October, 23 2008, 12:33pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Taruna Godric 416-916 5202 ext 414 Email: smcommunications@therealnews.
Colombia's Indigenous March Against President Uribe
WASHINGTON
BOGOTA - 10,000 Indigenous Colombians march in a massive demonstration amid
recent violent clashes between police and Indigenous groups. The aim is
to pressure the government to return land back to Indigenous farmers.
The slaying of Indigenous group leaders and 1.200 Indigenous people
since 2002 by various armed groups has strengthened support for the
protest.
Medical teams report they have treated many Indians for shrapnel and bullet injuries. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has argued the police have not used lethal force against the protesters.
According
to Colombia's National Indigenous Organization, 27 percent of Indians
have no land. Demonstrators want more land for the 1.3 million Indians
while improving education and health care. They also want protection
against corporations and multi-national companies from exploiting their
land.
Watch the full story on The Real News Network Colombia's Indigenous March Against President Uribe
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