First report.
The convoy that departed from Oaxaca from the church of Xochimico at 5am left with approximately three private vehicles, a 49 person bus, as well as with 1 truck full of basic necessities including coal, canned food, clothing, corn, beans and rice.
Having left from the Oaxaca city square where they met with a convoy coming from Mexico City, 7 passenger buses were gathered without counting private vehicles transporting basic supplies. The convoy that left Oaxaca arrived in Huajuapan at eight thirty, however they were met by state police taking photos of the buses.
1:10pm Passing by the town of Tonala, about 50 people gathered to show support.
1:22pm The convoy makes a stop in the Enchanted Lagoon to asses the situation with police continuing to film our comrades.
1:33pm There is a rumor that the PRI candidate for governor Eviel Perez Magaña, wants to head the convoy.
We make Eviel Perez Magaña liable for his irresponsibility and political proselytizing in Juxtlahuaca, seeing this as an act of provocation and harassment of the convoy.
1:36pm The convoy decides to walk given that they are being continually harassed.
2:30pm The convoy continues on its way towards Santa Rosa Caxtlahuaca since there is a UPOE and state police blockade, now traveling both in front and behind the convoy with approximately 22 trucks, 11 in front and 11 in back, with the 18 convoy vehicles in between (trucks, private vehicles and basic supplies).
Therefore the convoy calls on the state attorney general to fulfill its role and stop harassing, allow the convoy to break the paramilitary fence and to deliver humanitarian aid and basic supplies, and the gathering of personal testimonies from within the autonomous municipality of San Juan Copala.
We continue to monitor the situation.
Asamblea en Defensa de la Tierra y el Territorio del Istmo de Tehuantepec, Brigadas Indígenas 94, CACITA, CASOTA, Coatlicue, Colectivo Revolver, Comunidad Benito Juárez Chimalapa, Coordinadora Juvenil Libertaria, Frente Cívico Teotiteco, Yunhiz Espacio Alternativo, Radio Ricardo Flores Magón, Radio Totopo, Universidad de la Tierra, Familiares de Lorenzo Sampablo, VOCAL, Autonomía Radial, RADIO PLANTON.
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La caravana da la vuelta. La policía la para debido a que “se oían disparos” [Actualización constante]
kaosenlared.net/noticia/mexico-caravana-da-vuelta-policia-para-debido-oian-disparos-actualizac
17:15 Radio Plantón informa de que la caravana se ha vuelto a Juxtlahuaca. Cuando faltaban 3 Km. para llegar a La Sabana la policía les paró la policía porque, según ellos, se estaban oyendo disparos en la zona. Se espera que se realizará una conferencia de prensa en Huajuapan.
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17:15 Radio Plantón informs that the caravan has returned to Juxtlahuaca. When they were within 3 Km. of arriving in La Sabana, the police stopped the convoy because, according to the police, they “heard shots” in the zone. Stand by for a press conference in Huajuapan.
Audio: FSRN: Humanitarian caravan heads to blockaded southern Mexican town
fsrn.org/audio/download/6881/20100608CCOAXACA.mp3
In Southern Mexico, A humanitarian aid caravan set out today for a blockaded rural town in a second attempt to deliver food, water, and clothing to residents. Around 350 caravan participants left Mexico City Monday night for the Mixtec highlands of Oaxaca, where they were met by another 40 people who left Oaxaca City early this morning.
The last caravan to attempt to reach Copala was attacked in April and two people were killed. This time, the paramilitary organization accused of carrying out the attack issued a statement warning of a massive blockade along the town’s vehicle access road, but volunteer Gustavo Vilchis said caravan participants remain positive.
“I see all the caravan members as highly motivated despite all of the rumors circulating about the highway conditions and the sudden changes to the agenda which have caused confusion. We’re all really motivated. Last night flew by because we were all up talking, laughing, and discussing. The last thing I see in my companions is fear. I see a lot of conviction in what we’re about to do.”
The indigenous Triqui region the caravan is headed to is the site of a long-running conflict that has killed hundreds and unleashed a spiral of violent killings over the decades. The outside influence at the start of the conflict often goes unmentioned in media coverage and official statements about the nature of the conflict.
Father Wilfredo Mayen, a priest who helped to organize the caravan departing from Oaxaca City, says civil society should push for a reconciliation process among the disputing factions in the region.
“We have to look for the way to restore harmony, peace, and tranquility among the inhabitants – not only so they can live in calm, but to allow the development desired in the region – which in reality are the most basic living conditions all humans need.”
Amnesty International asked the Mexican government and the state government of Oaxaca on Monday to ensure safe passage of the caravan. The state government has responded to requests for safety guarantees with warnings not to go to the region. As we go to air, caravan participants report state police patrols are blocking the road that leads to San Juan Copala. Meanwhile, in response, Activists in Oaxaca City shut down a major city intersection.
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source: fsrn.org/audio/humanitarian-caravan-heads-blockaded-southern-mexican-town/6881