdown-Summit-Protests.php

Hundreds protest as world leaders meet for summit

The Associated Press
Published: November 15, 2008

WASHINGTON: Hundreds of protesters rallied in the U.S. capital as world 
leaders met for an emergency economic summit.
Outside the summit, the largest protest came from the nearly 200 
demonstrators supporting Tibetan independence. They were joined by a 
smaller group from the spiritual movement Falun Gong in protesting 
China, which is attending the financial meeting at the National Building 
Museum.
Protesters chanted "Shame on China" on the outskirts of the perimeter 
established by police.
About 10 protesters from the ANSWER coalition — a group that has drawn 
thousands of antiwar protesters to Washington in the past — marched and 
picketed outside the building.
Farther away, more than 100 protesters rallied at Murrow Park. About 
midday, they began marching in the streets, led by a band of horns and 
protesters on stilts. At a traffic circle, they placed banners on a 
statue with messages like "Bury Capitalism" and "People Over Profit."






http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/14/america/NA-US-Meltdown-Summit-Security.php

Security focused on protesters more than terror

The Associated Press
Published: November 14, 2008

WASHINGTON: U.S. intelligence officials say they have no credible 
information about potential terrorist or criminal attacks against a 
weekend summit in Washington of world leaders to deal with the global 
financial crisis.
In fact, law enforcement officials said they were more concerned about 
angry protesters, such as people left jobless by the financial meltdown, 
than they were about terrorists.
The summit — the largest gathering of presidents and prime ministers in 
Washington since NATO's 50th anniversary in 1999 — opens Friday with a 
dinner at the White House, followed by a day of policy discussions 
Saturday at the National Building Museum. It is the first in a series of 
meetings intended to deal with the enormity of the economic meltdown, 
and the next meeting will not be until after President George W. Bush 
leaves office on Jan. 20.
The high profile event — drawing many world leaders and members of the 
media to one place — is an appealing target for terrorists and other 
extremists who want to make a point.
The short notice for the summit, announced last month, combined with the 
high level of security, makes it a less attractive target for al-Qaida 
and similar groups, because they generally like to take time to plan a 
successful attack, according to a Nov. 12 joint assessment by the FBI, 
Homeland Security Department, National Counterterrorism Center and the 
Washington Regional Threat & Analysis Center.
"It is possible, however, that an individual adversely affected by the 
current economic downturn and acting impulsively" could see the summit 
as an opportunity to commit violent acts, the assessment said.
The U.S. jobless ranks zoomed past 10 million last month, the most in a 
quarter-century, as 240,000 more people lost jobs.
Tight security around the National Building Museum lessens the 
possibility of an attack or disruption there, but it could also give 
extremists motivation to take advantage of nearby infrastructure that 
will not have the same amount of security, the assessment said.
The event has been designated a National Special Security Event, and the 
Secret Service has the lead for security. The Service has coordinated 
with 57 other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, 
including the FBI and the local Metropolitan Police Department.
The Service said it is prepared for all security risks, but has no 
indication that extremists or protesters currently pose any dangers.
A group called Global Justice Action has organized protests Friday at 
Lafayette Park near the White House and Saturday at Murrow Park near the 
World Bank. The group provided an estimate of 200 protesters in its 
permit applications to the National Park Service.
The ANSWER coalition, which has been a leading participant in anti-war 
protests, is organizing a protest Saturday outside the National Building 
Museum where the summit is being held. Protesters then plan to march to 
the Capitol building to join a separate protest against California's 
recent referendum outlawing gay marriage.
Authorities plan to close several streets in downtown Washington Friday 
and Saturday nights in the vicinity of the National Building Museum.
President-elect Barack Obama is steering clear of the summit but will 
have a couple of representatives available to meet with leaders on his 
behalf.
Besides the United States, the countries represented will be Argentina, 
Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, 
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, 
South Korea and Turkey. Those countries and the European Union make up 
the G-20.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/08/stories/2008110858950200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Demonstration staged
Staff Reporter
MADURAI: The Madurai Division of Insurance Corporation Employees’ Union 
staged a demonstration on Wednesday to protest against the Centre’s move 
to increase the upper cap of foreign investment in the insurance sector 
from the current 26 per cent to 49 per cent.
Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU) urban secretary B. Vikraman 
presided over the protest. In the wake of an global economic crisis 
which has affected many multinational companies, FDI in insurance must 
not be allowed, a press release from the union said.








http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,453445,00.html

Greek Protesters Firebomb Police Outside U.S. Embassy
Monday, November 17, 2008 | FoxNews.com

AP

Nov. 17, 2008: Molotov cocktail burns in front of police outside U.S. 
Embassy in Athens during annual march to mark anniversary of a student 
uprising.
ATHENS, Greece — Greek riot police fired tear gas to disperse protesters 
throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails outside the U.S. Embassy on Monday 
during an annual march to mark the anniversary of a student uprising.
Three police were injured in the clashes, while 11 protesters were 
detained, authorities said. Damage was reported at two bank branches in 
central Athens, a car showroom and to three vehicles.
About 10,000 people braved a thunderstorm to mark the 35th anniversary 
of the student uprising against the military dictatorship that ruled 
Greece from 1967-74. They marched to the U.S. Embassy to protest 
Washington's support for the junta at the time.
A group of about 100 youths broke away from the peaceful rally, throwing 
rocks and firebombs at riot police deployed outside the embassy 
building. Heavy rainfall quickly extinguished the fire from the petrol 
bombs, and the youths dispersed after police responded with tear gas and 
gave chase.
Police had deployed 8,000 officers in Athens and an additional 1,500 to 
2,000 in Greece's No. 2 city, Thessaloniki. Major roads in both cities 
were closed.
The annual marches are often marred by violence.
The U.S. Embassy had warned American citizens to avoid the demonstration 
areas and instructed U.S. diplomats in some areas of Athens to remain at 
home. Both the embassy in Athens and the consulate in Thessaloniki 
closed early.
The exact death toll from the events in November 1973 has never been 
definitively established, but some say dozens of people were killed in 
the days around the student uprising.





http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7734817.stm

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Greek marchers clash with police

Some 8,000 riot police were deployed in Athens
Greek riot police have fired tear gas to disperse protesters hurling 
stones and firebombs outside the US embassy in the capital Athens.
The clashes took place during a march by some 10,000 people to mark a 
1973 student uprising that was crushed by the then ruling military 
government.
Dozens of students are believed to have been killed during that uprising.
Every year, demonstrators march to the US embassy to protest against 
American support for the junta at the time.
'Injured'
The clashes began after a group of about 100 people broke away from the 
peaceful march in Athens on Monday.
Greek police fired volleys of tear gas at the protesters who were 
throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at a police cordon protecting the 
US embassy.
Three policemen were injured and 11 protesters were arrested, Greek 
officials were quoted as saying by the the Associated Press.
Some 8,000 police were deployed to guard the protesters, many of whom 
chanted slogans against the US "war on terror", the banking industry and 
the conservative Greek government.
A big demonstration was also held in Greece's second largest city, 
Thessaloniki.
The 1973 student revolt was crushed when the Greek junta sent tanks into 
the campus of Athens Polytechnic University.
Dozens of students are said to have been killed in the clashes, although 
the exact death toll has never been established.
The student revolt heralded the end of the 1967-1974 junta in Greece.






http://www.topix.com/gr/thessaloniki/2008/11/greek-youths-firebomb-bank-clash-with-police

Nov 2, 2008
Greek youths firebomb bank, clash with police
ATHENS, Greece : Greek police say a group of masked youths firebombed a 
bank and about 30 cars and clashed with police in the northern city of 
Thessaloniki.





http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_0_03/11/2008_101798

Youths injure police in Thessaloniki riot
A group of masked youths went on the rampage outside university 
faculties in Thessaloniki in the early hours of Sunday morning, hurling 
homemade Molotov cocktail bombs at police and injuring eight officers.
Three of the officers were briefly hospitalized and nine of the 
youngsters were detained for questioning.
The rioting youths caused widespread damage, destroying the facades of 
several banks as well as a street kiosk and wrecking around 30 parked cars.
In Athens, early on Saturday, a group of around 15 assailants used 
stones and bottles to pelt a riot police van parked outside opposition 
PASOK’s headquarters in the central district of Exarchia. Among those 
detained for questioning were a 46-year-old Greek and a 17-year-old 
Albanian. No injuries were reported.










Protesters oppose G20 meeting, say US is 'angel of

death'



Detik.com - November 14-17, 2008



Jakarta -- Around 100 people held a protest action

in front of the United States Embassy in Central

Jakarta on November 15 demanding that a G20

ministerial level meeting in Washington be

dissolved. The protesters, who came from the

People's Struggle Front (FPR), said that the meeting

would not solve the problems facing ordinary people.



During the protest, which was joined by workers,

farmers and students, protesters held a theatrical

action depicting the countries that are consistently

subservient towards the US government. Played by

seven youths, five were wrapped in white cloth with

their hands chained while two others played the role

the “angel of death” wearing black robes and white

painted faces. The angels of death were depicting

the US that consistently dictates to other

countries.



The protesters also gave speeches and shouted

“Dissolve the G20” and “President Susilo Bambang

Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla are US

lackeys”. “We believe that the G20 meeting is a

waste of time and will be unable to solve the

people's problems. There is not one agenda item that

will discuss these problems that bring suffering to

workers and farmers. It is workers and farmers that

will feel the flow on effect”, said action

coordinator Rudi HB Daman.







http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hyQoZikGdY0x56CEwG6v2MphkUDQ

Protests as France's Vichy hosts first conference since war
Nov 3, 2008
VICHY, France (AFP) — Protesters against Europe's immigration policy 
descended on the town of Vichy Monday as the shamed capital of France's 
former pro-Nazi dictatorship hosted its first international government 
conference since World War II.
Anarchists torched three cars in the town centre and smashed a shop 
window on the sidelines of the demonstration, organisers of the march 
and an AFP journalist said.
Riot police used tear gas after they were pelted with objects.
Police said 1,700 people joined the protest while organisers put the 
figure at 2,500.
Shortly before the march police detained several demonstrators dressed 
as Nazi camp inmates. Some protesters said they sought to link the 
pro-Nazi Vichy era with the EU countries' controversial immigration 
policies.
Police said these demonstrators were freed by Monday night.
Two other people were later also arrested.
Vichy's municipal leaders hoped that by finally hosting European 
ministers 64 years after the fall of Marshall Petain's regime they could 
shake off their wartime stigma and become a popular spa resort once more.
But several busloads of militants had other ideas, and turned up to 
protest a conference called to discuss the integration of ethnic 
minorities in Europe, with some linking current French policy to that of 
the pro-Nazi past.
"We denounce the worrying evolution of European migration policies, 
which recall the ideas that led to deportations at the end of the 
1930s," declared the leader of a small anti-globalsation group, Xavier 
Renou.
Ahead of the conference, Vichy's conservative mayor Claude Malhuret, had 
expressed hope that the town was on the verge of escaping its grim past.
"It's a scandal that there are 10 conferences per year in Berlin, 
Hitler's city, and in Moscow, Stalin's city, and no-one says a thing, 
while Vichy has been shunned," complained Malhuret.
He thanked Brice Hortefeux, France's minister of immigration, 
integration and national identity, for organising the conference and 
breaking the taboo.
"If conference organisers in future are looking at Vichy, Evian and 
Cannes, they won't systematically choose Evian or Cannes," Malhuret 
said, looking forward to a day when Vichy can compete with other 
potential venues.
"Things won't change overnight, but it's a way of rediscovering our 
dignity, and especially our ordinariness."
Officials from the 27 EU members are to hold two days of talks.







http://upsidedownworld.org/main/content/view/1570/68/

Paraguay: Agreement with Rural Activists Puts End to Protest

Written by Natalia Ruiz Díaz
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
(IPS) - Rural and social activists ended three days of protests Friday 
in the Paraguayan capital after their leaders met with President 
Fernando Lugo and reached a preliminary agreement for addressing their 
demands.

The agreement, which was reached after the campesino (peasant) leaders 
met at length with the country’s new centre-left president, includes the 
creation of a National Council on Agrarian Reform and the development of 
a social assistance programme for rural communities.

The Council will be coordinated by the National Institute on Rural 
Development and Land (INDERT) and made up of representatives of the 
ministries of agriculture, education and health, campesino organisations 
and civil society groups.

After the meeting, the rural protesters left the capital and the traffic 
blockades that had been set up around the country, especially in the 
northern department (province) of San Pedro, were dismantled.

According to the organisers, some 15,000 people had taken part in the 
protests in Asunción since Wednesday, and 45,000 were participating 
nationwide.

The three-day protest declared by the Social and Popular Front, which 
groups some 50 social and labour organisations, began Wednesday with 
violent clashes with the police in front of the attorney general’s 
office in Asunción.

Among their main demands were the impeachment of the members of the 
Supreme Court and the removal of the attorney general, all of whom were 
named by the government of former president Nicanor Duarte of the 
right-wing Colorado Party, which ruled the country for nearly the entire 
20th century (including the 1954-1989 dictatorship of General Alfredo 
Stroessner).

They were also calling for the release of protesters arrested over the 
past few weeks, and plots of land for landless farmers.

The demonstration by the Social and Popular Front was joined by other 
organisations, like the homeless people and slumdwellers’ movement, 
which is demanding decent housing and the removal of the minister of 
social action, Pablino Cáceres, and the public transport workers union, 
which is calling for compliance with the country’s labour laws and the 
dismissal of a high-level transportation official in the capital.

Lugo promised to step up efforts to provide a solution to the needs of 
people without adequate housing, and they left Asunción Thursday evening

The centre-left president, who took office in August, said in a news 
briefing Thursday that his government guarantees the right to peaceful 
protest, but would take the necessary measures against any group that 
seeks to destabilise the country’s institutions.

In response to the protesters’ complaints about a supposed delay in 
implementing a comprehensive land reform programme, the president said 
agrarian reform efforts had in fact already got underway.

"The demands voiced by the organisations that make up the Social and 
Popular Front are, in general, legitimate and form part of the hopes of 
these sectors, to which state bodies should do their best to respond," 
said the president, a former Catholic bishop who worked on behalf of the 
landless rural poor in San Pedro for nearly a decade before his shift 
into politics.

Belarmino Balbuena, a leader of the Paraguayan Campesino Movement and 
the Social and Popular Front, told IPS that the mobilisation was the 
result of the need for a social assistance plan for rural areas.

He also said Paraguay’s judiciary must be overhauled, because the 
current Supreme Court magistrates only rule in favour of wealthy 
landowners and soybean agribusiness interests.

Balbuena pointed out that the campesinos under arrest include two town 
councilors from districts in San Pedro, who recently took part in 
demonstrations by landless peasants against violations of the country’s 
environmental protection laws by large soybean producers.

The Paraguayan Catholic bishops’ conference has also spoken out on the 
crisis in rural areas. In their 183rd ordinary assembly, the bishops 
urged Lugo to expedite the purchase by the state of a 17,000-hectare 
rural district in San Pedro known as Barbero, where thousands of small 
farmers have been living and working the land for decades, without legal 
title to their farms, which keeps them from being able to take out loans.

The Rural Network of Paraguay, an umbrella group of non-governmental 
organisations, notes that the rural exodus has been aggravated over the 
last few years, due to the growing concentration of land ownership and 
the aggressive expansion of the agro-export model.

This land-locked South American country has the most unequal 
distribution of land in Latin America. One percent of the population of 
nearly seven million own 77 percent of the arable land, while 40 percent 
work just one percent of the land.

In Paraguay, 351 wealthy landholders own 9.7 million hectares, with the 
largest estates averaging over 27,000 hectares.

With respect to the problem of slums, a study by the national census and 
statistics office estimates that the shortage of decent housing amounts 
to 636,000 units, equivalent to over half of all existing proper 
dwellings in the country.

According to the study, around 91,000 families are living in shacks, 
slum housing or other inadequate structures, 289,000 are living in homes 
that are made of adequate materials but lack sanitation, and 256,000 are 
living in overcrowded conditions.






http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90852/6528645.html

Clash in Paraguay injures at least 14 policemen, 50 protestors

13:31, November 06, 2008

At least 14 policemen and 50 protesters were injured Wednesday during a 
clash in the capital of Paraguay, according to reports.

According to information received from Asuncion, capital of Paraguay, 
hundreds of people, mainly peasants and activists, gathered in front of 
the Prosecutor Office building, asking Ruben Candia Amarilla, the 
general prosecutor, to resign. Clashes erupted when police officers 
tried to prevent protesters from entering the building.

Demonstrations began Tuesday in seven parts of the country as protesters 
demanded reforms in judicial power and agrarian structure. The organizer 
of Wednesday's protest, the Social and People's Front, said police 
intervention was "excessive."

Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo in a short communique called the 
protest "a right of citizens and associations" that is protected by his 
government, but he also stressed that the constitutional and 
institutional order of the country could not be broken.

Lugo said his government "guarantees and reaffirms that agrarian reform, 
a electoral campaign promise, will be done" when conditions are ready.







http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/242789,bush-arrives-in-peru-amid-timid-protests-tight-security--summary.html

Bush arrives in Peru amid timid protests, tight security - Summary

Posted : Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:25:24 GMT
Author : DPA
Category : America (World)

Lima - United States President George W Bush arrived in Peru Friday for 
the annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum 
amid tight security, but timid protests. The president's Air Force One 
landed at a military base near Lima's international airport, where he 
was met by Peruvian Defence Minister Antero Flores Araoz.
The APEC forum is to be Bush's last international summit as US 
president, before he hands over power to president-elect Barack Obama in 
January.
Bush made no comments and got into a black limousine that was escorted 
by a score of SUVs.
However, he was to speak of the importance of the summit "at a time of 
serious turmoil in the global economy" but also one of "unprecedented 
cooperation," in his weekly radio address Saturday, the text of which 
was available to the media.
"As we work to rebuild confidence in our financial systems in the short 
term, we must also work to promote long-term economic growth," Bush was 
to say in his address, adding that countries must remain focused on 
"three great forces that drive this growth - free markets, free trade 
and free people."
The outgoing US president was to say that the Asia-Pacific region 
demonstrates the power of these forces more vividly than any other part 
of the world.
"Free markets have helped millions lift themselves out of poverty. Free 
trade has helped small nations turn themselves into global economic 
powers. And as more people in the Asia Pacific are free to develop their 
talents and pursue their ambitions, the whole region has grown in 
prosperity," Bush was to say.
Meanwhile, on Friday hundreds of activists from various indigenous, 
student and workers' groups gathered in different areas of Lima to 
protest Bush's presence in the Peruvian capital. About 1,500 police 
officers were deployed to keep the situation under control, said police 
commander Carlos Paz.
Earlier Friday, five university students were arrested in Trujillo, 
about 550 kilometres north of Lima, as they attempted to paint anti-Bush 
slogans on walls, Peruvian radio station RPP reported.
Ahead of his trip to Peru, Bush stressed that he has not neglected 
relations with Latin America. "I care about our Latin American 
neighbours," he said in an exclusive interview that the Peruvian daily 
El Comercio published in Spanish on Friday.
"It is very important for a US president to pay attention to its 
neighbours, because their orderly and peaceful progress is of great 
interest for the United States.
"I worry when I hear someone talk about the United States as the big boy 
in the neighbourhood, always telling people what to do in any particular 
country," he said.
Bush stressed his support for free trade as a key aspect of his 
presidency, and spoke of 13 free-trade agreements negotiated during his 
administration, including one with Peru, "that were a complete success."







http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44813

LABOUR-PERU: Protest Against Bush and Alan García
By Ángel Páez

Protesters dressed like prisoners at Guantanamo.

Credit:Ángel Páez/IPS

LIMA, Nov 21 (IPS) - A demonstration in the Peruvian capital by 
left-wing political movements against U.S. President George W. Bush’s 
visit to the country turned into a protest Friday by hundreds of 
laid-off workers and trade unions in conflict with local and foreign 
companies.

Bush arrived in Lima Friday, for the weekend’s Asia-Pacific Economic 
Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Percy Oré, head of the trade union representing workers at Topy Top, 
Peru’s second-largest textile exporter, said he was laid off for 
organising the company’s employees.

"Topy Top is one of the country’s leading garment exporters, and has 
amply benefited from the free trade agreement with the United States," 
Oré told IPS.

"However, alleging a supposed drop in production, it threw 60 workers 
out on the street in February, 28 in May, 17 in June and 10 in July, 
including me. The dismissals started after we organised the union. It’s 
no coincidence that many of those who were sacked belong to the union."

The peaceful demonstration in the Dos de Mayo plaza, which was 
completely surrounded by dozens of police in riot gear, is the other 
face of the 16th APEC summit.

The anti-Bush demonstration was convened by the Political and Social 
Coordinator (CPS), an umbrella of community organisations, labour and 
student groups, and leftist parties and movements.

The police, who were equipped with tear gas, rubber bullets, and 
anti-riot vehicles with water cannons, were ordered to keep the 
protesters from leaving the square and attempting to march to the 
government palace, 10 blocks away.

The CPS set up three symbolic tribunals to try Bush. The verdicts 
debated and decided by the participating organisations were read out, to 
the applause of the crowd.

Human rights violations committed by the U.S. military in Afghanistan, 
Iraq and the Guantanamo prison camp, and the country’s aggressive 
policies, were condemned, and Washington was blamed for the current 
global financial crisis.

Peruvian President Alan García was also found guilty of "selling the 
country out to U.S. imperialism and submitting to his master Bush."

Alexander Caballero, the head of the union of Swiss-based Nestle Co. 
workers, said he was taking part in the protest because the García 
administration preferred to defend the interests of foreign companies 
rather than the rights of Peruvian workers.

"We have been on strike for 23 days because Nestlé refuses to negotiate 
a fair wage hike," Caballero told IPS. "Our strike is legally recognised 
by the Labour Ministry. But we have reported to the Ministry that Nestlé 
has hired replacement workers, and that production has continued. The 
Ministry, however, does not want to take action against the company 
because it is a foreign firm.

"Nestlé is violating Peru’s labour laws, and the government isn’t doing 
anything," he complained. "We will continue our strike, although the 
company has already begun to lay off some of our leaders in reprisal."

President García has stressed in his speeches to foreign dignitaries and 
business leaders that despite the global crisis, the Peruvian economy is 
strong. And he calls those who criticise it "losers" and "failures."

"The number of chickens raised has climbed from 31 million a month in 
November 2007 to 36 million a month today, in November 2008. Who is 
eating them? Rich people in Lima?" he said in an interview with the El 
Comercio newspaper.

"Beer consumption has risen 17 percent in the last three months. Who is 
drinking it? Dionisio Romero and Pedro Brescia (two wealthy Peruvian 
businessmen)? National consumption of rice is up eight percent. Who is 
eating it? The people know all of this, I don’t have to be repeating it 
on TV," said the president.

But when it was pointed out to him that 77 percent of respondents in a 
recent survey by the Apoyo polling firm disapproved of his 
administration, he said "that’s something different. We are a nation of 
whiners, who have been spoiled by stories like that of Atahualpa, who 
sells his soul to the devil for ransom."

"García is a liar, a snake charmer, a snake oil salesman, an 
extraordinary pretender - and I know that because we used to be 
friends," businessman Ricardo Letts, a former left-wing congressman, 
told IPS. Letts is president of the Malpica Committee, an organisation 
named after former leftist Senator Carlos Malpica, who investigated 
corruption during García’s first term in office (1985-1990).

The Malpica Committee argues that García should resign, early elections 
should be held, and a constituent assembly should be set up to rewrite 
the constitution.

"President García has not only failed to live up to a single election 
pledge, but has dedicated himself to selling the country to the highest 
bidder," said Letts, in the Dos de Mayo square. "You can’t believe 
anything he says. That’s why he should step down. We’re calling for a 
popular uprising, which under the constitution is the right of a nation 
deceived by their leaders."

The head of the trade union of water and sewage workers (SUTOPEC), Juan 
Cancio, said his union represents those who provide services to the 
state company SEDAPAL by working for subcontractors.

"We work for SEDAPAL but we aren’t part of SEDAPAL. We are not on the 
payroll, which means we are deprived of many of our rights, even though 
we do the hardest, dirtiest work. We are discriminated against," Cancio 
told IPS.

During his election campaign, García promised to put an end to 
subcontracting, saying it was a system that violated workers’ rights. 
And on Jul. 21, 2006, just a few days before he was sworn in, he met 
with SUTOPEC leaders to promise that he would adopt a measure to that 
respect.

"But the subcontractors are still there," said Cancio. "We earn 500 
soles a month (165 dollars) while workers on the SEDAPAL payroll earn up 
to 2,000 soles (665 dollars). García did not live up to his promise. 
Around 3,000 workers are caught in this horrid subcontracting trap."

A verdict against the APEC summit was also read out during the protest, 
"because it is an instrument of transnational corporations and 
imperialist countries to free up trade and investment," said the 
speakers, who said "APEC is hunger, APEC is unemployment, APEC is plunder."

Ronald Amaro, head of the union of workers in Star Print, a 
subcontractor for Topy Top, said the company used to make them work up 
to 36 hours in a row.

"We founded the union on Jan. 14 to demand an eight-hour workday, and we 
got it. But in retaliation, the company sacked 180 workers, including 
the leaders of the union," Amaro told IPS. "Now the workers don’t want 
to join, because they’re afraid of being laid off. There are 1,300 
workers, and we are paid 550 soles (182 dollars) a month. It’s a 
pittance, but we need the money to survive."

But for others, Peru is a paradise for investors.

Peru has become an ideal place for investment, Bush told the local press 
here.

"We are a refuge for investors fleeing other countries," García, for his 
part, told foreign business leaders. (END/2008)






http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/11/05/peru-emergency.html?ref=rss

Peruvian PM refuses talks until mining protests stop
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 5, 2008 | 10:07 PM ET Comments0Recommend6
Reuters, special to CBC News
Riot police officers clash with protesters in Tacna, Peru, on Tuesday. 
The Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency in the city 
after thousands of demonstrators blocked roads and cut water supplies 
this week to protest against a mining royalty law. (Associated Press)
A day after declaring a state of emergency in the southern province of 
Tacna, Peru's prime minister said Wednesday he would not discuss 
protesters' demands to change a new mining law until the area was calm.
Tacna is locked in a dispute with Moquegua, a neighbouring province, 
over how to share millions of dollars in taxes paid by Southern Copper 
Corp., one of the world's largest mining companies.
Protesters, who have asked for a commission to review the law that would 
redistribute royalties, have blocked roads, cut water supplies and 
burned a mayor's office.
Over the weekend, the government gave the military the green light to 
maintain order. Tuesday, it went a step further and declared a state of 
emergency.
"There will be no commission until Tacna is peaceful," said Peruvian 
Prime Minister Yehude Simon, a leftist whose appointment last month was 
seen as an effort by the government to dissuade protesters from taking 
their complaints to the street.
"They have the right to protest, but not … to burn government 
buildings," he told reporters.
The legislation, passed by Congress last week, overhauls the way 
royalties are distributed to all provinces in a country with hundreds of 
mines. It would assess taxes based on how much mineral wealth a mine 
produces, rather than on how much dirt a mine moves, as the system does now.
President Alan Garcia is expected to sign the bill into law.
Under the current system, Moquegua will receive 20 per cent of taxes 
paid by Southern Copper that are distributed to provinces, while 80 per 
cent will go to Tacna. The new law would direct more money to Moquegua.
Southern Copper, which is a unit of Grupo Mexico, has the Cuajone mine 
and Ilo smelter in Moquegua and the Toquepala mine in Tacna.
Leaders in both provinces say they need the revenue to pay for basic 
services like water, electricity and education.
Some 40 per cent of Peruvians live in poverty, despite seven years of 
fast economic growth, and critics say Garcia has not done enough to 
bring the boom's benefits to the poor.






http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=610695

Protestors torch gov`t building in mining royalties dispute in Peru
Posted: 2008/11/05
From: MNN

Peruvian protestors angry at the distribution of mining royalties set 
fire Tuesday to a government building in the country`s southernmost city 
of Tacna.

LIMA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Flames spread over a large area and smoke 
engulfed the municipal headquarters in Ciudad Nueva district, some 15 
minutes' drive from Tacna, causing damage to documents and a supply 
center nearby.

Earlier Tuesday, more than 200 protestors demanding better distribution 
of mining royalties clashed with local police, and at least two people 
were injured.

The protestors insisted on repealing a mining royalties law approved by 
the National Congress which says that Tacna must share the proceeds with 
the neighboring region of Moquegua.

They said the law was no longer the reason for the fighting. Instead, 
people were now protesting over those killed in clashes at the weekend






http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Peru_declares_state_of_emergency_in_11042008.html

Peru declares state of emergency in south after protests

Published: Tuesday November 4, 2008

Peru late Wednesday declared a 30-day state of emergency in its south 
after violent protests in the city of Tacna that left 20 people hurt and 
35 in police custody.
The measure, announced by Prime Minister Yehude Simon after an 
extraordinary cabinet meeting, will see soldiers and police take over 
the city, which lies close to the border with Chile.
"The government has declared a state of emergency for 30 days in Tacna 
because of the acts of violence," he said.
The decision came after a day of protests that degenerated into attacks 
on a municipal building in a suburb of the city.
A mob set fire to the building to protest the death of a demonstrator 
last weekend.
Last week, a crowd vented fury at another public building in the city.
A strike is underway in Tacna to protest a vote by congress to modify a 
law that would redistribute tax revenues from a giant mining company, 
Southern Peru, in favor of residents in the neighboring region of Moquegua.
The unrest was occurring ahead of a November 21-23 summit by heads of 
state and government of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) nations 
that will be held in Lima under tight security.






http://en.rian.ru/world/20081103/118108479.html

Ukraine's communists condemn IMF loan, plan mass protests
14:36 | 03/ 11/ 2008


KIEV, November 3 (RIA Novosti) - Ukraine's Communist Party accused the 
government on Monday of burdening the nation with debt and filling the 
pockets of oligarchs by obtaining a $16.5 billion IMF loan, and 
announced plans for mass protests.
On Friday, Ukraine's parliament passed a set of laws needed to receive 
the loan from the International Monetary Fund, as the country struggles 
to cope amid the global credit crisis.
Communist Party leader Pyotr Simonenko told a news conference that the 
loan was "for the benefit of oligarch circles, the leadership of the 
International Monetary Fund, and multinational corporations."
He warned that the debt would harm the economy, particularly ordinary 
citizens.
"On November 7, we will start mass protests throughout Ukraine under the 
slogan: 'against Yushchenko and the oligarchs. Give the workers a 
respectable life'."
The parties led by President Viktor Yushchenko and his former ally Prime 
Minister Yulia Tymoshenko backed the legislation for the IMF loan, while 
the Party of Regions, led by pro-Kremlin ex-premier Viktor Yanukovych, 
abstained from the vote.
Under the new laws, a national stabilization fund will be set up to help 
struggling banks repay their foreign debt. The government will also 
provide more extensive guarantees for deposits in banks.
Anti-crisis measures have met similar criticism in several other 
countries, as governments hand money to corporations to ease the credit 
crisis.
In the United States and Great Britain, banks including JPMorgan Chase, 
Citigroup and the Bank of Scotland have come under severe criticism for 
handing out vast bonuses to their upper management, after receiving 
taxpayer bailout funds.
In Russia, the country's richest businessmen have received multi-billion 
dollar state loans to retain their stakes in major companies. Oleg 
Deripaska is reported to have received a $4.5 billion loan to keep his 
stake in the world's largest nickel producer Norilsk Nickel, while 
oligarch Mikhail Fridman's Alfa Group received a $2 billion bailout loan 
to hold on to mobile phone operator VimpelCom.
Ukraine's economy has suffered both from the global credit crunch and 
the falling price of steel, the key national export.
The country's stock exchange has lost around 70% of its value, while the 
national currency, the hryvnia, hit a record low of 7.2 to the dollar 
last Wednesday.










http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20081116210145859

Barcelona: Protesters attack Nissan's Spanish HQ over layoffs
Sunday, November 16 2008 @ 09:01 PM CST
Contributed by: Anonymous
Views: 246
MADRID, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Several hundred people protesting against 
Nissan's plans to lay off staff at its plant in Spain threw bottles, 
fireworks and fencing at the Japanese company's offices in Barcelona on 
Tuesday. Reuters pictures showed the demonstrators gathering in central 
Barcelona to protest at Nissan's decision to cut 1,680 jobs at its 
factory in the city because of weak demand.

Protesters attack Nissan's Spanish HQ over layoffs

November 11, 2008
Source: Reuters

MADRID, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Several hundred people protesting against 
Nissan's plans to lay off staff at its plant in Spain threw bottles, 
fireworks and fencing at the Japanese company's offices in Barcelona on 
Tuesday.

Reuters pictures showed the demonstrators gathering in central Barcelona 
to protest at Nissan's decision to cut 1,680 jobs at its factory in the 
city because of weak demand.

The protests coincided with demonstrations against the closure of a 
shipyard in Gijon, northern Spain, where protesters barricaded streets 
with burning tyres and set off fireworks.

When Nissan announced the layoffs in October, it said the global 
economic crisis had caused a dramatic drop in vehicle sales, and new 
environment laws had cut demand for all-terrain vehicles made at the 
plant in eastern Spain.

Volkswagen and Ford have also announced layoffs at their factories in 
Spain in recent weeks because of falling demand.

Car sales in the European Union fell 4.4 percent in the first nine 
months of the year from a year earlier, according to the manufacturers 
association ACEA.

Spain's Socialist government had hoped that improvements in productivity 
would help the car manufacturing sector, but Spain has borne the brunt 
of the sector-wide production cuts seen in Europe because of the 
economic slowdown. (Reporting by Jonathan Gleave, Albert Gea in 
Barcelona and Eloy Alonso in Gijon; editing by Tim Pearce)







http://www.gmanews.tv/story/133491/Police-disperse-farmers-protesting-slow-Ombudsman-action-on-Luisita-massacre

Police disperse farmers protesting slow Ombudsman action on Luisita massacre
11/14/2008 | 10:44 AM
Email this | Email the Editor | Print | ShareThis
MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City policemen on Friday tried to disperse 
some 20 farm workers of Hacienda Luisita Inc. who staged a protest 
action in front of the Office at the Ombusdman to push for the speedy 
resolution of charges they filed against military personnel involved in 
the Nov. 16, 2004 Hacienda Luisita massacre.

Rene Galang, United Luisita Workers Union(ULWU) President, said that 
after 4 years, massacre victims have yet to receive justice.

Galang said administrative and criminal charges filed by the victims' 
relatives before the Ombudsman on January 13, 2005 against the 
Cojuangcos, (former Labor) Secretary (Patricia) Sto. Tomas and police 
and military officials remain unresolved up to this date.

"Nothing happened with our case at the Ombudsman, it's like that being 
massacred is a natural thing under the Arroyo government, justice is no 
way near from being served," Galang said.

"We have little hope with this legal recourse, we clearly know that the 
government is controlled by the rich landlords like Cojuangcos and 
Arroyo herself, but we will not cease in yelling for justice for our 
martyr agri-workers, " he added.

To recall, seven agricultural workers and residents of communities 
within the hacienda were killed when police and military forces fired to 
disperse protesting workers to enforce an Assumption of Jurisdiction 
(AJ) order issued by then Labor Sec. Sto. Tomas. - GMANews.TV

http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-43868.html

Villagers protest over setting up liquor bottling unit
Pudukkottai, Nov 11 : Venting protest against the proposal to set up a 
bootling unit by an Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) firm at 
Kallakottai in Gandarvakottai taluk of this district, villagers and 
political parties argued that it would deplete the groundwater table and 
cause pollution.
At a meeting convened here by the district administration to elicit the 
views of the villagers, they urged the Tamil Nadu government not to give 
consent for the project.

District Revenue Officer R Mahendravel, who presided over the meeting, 
said he would inform the administration about the views expressed by the 
villagers of Gandarvakottai.

District secretary of the Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist), Asaithambi 
and P Shanmugam, district executive committee member of the CPI, said 
the unit, if commissioned, would deplete the groundwater table, 
affecting agriculture in and around the area.
--- UNI






http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/11/29/2003429811

Protesters complain of ‘underestimated’ national debt
By Loa Iok-sin
STAFF REPORTER
Saturday, Nov 29, 2008, Page 3

Members of the Alliance for Tax Reform protest on the corner of 
Ketagalan Boulevard and Gongyuan Road in Taipei yesterday.
PHOTO: CHU PEI-HSIUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Concerned that efforts to stimulate the economy will only increase the 
national debt, the Alliance for Fair Tax Reform (AFTR) created a “human 
national debt clock” on Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential 
Office yesterday.
Wearing purple T-shirts with numbers written on their backs, AFTR 
members lined up at the intersection of Ketagalan Boulevard and Gongyuan 
Road, together spelling out “13,800,000,000,000” — or NT$13.8 trillion 
(US$390 billion).

“This number represents Taiwan’s actual national debt — on average, each 
one of the country’s 23 million citizens has to shoulder about 
NT$600,000 of it,” spokesman Chien Hsi-chieh told reporters.

While figures released by the Ministry of Finance earlier this month 
showed the current national debt to be NT$4.3 billion, AFTR member Son 
Yu-lian (孫友聯) said that the number was inaccurate as many “hidden 
debts” were not accounted for in the official figure.

“The government should deal with our national debt honestly. They need 
to stop tax reforms that benefit large corporations and refrain from 
making policies that will only make the situation worse,” Chien said. 
“We don’t want our children and grandchildren to be born into debt.”

Alliance members said they were concerned that the government’s policy 
direction would make the situation worse.

Since President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) took office, the government has 
increased the national debt with several projects, including plans to 
expand domestic consumption and the i-Taiwan construction projects. The 
recent consumer vouchers policy — which will require another NT$80 
billion in public debt — is only the latest addition, Son said.

“With the NT$400 billion ‘economic stimulation’ program on the way, the 
Ma government has already added more than NT$726 billion to our national 
debt,” he said.

The AFTR urged the government to hang a real national debt clock outside 
the Presidential Office, “so that every person can see how seriously 
we’re in debt,” a press statement said.





http://allafrica.com/stories/200811070859.html

[Zimbabwe Independent]

Zimbabwe: ZCTU to Protest Against Forex Shops
7 November 2008
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has threatened to protest 
against the introduction of foreign exchange licenced retailers and 
wholesalers demanding the Reserve Bank to lift daily cash withdrawals 
now at $500 000.
Barely a month after the introduction of the Foreign exchange licensed 
warehouse and retail shops (FOLIWARS), mixed sentiments have been 
expressed over the modus operandi of the shops.
For business this move was received as a paradigm shift from a "command" 
type of economy to a more liberalised one.
However, for labour and the National Incomes and Pricing Commission 
(NIPC), the heralded September 26 decision allowing retailers, 
wholesalers and fuel importers to sell in foreign currency has not only 
stoked inflation but also relegated low-income earners to unprecedented 
levels of penury.
"The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions is perturbed by the current wave 
of dollarisation or Americanisation of the Zimbabwean economy by the 
authorities at a time when most workers in Zimbabwe are earning their 
wages in Zimbabwean dollars," read the statement.
"The ZCTU says no to dollarisation and the extension of America into 
Zimbabwe. If they want the use of the American dollar in all payments to 
continue, then the ZCTU is demanding that all workers be paid in 
American dollars, since it seems we are now part of America, despite the 
veiled denials by our politicians, particularly President Robert 
Mugabe," said the ZCTU.
According to Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono, as of September 25, a 
total of 600 applications had been submitted and 570 foreign currency 
licences were issued.
Of the figure 533 licences was issued to FOLIWARS operating retail and 
wholesale licences, with 37 issued to FELOCS and FELOPADS, being oil 
companies and service stations who will sell in foreign currency.
NIPC chairman, Goodwills Masimirembwa whose grip on business was clipped 
by the Reserve Bank recently accused foreign exchange licensees of 
"shooting" themselves in the foot through price distortions.
At the launch of the economic policy that was ostensibly crafted to 
preserve foreign currency inflows, Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono 
said the move was driven by compassion.
"Before the introduction of the foreign exchange shops, the central bank 
watched and observed with heavy hearts the suffering of Zimbabweans as 
they waited at the borders seeking to import basic commodities," said Gono.
But soaring prices that followed on the back of a record inflation of 
over 231% could leave the central bank with another "heavy heart".
An observation by businessdigest this week indicated that prices charged 
in foreign currency shops were at least three times higher than those 
charged in neighbouring countries. Currently enjoying a waiver on food 
import costs, analysts said transport costs were major costs incurred by 
business.
A senior manager at a local retail group this week said uncertainty in 
forming a new government and a "vacuum" in regulating the foreign 
exchange shops could have necessitated wide pricing disparities between 
Zimbabwe and regional peers.
"Most retailers are a bit sceptical about this policy," said a general 
manager at a retail group.
" There is a vacuum in governance and things could go either way. 
Business is coming from a background of a command type of economy and 
there is need to maximise profits in the duration of this stalemate." He 
added that shortages of lower denominations of foreign currency had also 
resulted in shops charging higher prices.
He said most retailers were caught "unawares" when the Reserve demanded 
a refundable US$20 000 that was then required to receive the trading 
licence.
With one month on retailers and wholesalers have also failed to form the 
Foreign Exchange Licensed Wholesalers and Retail Shops Association 
mandated with regulating the new shops. -







http://allafrica.com/stories/200811101474.html

SW Radio Africa (London)
Zimbabwe: Chaos in Bulawayo as Riot Police Clash with Bank Customers
Tichaona Sibanda
10 November 2008

The city of Bulawayo was engulfed in tension over the weekend, following 
bloody clashes between riot police and people queuing to try to access 
money from their banks.
Scores were left injured on Saturday when heavily armed riot police ran 
pitched battles with anxious customers who were losing patience after 
failing to access their money from the city banks.
With tensions running high, things boiled over when the banks called 
police to control the crowds. A witness to the chaos wrote to us saying 
the police used baton sticks to try to control the crowds and this 
inflamed the situation. Outside the CFX Bank, irritated customers 
retaliated and pounced on a lonely policeman who was overpowered by the 
angry mob.
'The policeman was left in a daze after the clients at a local bank 
vented their anger on him in revenge. He was left bleeding profusely 
after he was attacked,' our source said.
Other reports said that on Friday some banks had enlisted the services 
of soldiers to keep the peace in the queues. The soldiers used this to 
jump queues and access the cash for themselves, beating up people in the 
process. 'Managers blamed the Central bank for its limited allocation of 
money to the banks. While the Reserve Bank has increased the cash 
withdrawal limits to Z$500 000 from $50 000, the money is still not 
enough as people spend the nights sleeping outside the banks.'
In Harare, the military police on Saturday battled fellow soldiers who 
were creating problems in bank queues. Reports say baton-wielding 
military police beat soldiers in uniform. At Coal House in central 
Harare, where two building societies are located opposite each other, 
fights erupted as members of the public cheered.
It's alleged that a number of soldiers were bundled into military 
vehicles and taken to barracks where they were expected to be detained.







http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/nov/30/global-economy-turkey-demonstration

Protests over global recession
• Rajeev Syal
• The Observer, Sunday 30 November 2008
The governments of Turkey, Hungary and Iceland, three of the countries 
hit hardest by the global economic downturn, faced mass demonstrations 
against austerity measures yesterday.
Thousands of Turkish workers clashed with police in Ankara, at a 
demonstration held by the two biggest unions to protest against a 
possible International Monetary Fund deal. The IMF is negotiating with 
Turkey on a loan to stem the impact of the global financial crisis on 
the country. Six police officers and several protesters were injured and 
are being treated in hospital, the state news agency reported.
The rising price of basic commodities such as gas, oil, wheat and rice 
has hurt consumers and the government is working on a stimulus package 
to curb rising unemployment, which is hovering at 10 per cent.
In Budapest, thousands of firefighters, teachers and other public 
employees demonstrated outside Hungary's parliament to protest against 
austerity measures.
To reduce the state budget deficit, the government plans to temporarily 
suspend or limit wage bonuses and pensions, among other steps.
Icelanders gathered outside their parliament to demand the resignation 
of the government they blame for leading their country into an economic 
abyss. Violence flared as protesters tried to storm a police station to 
free an arrested demonstrator. At least five people were injured.







http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,459090,00.html

Hungarian Workers Protest Wage, Pension Rollbacks Aimed at Meltdown
Saturday, November 29, 2008 | FoxNews.com

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AP


Nov. 29: Hungarian prison guards shout anti government slogans during a 
public employee demonstration in downtown Budapest, Hungary.
Nov. 29: Hungarian prison guards shout anti government slogans during a 
public employee demonstration in downtown Budapest, Hungary.
•
•
BUDAPEST, Hungary — Thousands of firefighters, teachers and other public 
employees are rallying outside Hungary's parliament to protest the 
government's austerity measures.
Some 30 trade unions are taking part in Saturday's rally despite the 
cold and rain, demanding that state authorities respect earlier deals 
that guaranteed wage levels.
Some firefighters are carrying a coffin symbolizing the demise of their 
trust in the law, which they say was changed to enable the cutbacks.
Click here for photos.
In an effort to reduce the state budget deficit, the government plans to 
temporarily suspend or limit wage bonuses and pensions, among other steps.
Hungary has had the largest budget gap in the European Union in the past 
few years, increasing its exposure to the current global financial crisis.







http://www.workers.org/2008/us/protests_1106/

 From Wall Street to Main Street
Protests demand: Bail out the people!
By Betsey Piette
Published Oct 29, 2008 2:43 PM
It was a strange sight on Wall Street. In the heart of U.S. finance 
capital, stage left of the statue of the wealthy slaveholder George 
Washington, more than 100 veterans and youths from unions, housing, 
civil rights and other popular movements began a conversation with the 
U.S. working class from the steps of the Federal Building. The topics: 
capitalism and socialism.
Six weeks ago, the speakers might have been whistling in the wind. On 
Oct. 24, after the credit collapse and bailout of the banks, their talks 
at the corner of Wall and Broad brought many people to a halt. Wall 
Street workers stayed to listen for a quarter hour, took literature, 
asked questions of those participating and thought about the economic 
crisis that threatens to disrupt life as they know it.


Wall Street, NYC.
WW photo: John Catalinotto
The speakers represented a cross section of progressive New York. 
Whether it was City Councilmember Charles Barron explaining how 
Bloomberg climbed up the “wealthiest person” ladder since he became 
mayor of New York; housing activist Nellie Bailey chiding the landlord 
domination of local politics; Katrina-survivor supporter Brenda Stokely 
making it clear that solidarity must begin with the most oppressed; 
people’s lawyer Lynne Stewart denouncing capitalism; or FIST youth 
organizers LeiLani Dowell and Larry Hales, mobilizing for future 
struggles; they had an audience.
A rousing speech was presented by a leader of women steelworkers in 
South Korea, who have been striking the SIRIUS Corporation for the past 
three years. Their example of struggle despite hardship may turn out to 
be one of the important lessons of the rally. Teresa Gutierrez from the 
May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Workers Rights; Charles Jenkins, a 
leader of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists; and Bernadette Ellorin 
from BAYAN-USA spoke on workers’ unity across all borders.
For those distributing literature, there was constant interaction with 
passers-by, most of it friendly questions. A group of Chinese visitors 
enjoyed photographing each other beside a sign on the Workers World 
table that called capitalism the problem and socialism the solution.
Media from Spain, France, Venezuela and local Spanish-language TV 
stations interviewed participants and recorded the rally/street meeting 
that Bail Out the People Movement organizer Larry Holmes opened and 
which kept going for more than three hours until Monica Moorehead gave 
an update on the struggles to save death-row prisoners, Troy Davis and 
Mumia Abu-Jamal. The final speaker read a message from a Philippines 
revolutionary to the U.S. working class. It was a new day on Wall Street.


John Parker and Gloria Saucedo
in Los Angeles.
WW photo: Maggie Vascassenno
In Los Angeles, the Labor/Community Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and 
Evictions held a “Bailout the Workers, Not the Bankers” forum on Oct. 24 
and a street protest on Oct. 27. The forum was held at Hermandad 
Mexicana Nacional, located in Panorama City in Los Angeles County. Led 
by Gloria Saucedo, Hermandad services the immigrant community with legal 
assistance and was an initiator of the historic Mar. 26 demonstration 
for immigrant rights in 2006.
Rosie Martinez, executive board member and chair of the Latino Caucus of 
Service Employees International Union Local 721, addressed the forum 
about the need for unity and organization to fight for justice and 
against our wealth being given away to the banks.


Chito Quijano and
Martha Rojas in
Los Angeles.
WW photo: Scott Scheffer
Chito Quijano, national chair of BAYAN-USA, explained the origins of the 
economic crisis and motivated for unity and action as the only means to 
make sure the fallout from the crisis does not all land on the shoulders 
of workers.
Martha Rojas, co-coordinator of the coalition, spoke about her personal 
experience going through foreclosure. One of the demands of the forum 
was for a moratorium on foreclosures as well as against the raids 
targeting immigrants.


Detroit
WW photo: Alan Pollock
In Detroit dozens of people, including many victims of home foreclosures 
and evictions, demonstrated outside the Coleman A. Young Municipal 
Center in downtown Detroit on Oct. 27 to demand the interim mayor 
declare a state of economic emergency in the city and formally apply to 
the governor for a two-year moratorium on foreclosures. They also 
demanded a federal bailout for the people of Detroit, who have the 
highest poverty and unemployment rates in the U.S.
Since interim Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. took office in mid-September, 
organizers with the Moratorium NOW! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and 
Evictions have sent him three letters demanding a meeting to discuss the 
state of emergency facing the city and the action he should take. 
Cockrel ignored the letters until coalition activists confronted him at 
two “meet and greet” community meetings he hosted on Oct. 21 and 23. 
Coalition spokespeople received a tremendous response from the audience 
and the mayor was forced to acknowledge that a moratorium was “a good idea.”
Following those meetings and the continued organizing and outreach done 
by coalition activists throughout Detroit and beyond, a representative 
from the mayor’s office contacted the coalition to arrange a meeting. A 
multinational grouping of 16 activists went to the mayor’s office on 
Oct. 27 after the demonstration, only to find out that the mayor’s 
representative was postponing the meeting due to a funeral. The 
activists were outraged and a confrontation occurred with city police 
and members of the mayor’s security detail. One senior shouted, “You 
show some respect! We pay your salary and this is OUR office!”
Coalition members then went to the City Council auditorium and discussed 
a plan of further action. Calls were placed to the mayor’s 
representative, who finally agreed to come to the coalition’s office on 
Oct. 28 and meet with organizers.
Coalition members will present a draft letter for the mayor to send to 
Gov. Jennifer Granholm, formally requesting a declaration of a state of 
emergency in the city and asking her to use her emergency powers under 
the law to impose a two-year moratorium on foreclosures and evictions in 
the city. Organizers see this as an important step in getting a 
statewide moratorium passed by the legislature.


Buffalo, N.Y.
WW photo: Bev Hiestand
On Oct. 24 in Buffalo, N.Y., a “Bail Out the People, Not the Banks” 
rally staked out a spot in the heart of the financial district, 
surrounded by huge glass-covered banks and the Federal Reserve office. 
The rally expressed such clear, intense anger against the rich and 
against the whole capitalist system that it drew the interest and 
attention of all the downtown workers waiting for the transit trains 
just inches away. High school and college students stood for an hour in 
the cold wind. The banks even sent observers to listen.
One community activist pointed at the windows all around, and said, 
“Don’t think this is small, because you can see how many people are 
paying attention, even in those windows, and standing over there 
listening and reading our signs. The word will be out to a lot more 
people by tomorrow.”
The rally and speak-out was endorsed and co-sponsored by Buffalo Forum, 
Buffalo State College Students for Peace, Center for a Livable World, 
Citizen Action of New York-WNY, Coalition for Economic Justice, Code 
Pink Buffalo, Green Party of Erie County, International Action Center 
(member of the Ad Hoc National Network to Stop Foreclosures and 
Evictions) and Western NY Peace Center.
In Baltimore, protesters braved pouring rain to gather at the Federal 
Reserve Bank for a speak-out and press conference denouncing the 
trillion dollar bailout of the banks and to announce a statewide 
campaign to demand emergency measures for workers this winter. The 
speak-out was widely covered by local television and C-Span. Speakers 
included union delegates, community organizers and student activists.
Among the emergency measures called for are a moratorium on foreclosures 
and evictions, a halt to utility shut offs, no layoffs and an extension 
of unemployment benefits, and no budget cuts. The City of Baltimore and 
the State of Maryland have begun already to announce budget cuts that 
threaten workers jobs and services.
The speak-out and protest was called by the Baltimore Chapter of the 
National Network to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions.
Several people gathered in front of a midtown Chase Bank in Tucson, 
Ariz., on Oct. 26, unfurling a large banner reading “Bailout The 
People—Not The Banks!” The busy intersection was active with hoots and 
hollers of support, horn-honking and other signs of approval from passersby.
People feel betrayed by the massive handout to the wealthiest bankers 
while workers are left to fend for themselves. The state of Arizona 
needs $2.6 billion to cover its budget shortfall. Less than one-half of 
1 percent of the $850 billion guaranteed to bankers would allow the 
state to continue providing the essential services working and poor 
people need and would also prevent the planned mass layoffs of state 
workers. The banks get bailed out and we get thrown out!
On Oct. 25 in Charlotte, N.C., about 50 people rallied in front of the 
world headquarters of Bank of America, one bank which stands to profit 
from the deepening economic crisis. A spirited and militant picket 
included city workers from the Charlotte chapter of UE Local 150; 
Raleigh Fight Imperialism, Stand Together; Atlanta International Action 
Center; Charlotte Action Center for Justice; UNC-Charlotte Students for 
a Democratic Society; and UNC-Chapel Hill SDS.
Demonstrators demanded a moratorium on home foreclosures and evictions, 
an end to cuts in student loans and a moratorium on state budget cuts. 
The response to the demonstration was overwhelmingly positive, with many 
passersby honking their horns, raising their fists and even joining in 
the picket. As the crisis deepens, affecting more and more working 
people, organizers expressed a commitment to continue raising these 
demands against Bank of America and building a working class fight back 
against the bailout.
Around 20 youth, workers and community activists converged at the 
Wachovia building in downtown Raleigh, N.C., Oct. 24 to protest the 
fraudulent bailout of the superrich. Demands to “Bail out the people, 
not the banks!” and “Money for jobs and education, not banks and 
corporations!” as well as “no” to massive public sector budget cuts, 
were met with mixed support from the bankers, but strong support from 
workers who occasionally joined the protests.
Representatives from Black Workers for Justice; Raleigh FIST; UNC Chapel 
Hill SDS; UE 150, North Carolina’s Public Service Workers Union; and 
various community allies picketed Wachovia and marched through the 
streets to kick off a weekend of nationwide protests against the nearly 
one trillion dollar handout to the gambling bankers.
The Cleveland Chapter of FIST held a protest and speak-out at the 
national headquarters of National City Bank, just one day after it had 
been bought out by PNC Bank. Protesters went inside the bank, passing 
unhindered by a lone security guard. Later FIST members went to the 
Public Square area in Cleveland to distribute Workers World newspaper.
Led by youth from FIST and SDS, nearly 30 people gathered for a rally 
and speak-out against the bankers’ bailout on Oct. 27 at Philadelphia’s 
City Hall, across from Wachovia Bank. Despite its defunct status, 
Wachovia is one of many banks responsible for the subprime mortgage 
scandal and the subsequent tightening of credit markets, and stands to 
receive $25 billion of taxpayer dollars to fund their acquisition by 
rival Wells Fargo.
Speakers pointed out Wachovia Bank’s origins in profits from slavery in 
the U.S. as well as its recent practice of “redlining” neighborhoods of 
color to deny loans for development.
More than a thousand fliers were handed out to passersby, many of whom 
stopped to sign a petition for a bailout that would provide for programs 
people really need. Chants of “Money for health care, not for bankers’ 
welfare!” went over well with downtown shoppers and drivers honked horns 
in support.
The protest was sponsored by the Philadelphia International Action 
Center; Brandywine Peace Community; N’COBRA; Code Pink, Delaware River 
Area; Justice for Families; Neighbors Against McPenntrification; 
RASH—Philadelphia; Philadelphia Socialist Action; and FIST.


Boston
WW photo: Liz Green
In Boston about 50 people attended a rally and press conference at 
Boston City Hall chaired by Miya Campbell of FIST and featuring Boston’s 
three city councilors of color, Chuck Turner, Charles Yancey and Sam 
Yoon. The councilors called on the governor and mayor to declare a state 
of emergency and ensure that the thousands of people who are facing 
winter without heat or light have their utilities service restored. More 
than 100,000 received shutoff notices from the Massachusetts utility 
companies last May.
Nan Genger of the Women’s Fightback Network outlined the group’s ongoing 
campaign for an economic state of emergency, linking the shutoffs to the 
war budget and the Wall Street bailout. Tony Hernandez, organizer for 
District Council 35, Painters and Allied Trades, described how the 
economic crisis is affecting poor and working people in every community.
Other speakers included members of USW 8751, Boston School Bus Drivers; 
Jason Lyden, pastor of the Community Church of Boston; a representative 
from Action for Boston Community Development, which advocates for fuel 
assistance for low income families; and a member of New England Human 
Rights for Haiti.
Campbell told how the economic crisis impacts youth, with homeless youth 
attempting to attend school; school closings from recent budget cuts 
being used to attack desegregation and the African-American communities’ 
access to education; and of the more than one million Black men in prison.
The participants are planning further action and vowed to continue until 
there is no one in Massachusetts without heat or lights this winter. The 
event was covered by both TV media and the Boston Globe.


June Reyno holds
the chain she
will use to
defy eviction
from her
San Diego home.
WW photo:
Bob McCubbin
An unanticipated but welcome addition to the October 24-27 Call to 
Action activities, initially planned by the Ad Hoc National Network to 
Stop Foreclosures and Evictions, came when San Diego homeowner June 
Reyno called the Ad Hoc Network office to announce her intention to 
chain herself to her home of 19 years in the Mira Mesa area rather than 
submit to eviction. She had been served with an eviction notice, but had 
been granted an additional 18 days to vacate. Since Reyno publicly 
announced her intention to resist, the police were expected the morning 
of Oct. 27.
The Network office was able to put her in touch with San Diego activists 
from the International Action Center and others who stood with her on 
Monday morning, anticipating the arrival of police, and who were 
instrumental in bringing out much of the San Diego media to cover her 
struggle.
Reyno is angry that an offer was made to sell her back the house and 
then withdrawn when she and her husband found a willing lender. The bank 
that now holds title clearly intends, instead, to sell the home at a 
bigger profit, perpetuating the greedy financial feeding frenzy that has 
produced the present catastrophe of foreclosures and evictions.
Throughout the country, many thousands of people are being deprived of 
their homes because of corporate greed and a system that puts profits 
first and people last. By defying the eviction, Reyno is providing an 
example of resistance to injustice that will resonate among the millions 
who have or are in danger of losing their homes. As of this writing, 
Monday morning and early afternoon have passed with no sign of the police.
Sharon Black, Ben Carroll, John Catalinotto, Ellie Dorritie, Kris Hamel, 
Caleb Maupin, Bob McCubbin, Monica Moorehead, Frank Neisser, John 
Parker, Paul Teitelbaum and Scott Williams contributed to this report.
________________________________________
Articles copyright 1995-2009 Workers World. Verbatim copying and 
distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium without 
royalty provided this notice is preserved.









http://www.nowpublic.com/world/protest-reykjavik-iceland

Protest in Reykjavik - Iceland
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by dorisig007 | November 2, 2008 at 06:36 am
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Protest in Reykjavik - Iceland
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uploaded by dorisig007
Few thousand people gathered yesterday in front of the Icelandic 
Parliement building ,to protest. They where demanding that the goverment 
resign and the Icelandic Central bank ,change the men that control 
it.More and more people are getting unemployed.Truckers that where 
protesting last spring - took part in the protest today and used the 
horns to let people know that they where there .And people dont like the 
local press theses days - in the local news web pages - they say that 
there where 6 hundred or 1000 people at the protest - but the foreign 
press tell us that there where a few thousand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9V5xWSEqsM







http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world_business/view/387060/1/.html

Iceland protesters seek government resignation over crisis
Posted: 02 November 2008 0237 hrs

REYKJAVIK : Some 1,000 people demonstrated in Reykjavik on Saturday to 
call for the resignation of Iceland's government and central bank chiefs 
over the financial crisis.

Demonstrators carried posters showing Prime Minister Geir Haarde with a 
pig's snout and chanted slogans such as "Geir No More."

This was the third straight Saturday that demonstrators gathered to 
protest against the crisis that has pushed the country to the brink of 
bankruptcy, after the government in early October nationalised Iceland's 
three biggest banks.

The protesters urged the government to step down and called for the 
governors of the central bank to be replaced, as organisers urged 
Icelanders to protest every Saturday until their goal was achieved.

A poll published by Capacent Gallup on Thursday showed that 46 percent 
of Icelanders support the government compared to 51 percent in September 
and 54 percent in August.

Another survey published by television news channel Stod 2 on Wednesday 
showed that only 10 percent support the chairman of the central bank's 
board of governors, David Oddsson.

Haarde has said Iceland, a country of just 320,000 people, needs six 
billion dollars to pull itself out of the crisis.

Reykjavik has agreed with the International Monetary Fund on a loan of 
2.1 billion dollars (1.6 billion euros), and hopes to obtain the 
additional four billion dollars from its Nordic neighbours, the US 
Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank.

Earlier this week, Haarde said the cost of the banking crisis could be 
as high as 85 percent of GDP, or 1.1 billion kronur (7.2 billion euros, 
9.4 billion dollars).

The country's public debt would increase from 29 percent of gross 
domestic product (GDP) at the end of 2007 to just over 100 percent of 
GDP at the end of 2009, he said.

- AFP /ls






http://story.irishsun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/3a8a80d6f705f8cc/id/430597/cs/1/
Icelanders protest over government failures
Irish Sun
Saturday 15th November, 2008
Around 6,000 Icelanders took to the streets over the weekend in protest 
against the effects of the financial crisis.

Iceland only has 320,000 residents.

The demonstrators threw eggs, tomatoes and toilet paper at the 
parliamentary building and called for the resignation of Prime Minister 
Geir Haarde.

Inflation has increased 15 percent and unemployment has rocketed, as the 
state treasury waits for rescue money from the International Monetary Fund.

It is possible the state of Iceland could go bankrupt, now that the 
country's three largest banks have collapsed.
http://www.nowpublic.com/world/iceland-protesting-and-rioting-america-next-31
Iceland, Protesting and Rioting, is America Next? #31

Fighting for Freedom
11/25/2008

With Iceland's financial catastrophe that has wiped out half of the 
krona’s value which has put the population at risk of losing their homes 
and savings the people are now protesting and having riots calling for 
the Government to resign in Reykjavik. Reports from the Scotsman says 
"It was the latest in a series of protests in the capital since 
October’s banking collapse crippled the island’s economy. At least five 
people were injured and Hordur Torfason, a well-known singer in Iceland 
and the main organizer of the protests, said the protests would continue 
until the government stepped down.” As crowds gathered in the thousands 
at the Icelandic parliament, on Saturday, Mr Torfason said: “They don’t 
have our trust and they are no longer legitimate.”
A few hundred more protesters gathered at the local police station after 
a protester was arrested and threw rubish at windows and used a 
bettering ram on the front doors to force them open.
A 36-year-old office worker, Gudrun Jonsdottir, said: “I’ve just had 
enough of this whole thing. I don’t trust the government, I don’t trust 
the banks, I don’t trust the political parties, and I don’t trust the 
IMF. “We had a good country and they ruined it.”
The United States are having more peaceful protests against the Federal 
Reserve during the "End the Fed events" this past weekend, being largely 
ignored by the main stream media (as usual) which could lead for wider 
chaos should the dollar finally fall because of the the hyper 
inflationary bubble that is being created by the continuance printing of 
money to fund this multi-trillion (7.4 Trillion to be exact) dollar 
bailout. We must pay attention to the top Russian analysts who predicted 
the decline and break up of the United States along with Gerald Celente 
who is deadly accurate with forecasting trends, who predicted the 1987 
stock market crash and the fall of the Soviet Union stated to Fox New 
earlier this month “America’s going to go through a transition the likes 
of which no one is prepared for,” said Celente, noting that people’s 
refusal to acknowledge that America was even in a recession highlights 
how big a problem denial is in being ready for the true scale of the crisis.
The scenes in Reykjavik may be coming to America should a significant 
portion of the dumbed down public wake up to this huge fraud of the 
bailout and begin to feel the impact of its consequences. This may be 
the reasoning behind the Military activating a Army brigade in the 
United States for the first time in American History to work under 
NORTHCOM who's main purpose is to protect the United States homeland and 
support local, state, and federal authorities.






http://story.philippinetimes.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/3a8a80d6f705f8cc/id/433537/cs/1/

Icelandic protest turns to violence
Philippine Times
Sunday 23rd November, 2008
A protest in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, over the government's 
handling of the financial crisis has ended in violence.

At least five people were injured after around 200 demonstrators 
gathered outside police headquarters to demand the release of a man who 
was arrested for his part in an earlier protest.

Some demonstrators tried to storm the building and the police used 
pepper spray and batons to dispel them.

Iceland's banking system collapsed in October.






http://itn.co.uk/news/f2008c1b0aa236217aa17cd7f75d9df6.html

Reykjavik protest ends in clashes
Updated 07.38 Sun Nov 23 2008
Keywords: imf, Reykjavik, Prime Minister Geir Haarde, Iceland, Central 
Bank Governor David Oddsso
Police in Reykjavik have made several arrests after they clashed with 
protesters who had gathered to demand the resignation of Prime Minister 
Geir Haarde and Central Bank Governor David Oddsso.
Five people were injured when police used pepper spray after a breakaway 
group of protesters tried to storm a police building to release one 
protester who had been detained in an earlier demonstration.
"They don't have our trust and they are no longer legitimate" - Hordur 
Torfason
It was the latest in a series of protests in the capital since the 
financial meltdown that crippled the island's economy.
Hordur Torfason, a famous troubadour in Iceland and the main organiser 
of the remonstrations, said the protests would continue until the 
government stepped down.
In front of the Althing, the Icelandic parliament, Torfason said: "They 
don't have our trust and they are no longer legitimate."
Iceland's three biggest banks - Kaupthing, Landsbanki and Glitnir - 
collapsed under the weight of billions of dollars of debts accumulated 
in an aggressive overseas expansion, shattering the currency and forcing 
Iceland to seek aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
This week, the North Atlantic island nation of 320,000 secured a package 
of more than $10 billion (£6.7 billion) in loans from the IMF and 
several European countries to help it rebuild its shattered financial 
system.
Despite the loans, Iceland faces a sharp economic contraction and 
surging unemployment while many Icelanders also risk losing their homes 
and life savings.
A young man climbed onto the balcony of the Althing building, where the 
president appears upon inauguration and on Iceland's national day, and 
hung a banner reading: "Iceland for Sale - $2,100,000,000", the amount 
of the loan Iceland is getting from the IMF.
The rally lasted less than one hour and as daylight began to wane, 
demonstrators drifted away into the nearby coffee shops where the price 
of a cup of coffee has shot up to 300 kronas in the last few weeks, up 
by about one third from before the crisis struck, as the currency has 
tumbled.






http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/23/2427381.htm

Demonstrators injured in Reykjavik protest
Posted Sun Nov 23, 2008 2:15pm AEDT
A protest in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, over the government's 
handling of the financial crisis has ended in violence.
It has been reported that at least five people have been injured.
The trouble began when around 200 demonstrators gathered outside police 
headquarters to demand the release of a man who was arrested for his 
part in an earlier protest.
Some demonstrators tried to storm the building and the police used 
pepper spray and batons to dispel them.
Iceland's banking system collapsed in October.
- BBC






http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/nov2008/icel-n29.shtml
Iceland: Street protests against government and economic meltdown
By Jordan Shilton
29 November 2008
Thousands protested in the Icelandic capital Reykjavik last Saturday, 
calling for the resignation of the government and for early elections. 
The protest follows weeks of unrest on the streets, in the aftermath of 
the banking collapse last month that left the economy in meltdown.
Protestors gathered to demand the release of a fellow demonstrator who 
had been held by police from the previous day. After demonstrating in 
front of the parliament (Althingi), several hundred protestors proceeded 
to the main police station where violent clashes took place. Police used 
pepper spray against demonstrators, and it was reported that at least 
five people were taken to hospital with injuries.
Days before, the government reached a negotiated settlement with a 
number of European countries to determine the terms by which savers' 
deposits in Iceland's banks would be reimbursed. The deal meant that the 
loan to be made to Iceland by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of 
US$2.1 billion could be finalised. The loan will be conditional on 
"reforms" to bring the government's soaring public debt under control, 
which will inevitably mean deep cuts to public services. Having assumed 
responsibility for the debts of Iceland's three main banks, government 
debt is set to rise to a staggering 130 percent of GDP next year.
In tandem with the IMF-backed loan, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland 
announced a joint plan to lend a further US$2.5 billion to Iceland. 
Underscoring the fragility of government finances in the current 
climate, Finland revealed it would have to borrow the funds in order to 
make them available. Following the announcement of this package, loans 
from a number of European countries, including Britain, the Netherlands 
and Germany, were announced, bringing the total loaned to Iceland to 
approximately US$10 billion. Some of this funding, from Britain and the 
Netherlands, is to be used to finance the compensation package by which 
the Icelandic government will re-pay depositors in the failed banks.
The amount being made available to Iceland in loans is almost one and a 
half times the size of its economy. Far from guaranteeing stability, it 
threatens to cause serious uncertainty. Credit rating firm Standard & 
Poor's reduced its rating on Iceland's national debt from BBB to BBB- in 
the wake of the loan deal. As John Danielsson, writing in the Financial 
Times, pointed out, "The governments of the UK and the Netherlands have 
demanded that the Icelandic government cover losses from Icesave savings 
accounts. Since the total amount of losses may exceed the gross national 
product of Iceland, it is hard to see how Iceland could meet those 
demands.... [A] settlement along the lines demanded by the creditors 
would likely lead to a national bankruptcy."
While the current government won election in early 2007, protestors have 
made it clear that they have no confidence that it can do anything to 
avert an economic catastrophe. Gudrun Jonsdottir commented, "I've just 
had enough of this whole thing. I don't trust the government, I don't 
trust the banks, I don't trust the political parties, and I don't trust 
the IMF."
Opposition to the IMF was evident at the protest, with one sign reading: 
"The IMF will crush education, welfare, healthcare and democracy." A 
number of those who spoke at the protest indicated their fears that many 
of these services could face privatisation.
Similar sentiments were expressed by a number of comments published by 
the BBC from readers in Iceland. Responding to the recent interest rate 
hike in late October, one said, "This will cause many companies to go 
under and will put extra pressure on households. I thought it was enough 
as it was. People have lost a lot of their savings and pensions and I 
have heard that young males aged 25-35 who are heavily indebted are 
committing suicide as they can't bear the heavy interest payments."
The interest rate rise from 12 percent to 18 percent was announced in 
late October by the central bank (Sedlabanki) as a condition for 
receiving the US$2.1 billion loan from the IMF.
Predictions suggest that Iceland faces an economic contraction of at 
least 10 percent in the coming year. A third of the total population of 
310,000 face the loss of their home and life savings, with the 
government refusing to guarantee that domestic depositors in the failed 
banks will receive their money back. Job losses will also rise 
dramatically in the coming months. With Iceland facing bankruptcy, it 
has been suggested by some companies with headquarters there that they 
may relocate. Others will look to shift their operations elsewhere. 
Figures for October indicate that unemployment stood at 1.9 percent, but 
it is expected that by the end of November unemployment will be well 
above 3 percent.
Compounding these problems, the krona has virtually ceased to be traded, 
with the only sale being a daily auction by Sedlabanki. While it is 
currently trading at around 170 krónur per euro, Dansk bank analyst Lars 
Chrissansen believes that when the currency is allowed to be traded 
freely, its value will plummet to nearer 300 krónur per euro. Such a 
decline will hit ordinary people hard. On November 26, figures put the 
rate of inflation at 17.4 percent with prices having risen by 1.7 
percent in a month. Food prices led the way in the increase, rising by 
30 percent since the start of the year.
Along with the ongoing protests calling for the resignation of the 
government and Sedlabanki governor David Oddsson, recent polls show an 
overwhelming majority of the population in favour of early elections. 
The latest poll conducted by local newspaper Frettabladid published on 
November 25 shows 70 percent in favour of early elections, with 38 
percent demanding elections in the first few months of next year. Having 
been re-elected last year, the governing coalition of the Social 
Democrats and Independence Party does not have to call another election 
until 2011.
Reflecting growing tensions within the ruling establishment, Sedlabanki 
governor Oddsson issued a speech criticising the handling of the 
economic crisis by politicians. A former prime minister and Independence 
party leader, who worked closely with current Prime Minister Geir Haarde 
to liberalise the country's financial system, Oddsson attempted to shift 
blame away from Sedlabanki for the banking collapse. Stating that "over 
the past several weeks, the Central Bank of Iceland and its leaders have 
been at the top of the most-wanted list," he said, "the most fascinating 
thing is that among the people behind this campaign are those who bear 
the most responsibility for the situation now facing us."
In Oddsson's opinion, this responsibility lies with the Financial 
Supervisory Authority. Citing examples of statements provided by 
Sedlabanki over a period of 18 months prior to last months banking 
collapse he stated, "it is a blatant misstatement to assert that the 
Central Bank of Iceland had not long ago become aware of the situation 
and warned about it. The Bank issued repeated warnings in the public 
arena and was even more vehement in private discussions."
While he did not directly criticise the government by name, this was his 
target—particularly with regard to its inquiry in to the banks' 
downfall. He described this as a "whitewash" which was "unsuitable and 
insufficient" to uncover what had caused the collapse. Oddsson also made 
comments to the effect that the decision by the British government to 
use anti-terror laws to freeze the assets of Landsbanki following its 
failure was justified. The Financial Times quoted him as saying, "Not 
all conversations concerning this matter have been made public.... When 
the matter is investigated, other conversations will have to be made 
public. I am aware of what they are about and I am aware of what in fact 
determined the position of the UK authorities."
As the paper goes on to note, this account could undermine attempts by 
the Icelandic government to sue the UK over its use of the anti-terror 
legislation.
A no-confidence vote was brought against the government on November 24 
by the opposition parties, the Progressive Party and the Left Green 
Movement. As well as calling for the resignation of the governing 
coalition, it demanded immediate elections. The motion was defeated by 
42 votes to 18 with 3 abstentions.
A further protest is scheduled for December 1.








http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/11/22/iceland-protest.html?ref=rss

5 injured during protest in Iceland over economic meltdown
Last Updated: Saturday, November 22, 2008 | 11:40 PM ET 
Comments42Recommend48
CBC News
Protesters in Reykjavik, some holding signs reading Stop The Corruption, 
are seen outside the parliament building during a demonstration Saturday 
by several thousand people against Iceland's economic meltdown. (AP 
Photo/Brynjar Gunnarsson)
At least five people were injured in Iceland's capital Saturday during a 
protest over the country's economic meltdown.
Several thousand people attended the demonstration that began in front 
of the country's parliament in Reykjavik. A few hundred of those people 
then made their way to a police building, where they demanded a fellow 
protester being held by authorities since Friday be released.
Five people were reportedly injured when officers used pepper spray and 
batons to repel demonstrators after some tried to storm the building.
The crowd was finally placated when authorities freed the man in 
custody, who had been detained for his role in a previous demonstration, 
after someone agreed to pay his outstanding fine.
Saturday's protest was one of several held recently in Iceland, whose 
banking system collapsed in October. About a third of Iceland's 
population of 320,000 are believed to have lost their savings.
Demonstrators accuse the government, which was elected last year, of not 
doing enough to regulate the banking industry and have called for early 
elections. Iceland's next election is not required until 2011.
The value of the krona, Iceland's national currency, has been cut in 
half since January.
Four Nordic countries, as well as the International Monetary Fund, have 
pledged to lend the country a combined $4.6 billion US to help revive 
its deflated economy.
The loan would be the first by the IMF to a Western nation since 1976.
Iceland Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde, has said the government will use 
the IMF money to reintroduce a flexible interest rate regime and revise 
financial regulations, particularly insolvency laws.






http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7744355.stm

Sunday, 23 November 2008
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version

Iceland protest ends in clashes
Clashes with police during protests in Reykjavik
Protesters in Iceland's capital Reykjavik have clashed with police 
during a demonstration over the handling of the financial crisis.
Several hundred protesters gathered outside the city's main police 
station to demand the release of a man jailed in a previous demonstration.
Five people were injured when police used pepper spray to disperse the 
group after some tried to storm the building.
Iceland faces a sharply contracting economy over the financial collapse.
The group outside the police station broke away from a much larger group 
of several thousand people who had gathered outside parliament to demand 
the government's resignation.
Some in the group tried to storm the police building.
The man they wanted to release was later freed, after a fine he owed 
over a previous demonstration was paid.
There has been a series of protests in Reykjavik calling for the 
government to resign over its handling of the economy.
The banking system collapsed in October and the currency, the krona, has 
lost half its value in the past year.
Iceland's government was forced to take over three of its biggest banks 
last month when they could not keep up with billions of dollars of debt 
taken on to finance overseas expansion.
The government has taken out $4.6bn (£3.1bn) in loans from the 
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and four of its Nordic neighbours to 
stay afloat.






http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1123/iceland.html
Violent protest in Iceland over bank crisis
Sunday, 23 November 2008 19:32
Thousands of Icelanders demonstrated in Reykjavik yesterday demanding 
the resignation of Prime Minister Geir Haarde and Central Bank Governor 
David Oddsson for failing to stop a financial meltdown in the country.
It was the latest in a series of protests in the capital since the 
financial meltdown that crippled the island's economy.
A separate group of 200-300 people gathered in front of the city's main 
police station demanding the release of a young protester being held 
there, Icelandic media reported.
Police in riot gear used pepper spray to drive back an attempt to free 
the protester during which several windows at the police station were 
shattered.
The protester was later released after a fine he had been sentenced to 
pay was paid.
Iceland's three biggest banks - Kaupthing, Landsbanki and Glitnir - 
collapsed under the weight of billions of dollars of debts accumulated 
in an aggressive overseas expansion, shattering the currency and forcing 
Iceland to seek aid from the International Monetary Fund.
This week Iceland secured a package of more than $10 billion (€8bn) in 
loans from the IMF and several European countries to help it rebuild its 
shattered financial system.
Despite the loans, Iceland faces a sharp economic contraction and 
surging unemployment while many Icelanders also risk losing their homes 
and life savings.






http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2008/1124/1227293466464.html

Monday, November 24, 2008
Thousands take part in street protest over economic meltdown in Iceland
REYKJAVIK - THOUSANDS of Icelanders demonstrated in Reykjavik on 
Saturday demanding the resignation of prime minister Geir Haarde and 
central bank governor David Oddsson for failing to stop a financial 
meltdown in the country in which its three biggest banks collapsed.
A separate group of 200-300 people gathered in front of the city's main 
police station demanding the release of a young protester being held there.
Police in riot gear used pepper spray to drive back an attempt to free 
the protester, during which several windows at the police station were 
shattered.
The protester was later released after a fine he had been sentenced to 
pay was paid. - (Reuters)






http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f9b3f246-e865-11dd-a4d0-0000779fd2ac.html

Icelandic protesters clash with police
By David Ibison in Stockholm
Published: January 22 2009 09:32 | Last updated: January 22 2009 17:20
Iceland’s government may be forced to call an election two years ahead 
of schedule as anti-government protests intensify following the collapse 
of the country’s banking system and economy last year.
Thorgerdur Gunnarsdottir, vice-chairman of the Independence party, which 
governs in a two-party coalition with the Social Democratic party, told 
parliament on Thursday her party could not avoid an election this year.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
In depth: Icelandic economy - Nov-20
Slideshow: Iceland - the land that Christmas forgot - Nov-11
The rise and fall of Iceland - Nov-14
But her comments contradicted repeated statements by Geir Haarde, prime 
minister, that the existing government needed to stay in place and focus 
on stabilising the economy and currency before considering an election.
Mr Haarde pointedly made no reference to an election during his 
appearance in parliament on Thursday, although he did say in an earlier 
television interview that an election might be possible next winter.
“The political scene in Iceland is currently at boiling point and it is 
no exaggeration to say that the coalition is teetering on the brink of 
collapse,” argued Glitnir Research, an arm of the nationalised bank.
“Although national elections are not scheduled until the spring of 2011, 
the present coalition is unlikely to last so long,” it said.
This would not be the first time Ms Gunnarsdottir has called the prime 
minister’s stance into question, having broken with party policy last 
year by saying the crisis-hit nation should start thinking about 
membership of the European Union.
The confusion at the top of the Independence party comes amid deepening 
public anger at its role in the crisis.
There have been regular protests outside Iceland’s parliament and 
central bank, but the situation escalated this week after police were 
forced to use tear gas to disperse protesters.
None of the protagonists in Iceland’s demise – the prime minister, the 
central bank governor and the head of the financial regulator – have 
lost their jobs and protesters are now demanding that heads roll.
Mr Haarde – whose car was pelted with eggs this week, but who is 
respected internationally for his intelligence and financial experience 
– has insisted the crisis is so severe that the country needs stable 
leadership to manage the downturn.
The latest opinion polls reveal the Left-Green movement would emerge 
victorious if elections were held today with 28.5 per cent of the vote, 
compared with 24.3 per cent for the Independence party and 17 per cent 
for the Social Democrats.
Officials are worried about the possibility of a massive swing to the 
Left-Green at a critical juncture in Iceland’s history, given its 
anti-business stance and radically pro-environment manifesto.






http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/01/2009122114617259734.html

News Europe


Iceland police and protesters clash



Protesters in Reykjavik surrounded the prime minister's car and pelted 
it with eggs

Anti-government protesters in Iceland have clashed with police during a 
demonstration outside parliament in Reykjavik, the country's capital.
Police used tear gas when a protest became violent early on Thursday, a 
police spokesman said, adding that two officers had been sent to 
hospital after being hit by rocks.
Regular protests have been held in the city after the country's 
financial system collapsed in October due to banks incurring billions of 
dollars worth of foreign debt.
Protesters are calling for the resignation of Geir Haarde, the country's 
prime minister, who has insisted he will not step down.
But a senior politician in the country's ruling party said she expects 
early elections this year.
Protests
About 2,000 demonstrators gathered outside Reykjavik's parliament 
building late on Wednesday, with some throwing rocks, paving stones, 
fireworks, shoes and toilet paper, Stefan Eiriksson, the city's police 
chief, said.
He said police used pepper spray and then tear gas to try to disperse 
protesters.
"We had to take action to split up the people and try to avoid further 
damage and injuries to the police,'' he said. "This was our last resort.''
Witnesses said some demonstrators tried to stop others from throwing 
rocks at police.
On Wednesday, protesters pelted eggs at the car of the prime minister, 
surrounding the vehicle and banging it with cans.
The limousine was able to drive away after riot police arrived.
Elections
The financial crisis has caused the country's currency to plummet, 
leading to demonstrations by people who are angry at the coalition 
government's handling of the situation.
Thorgerdur Gunnarsdottir, deputy leader of the centre-right Independence 
party, told parliament she expected elections this year.
Iceland does not officially have to hold a national election until 2011.
Haarde's office did not comment on Gunnarsdottir's remarks.
The government could fall if the Social Democratic Alliance, partner to 
Haarde's Independence party, were to withdraw its support.
At a meeting on Wednesday, the party's Reykjavik chapter called on it to 
sever its alliance with the ruling party and trigger elections by May.
But Haarde, speaking as demonstrators chanted outside the parliament 
building, said he still had the support of his Social Democrat coalition 
partner.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2008/11/23/124380354ce4
Icelanders demand PM resignation as protests swell
Updated at 7:06pm on 24 November 2008
Thousands of Icelanders demonstrated in Reykjavik on Saturday demanding 
the resignation of Prime Minister Geir Haarde and Central Bank governor 
David Oddsson for failing to stop a financial meltdown in the country.
It was the latest in a series of protests in the capital since the 
financial meltdown that crippled the island's economy.
Protest organiser Hordur Torfason said the rallies would continue until 
the government stepped down.
"They don't have our trust and they are no longer legitimate," Torfason 
said as the crowds gathered in the drizzle before the Althing, the 
Icelandic parliament.
Iceland's three biggest banks - Kaupthing, Landsbanki and Glitnir - 
collapsed under the weight of billions of dollars of debts accumulated 
in an aggressive overseas expansion, shattering the currency and forcing 
Iceland to seek aid from the International Monetary Fund.
This week, the North Atlantic island nation of 320,000 secured a package 
of more than $US10 billion in loans from the IMF and several European 
countries to help it rebuild its shattered financial system.
Despite the loans, Iceland faces a sharp economic contraction and 
surging unemployment while many Icelanders also risk losing their homes 
and life savings.
Opposition parties tabled a no-confidence motion in the government on 
Friday over its handling of the crisis, but the motion carries little 
chance of toppling the ruling coalition which has a solid parliamentary 
majority.






http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/RFEDGAT_20081122-151614/119365/
Group protests at Federal Reserve
By STAFF REPORTS

Published: November 22, 2008
Blaming the Federal Reserve System for the current economic crisis, a 
group of 21 protesters demonstrated outside the Federal Reserve Bank of 
Richmond today.
Drawing occasional honks from passing vehicles, the group was part of a 
nationwide protest in all 39 cities that have a branch of the Federal 
Reserve.
The grass-roots organization that sponsored the protest, End the Fed, 
advocates the passage of legislation abolishing the Federal Reserve. A 
bill to that effect was proposed by Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, a former 
presidential candidate who advocates a limited role for government. Many 
of the local protesters are also supporters of Paul.
-- Daniel Neman
http://www.roguegovernment.com/news.php?id=12941
Angry Americans Protest U.S. Monetary Policy Published on 11-23-2008 
Email To Friend Print Version

Source: Russia Today
While leaders in Peru grapple with the financial fallout, Americans 
angry at the multi-billion dollar bailout plans are protesting in 
Washington. They say the U.S. Federal Reserve, far from helping solve 
the financial crisis, is taking money out of their pockets.
Today is National End The Fed day, and a number of U.S. citizens 
concerned with the country’s fiscal policy have gathered in 39 cities 
nationwide at each Federal Reserve building saying that they are sick 
and tired of being robbed.

“What bothers me about the Fed - they’re so secretive about how the 
monetary policy is done. They just keep on printing more and more money 
and everyone knows you can’t run a printing press and create wealth,” a 
protester in Washington said.

Some Americans are calling for a sound monetary policy and an end to 
bailouts.

They claim that the Federal Reserve system is at the very heart of the 
current economic crisis which these days might be beating out of control.

Debbie Krueger is a former marine, and a mother of five. She helped to 
organise the protest.

“The Federal Reserve is monopolising our money system and I know people 
that are working at three jobs and still can’t make ends meet. It’s just 
sad and disgusting that we don’t have the same quality of life that we 
used to have. The way that they are using the money is a disgrace, all 
the foreign wars that they are fighting for no reason are based on lies, 
and the Federal Reserve is based on lies,” she said.

Another marine, young Adam Kokesh who served in Iraq, has been a vocal 
critic of the war since leaving the U.S. Marines.

”I think that the Federal Reserve is the driving force for corporatism 
in America and the military industrial complex which of course is 
driving out imperialist foreign policy and often they have no regard for 
human morality, or life, or decency,” he said.






http://www.roguegovernment.com/news.php?id=12930
Protest Group Calls For End Of Federal Reserve Published on 11-23-2008 
Email To Friend Print Version

Source: El Paso Times
EL PASO -- About 24 people, several with "End the Fed" signs, protested 
Saturday in front of the Federal Reserve Bank in Downtown El Paso.
The group, which included businessmen and college students, was part of 
a nationwide protest in 39 cities calling for support of House 
Resolution 2755, a bill proposed by Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, to abolish 
the Federal Reserve System and its board of governors.
"We want to bring to the public's attention what the Federal Reserve is 
and what it's doing to the country," said Bill Lenderman, a financial 
planner. "The serious economic problems we're experiencing were created 
by Congress and the Federal Reserve."
A security official who identified himself as Officer Monarrez said no 
one would be available at the Federal Reserve at 301 Main until Monday 
to respond to protesters' allegations.
Several El Paso business leaders are on the El Paso Federal Reserve 
board, but they are not permitted to comment on policies or procedures.
El Pasoan Andy Rosales, a student at New Mexico State University, said 
he's concerned about America's economy. "We need to enlighten people 
about the imminent crisis if something is not done," he said.
Critics contend the Federal Reserve seeks to devalue the dollar to the 
point that Americans will be willing to accept a new North American 
currency, such as the Amero, which will not be backed by anything.






http://www.roguegovernment.com/news.php?id=12918
National Protest Against The Federal Reserve Published on 11-22-2008 
Email To Friend Print Version

Source: First Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A massive crowd is gathered outside the Jacksonville 
Landing, as part of a national rally to end the Federal Reserve.
There is a Federal Reserve office near The Landing at 800 W. Water Street.
JSO officers are filtered throughout the area, to make sure it remains a 
peaceful protest.
The national protest was organized by bloggers. Their ultimate goal is 
to end the existence of The Federal Reserve System. They believe the Fed 
is to blame for the current economic crisis. Protestors say if the 
Federal Reserve continues at the current rate of spending and credit 
regulation, it will be the fall of America.
Protestors blame the Federal Reserve for the Great Depression and say 
America will face even harder economic times if the fed remains in place.
The protest is happening in 39 cities across America today.
According to their website, endthefed.us, the "End the Fed" organization 
has some notable supporters, including former Republican presidential 
candidate Ron Paul and Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura.






http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/usworld/news-article.aspx?storyid=124539&provider=rss

Protestors in Downtown Jacksonville Want to Shut Down Federal Reserve
Posted By: Talia Naquin Created: 11/22/2008 1:19:52 PM Updated: 
11/22/2008 7:48:23 PM

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A massive crowd gathered outside the Jacksonville 
Landing Saturday, as part of a national rally to end the Federal Reserve .
There is a Federal Reserve office near The Landing at 800 W. Water Street.
JSO officers are filtered throughout the area, to make sure it remains a 
peaceful protest.
The national protest was organized by bloggers. Their ultimate goal is 
to end the existence of The Federal Reserve System. They believe the Fed 
is to blame for the current economic crisis. Protestors say if the 
Federal Reserve continues at the current rate of spending and credit 
regulation, it will be the fall of America.
Protestors blame the Federal Reserve for the Great Depression and say 
America will face even harder economic times if the fed remains in place.
The protest is happening in 39 cities across America today.
According to their website, endthefed.us, the "End the Fed" organization 
has some notable supporters, including former Republican presidential 
candidate Ron Paul and Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura.





http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=75564&sectionid=3510213
Swiss protest at UBS bailout and bonuses
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:47:43 GMT

Protestors held up placards saying "UBS: The Union of Swiss Bandits," 
and "No looting of social funds by banks."
Demonstrators have protested outside the headquarters of Swiss bank UBS 
against high executive salaries and a $60 billion state rescue plan.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Zurich on Saturday 
following an appeal for action by Swiss trade union, the USS. Organizers 
claim that up to 3,500 people attended the demonstration.

Paul Rechsteiner, president of the USS, declared that the "neo-liberal 
rip-off system" had failed adding that it was morally bankrupt and a 
danger to democracy.

"This gigantic sum was given to a single bank by emergency law," 
Rechsteiner said, referring to the $60 billion rescue plan for UBS 
unveiled by the Swiss government in return for a 9.3 percent stake in 
the banking giant.

"The same people are telling us that we can't afford a few hundred 
million for pensions," he added.

In a report to share-holders to be presented later this month, UBS 
announced that it is considering repaying bonuses to staff, in a move 
that further fuelled anger against the banking giant.

A senior UBS executive has also been accused of conspiring to defraud 
the United States of tax revenues and hiding $20 billion dollars of 
assets from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

UBS has been hit particularly hard by the global economic crisis and 
clients withdrew over $70.1 billion from July to September.

WR/CW/RA







http://www.breitbart.com/image.php?id=iafp081115100016.prs00104p0&show_article=1

Anti-IMF protestors in Islamabad this week

A Pakistani protester carries a placard at an anti-IMF and World Bank 
demonstration in Islamabad earlier this week. Cash-strapped Pakistan 
will receive a rescue package worth at least $7.6bln from the IMF, a 
senior government official has said.







http://www.connietalk.com/bail_out_the_people_instead_101408.html

Grassroots Organize Bank Protests
Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 by Connie T.


Stop Foreclosures and Evictions is organizing a nationally coordinated 
Call To Action from October 24 - 27 to send the message "Bail out the 
people, not the bankers!"

During that weekend, grassroots protestors will be holding 
demonstrations in front of banks, particularly JP Morgan Chase, Bank of 
America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and local Federal Reserve Banks.
The stock markets are crashing, the world economy is headed into a deep 
recession or even depression, and the U.S. government and its top 
bankers, along with their counterparts around the world, are giving 
what's going to amount to trillions of dollars to the bail out the 
richest 1 percent of the people while doing nothing to rescue ordinary 
working and poor people, the group's website states.
The Nationally Coordinated Local Days of Action are being organized 
here, and include groups like coalitions to stop foreclosures and 
evictions, employee unions, groups for Katrina and Rita Survivors, and more.

This is just one of the events on our calendar, so make sure you are a 
member of our forum for all the latest events!







http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/413380.html

Victory for Brighton Starbucks protesters?
SCIMC | 23.11.2008 07:38 | South Coast
THE CONTROVERSIAL Starbucks cafe in Brighton, which has been the subject 
of a longstanding campaign, may now be forced to close. The report has 
come from the BBC and, although protesters are not counting their 
chickens yet, the signs are encouraging.
The most recent big protest in St James St was on Saturday November 29. 
It marked the sixth month anniversary of the cafe opening without 
plannimg permission and against the wishes of lots of local residents 
and traders.


The BBC news story says:
"A coffee shop which opened in Brighton without planning permission has 
been ordered to stop operating as a cafe.
Brighton and Hove City Council said it had served an enforcement notice 
on the Starbucks store in St James's Street, which takes effect from 9 
January.
Starbucks will be allowed to sell takeaway coffee and sandwiches, but 
they cannot be consumed inside.
The shop opened in May even though it had not received planning 
permission to use the site as a cafe or restaurant.
Starbucks will have to take out all the seats and tables from the shop.
It has been given six weeks to comply, with full compliance with the 
enforcement notice required by 20 February unless an appeal is received 
on or before 9 January.
The company said it was currently considering the options. "We believe 
that our coffee houses make positive contributions to their local areas 
and, in particular, Starbucks store on St James's Street has helped its 
community by creating around 14 new jobs and by providing a relaxing and 
safe environment for customers to enjoy great tasting coffee," a 
statement said.
Every weekend since its opening a protest has been held outside the 
store by campaigners worried that if too many chain stores open in the 
area rents will increase, making it more difficult for independent 
retailers.
More than 2,000 signatures on a petition were gathered and presented to 
the council this week.
Councillor Lynda Hyde, chairman of the council's planning committee, 
said: "We are responding to local concerns and making it clear we will 
not tolerate planning regulations being flouted in this way.
"Our planning team has been monitoring the operation and it is clear 
that sales of food and drink for consumption on the premises form a 
considerable part of the business, in breach of planning consent."
(End of BBC story)
There a whole range of reasons for not liking Starbucks, ranging from 
their nasty habit of forcing out locally based competitiors to the 
ethical deficit that allows them to run a branch in Guantanamo Bay!
Said one of the campaigners: "The arrogant twats even refitted as a café 
before permission was even determined assuming (or knowing more like) 
their money, clout, and fancy solicitors could sort any annoying little 
details like, you know, planning laws and community feeling.
"The latest crap to come – other than their (unfairly traded) coffee - 
from these shameless profit-hungry lot is that they’re not in fact a 
café - they’re a SHOP. Riiiight! So the cuddly sofas are imaginary and 
mannequins sitting in there are sipping on skinny lattes and local 
traders' blood.
"The council ARE for once doing something about it and are taking 
enforcement action but as we know nothing’s fast in local government and 
in the meantime this faceless company are taking trade away from the 17 
other independently-run cafes in the area and local economy.
"Well, this time they’ve met their match because this is Brighton, 
right, you with me? Alternative, independent, quirky, you know the 
place. Well, if you love it here then come along and show your support, 
persuade a few shoppers to see the light, and help protect our city 
because the chains are coming quick and fast and it’s time to say ENOUGH."
SCIMC







http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/15834/bank-and-real-estate-firm-stormed-in-bailout-protest

BBVA sit-in ends peacefully
By: thinkSPAIN , Thursday, November 20, 2008
Around 300 protesters who camped out inside BBVA headquarters in Granada 
city centre last night in protest at the government's bank bailout 
scheme for banks and real estate companies, have now left the building 
after local MP Antonio Cruz agreed to a meeting at 9am this morning.
Among other demands, protest organisers are calling for two billion 
euros to be set aside out of next year's budget to guarantee "at least 
four months basic wages" for those most directly affected by the current 
economic crisis.
Bank and real estate firm stormed in bailout protest
By: thinkSPAIN
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Around three hundred members of the Andalucía Workers Union (SAT), 
including United Left (IU) MP, Juan Manuel Sánchez Gordillo, occupied 
BBVA offices and the headquarters of the Osuna property firm in Granada 
city centre yesterday lunchtime in protest at the government's bank 
bailout scheme.
Speaking inside the BBVA building, where some protesters camped out 
overnight, Mr Sánchez said that "now that the myth of the free market 
has fallen," the government should nationalise the banking sector, and 
demanded a "more social and sustainable" approach to urban development.
Accusing the government of "robbing from the poor to give to the rich," 
Mr Sánchez said that it was a "political scandal" that it "has spent 150 
billion euros rescuing the banks, another three billion on major 
construction and real estate firms, and that it is now time to save the 
poor and weak who are being made to suffer the consequences of the crisis."
Among SAT's demands is that when "rural land is reclassified as 
buildable for this to be publicly owned and free from speculation, which 
would reduce the cost of building new homes by 62%."
They also argue that the government should set aside around €1.5 billion 
euros out of next year's budget to rescue bankrupt town councils, and 
vow to continue protesting until their demands are heard by "a valid 
regional or national governmnent representative."






http://www.wave3.com/global/story.asp?s=9398374

Louisville rally protests government bailouts
Nov 22, 2008 9:27 PM GST Saturday, November 22, 2008 4:27 PM EST Dec 03, 
2008 8:38 PM GST Wednesday, December 3, 2008 3:38 PM EST
LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Concerned citizens in Louisville took their 
frustration about the economy to the streets Saturday afternoon. At 
Fifth and Jefferson, more than 100 people showed up to protest 
government efforts to bailout private companies.
The protest was part of a "Campaign for Liberty Effort." Those involved 
say they want to end the Federal Reserve because it has become corrupt. 
They want to see more fiscal responsibility in Washington.
"We want politicians to know that when they go up to represent the 
people. They need to understand that they've taken a constitutional oath 
to obey and defend the constitution and voting for bailouts like this is 
against their oath and literally they are traitors to the country," said 
Charles Zoeller, a concerned citizen taking part in the protest.
The Louisville protest was a regional segment of a national event. 
Rallies were also scheduled to take place in 58 other cities Saturday, 
including Lexington and Cincinnati.






http://en.for-ua.com/news/2008/11/07/155042.html

7 November 2008 | 15:50

Left and right forces clashed in Lviv

Representatives of different political forces clashed in Lviv Friday 
during the celebration of the October Revolution anniversary.
According to UNIAN, representatives of several political forces, namely 
the Communist Party of Ukraine and the Progressive Socialist Party of 
Ukraine, gathered to celebrate the revolution anniversary near the Glory 
Monument in Stryiska Str. in Lviv. Political forces opposed to this 
action, namely the Ukrainian Party, the Congress of Ukrainian 
Nationalists, and Svoboda all-Ukrainian Union, gathered at the same place.
Despite that there were nearly a thousand of policemen, rally 
participants tore off police cordons and came to blows.
Svoboda representatives tore to pieces several posters of Communists and 
burnt down their flags in presence of police.
According to Ihor Tsykalo, head of the city police directorate, police 
did not arrest any of action participants.
ForUm