Posted at 23:26 on 22 January, 2008 UTC
An estimated 500 people have held a demonstration outside New Caledonia’s main court house in support of ten members of the USTKE union who were arrested during last week’s violent clashes in Noumea.
The ten were to be sentenced for joining an armed mob after being ordered to disperse and of assaulting members of the security forces as well as damaging public property.
The clashes, which left more than 20 people injured, erupted after police tried to end the occupation of land next to a bus depot at the centre of an industrial dispute.
The court has deferred the case until February the 22nd after the defence asked for more time to prepare its files.
The ten accused have been remanded, with the defence saying there should be the presumption of innocence and the men should not be kept in jail just to satisfy public opinion and political interests.
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=37601
1/23/08
New Caledonia demonstration in support of jailed unionists
1/21/08
Now This Is It
Dedicated with love for all those that fight for freedom. Kia Kaha!!!
Second single and video off Tiki Taane's debut solo album, 'Past, Present, Future'.
Directed by Greg Riwai, Produced by www.tikidub.com
CALL FOR ART SUBMISSIONS::::FREE SHAWN BRANT
* please forward widely **
__________
CALL FOR ART SUBMISSIONS ::: PUNCHCLOCK SHOWCASE no.2 ::::FREE SHAWN BRANT
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHANGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://punchclock.org/submissi
Punchclock is calling all artists on Turtle Island and beyond to
submit art to our upcoming show Shawn Brant Is No Criminal. The show
will take place from MAY 16th to 18th at Whippersnapper Gallery,
and will be host to a LIVE music show . It will feature art by
indigenous, and anti-colonial artists all over. Money from the door
will go to Shawn's Legal Fund- Money from the Art sales will go to
Shawn or the Artist.
WHO IS SHAWN?
Shawn Brant is a Mohawk activist and friend of ours who landed in jail
a few months ago on a cocktail of charges. His most recent offense is
that he participated in a blockade which you might remember - it shut
down the rail lines between Montreal and Toronto. This happened during
the Day of Action for native rights in Canada - a day meant to call
attention to the ridiculously long and ineffective process that the
state has put in place in order to settle Aboriginal land claims.
Below are a few links so you can learn more about him. He was denied
bail for a long time, but is now out, awaiting trial in 2009. Stakes
is high - the prosecution is seeking 12 years of incarceration in
penitentiary. Atrocious.
BACKGROUND RESOURCES ABOUT SHAWN
News about the day of action that landed him in jail:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story
Official Support Site:
http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt
This is a cool interview that happened way back ago. but it gives you
a sense of the man.
http://www.cbc.ca/sunday/brant
Youtube of Shawn speaking at the PArkdale Activity Recreation Centre
http://youtube.com/watch?v
SUBMISSION INFO
**** HAS BEEN CHANGED - Submissions deadlines: April 1st, 2008
Please e-mail us with your intent to submit art prior to sending it-
so we know it's coming and don't freak out because artists are so
tardy with the mail post, and all that.
email: punchclock.printing(*)gmail.com, and we'll tell you where to send it...
WE WILL PAY FOR THE SHIPPING COST IF YOU CAN'T DON'T WORRY.
PROCEEDS FROM ART CAN GO TO THE ARTIST OR SHAWN, DEPENDING ON WHAT THE
ARTIST WANTS.
For information about Punchlcok go to: www.punchclock.org
1/20/08
Waitangi Day 2008 Haki Campaign
Tena koutou nga Tangata e tautoko ana te kaupapa Tino Rangatiratanga me te Mana Motuhake o Aotearoa
Once again, Te Ata Tino Toa is challenging Transit NZ and the Government to fly the Tino Rangatiratanga / Maori Flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge for Waitangi Day 2008.
To promote the Maori flag on this day, we have a Haki Campaign in place and we are calling on all our comrades to tautoko financially with a koha. Our aim is to stay consistent in our stand to fly the Maori Flag using Creative Resistance with Media support. This will ensure that we are seen and heard as Tangata Whenua this coming Waitangi day.
To do this we require resources for the Action. So dig deep e hoa ma and give a koha in support.
Details for Donations.
Via Paypal on the CC site.
www.conscious.maori.nz
or
Cheques to be made out to:
Conscious Collaborations
Po. Box 91
Bulls
Wire or Transfer Details:
Bank account is:
Conscious Collaborations Charitable Trust
389
005 0969 05700
Bank Name: KiwiBank
Kiwibank Limited
155 The Terrace
Wellington 6332
New Zealand.
SWIFT: bknznz22
Mumia Abu-Jamal interview on Prison Industrial Complex
Mumia Abu-Jamal is an award winning Journalist on Death-Row. In this selection from the 1996 interview he discusses prisons.
1/19/08
Commandante Che - EZLN - Viva Zapata
Commandante Che - EZLN - Viva Zapata latin america
Tu amor revolucionario
te conduce a nueva empresa
donde esperan la firmeza
de tu brazo libertario.
!Hasta siempre, Comandante!
EZLN - Our Word is our Weapon
Montage of pictures from the Zapatista struggle in Chiapas, Mexico, with remarks read by Subcomandante Marcos in English.
Open Letter from Patricia Trocoso Robles after 99 Days on Hunger Strike
[sister], to every man, woman and child that seeks to construct a more
just society.
I want to express all my recognition and loyalty from this humble worn
flag, that has had to go through such silent torture these many long
days. Many may ask how I am able to write and talk from this position.
The rebellion and convection of those who struggle and continue
struggling is "absolutely legitimate." Of what can they accuse and
criminalize us for? We have only resisted unto the invading attacks of
those who rob us of our natural resources, land, and dignity; that
repress, incarcerate, murder and exploit us with no pity.
Has this state forgotten about history? It has forgotten the blood it
has spilt over our mother earth. It has forgotten the systematic
pillaging and how its arrogance and pride has reduced us to a cultural
expression that struggles for its survival; not recognizing the rights
that we have (and always have had) as ancient owners of the territory
that belonged to all of us and all that live on it. I write of this
newen, which helps me struggle day to day; from what is historically
just and would give justice not only to my people, but all peoples.
I, from this worn flag I will address everyone that seeks the same
thing I do. To not giving up after tomorrow, because after the cameras
and press are gone and we are left alone to defend ourselves, we need
to have total coherence and resistance. The enemy is silently coming
and chains you once again with greater strength, so you will never
rise up again.
The day after tomorrow we will continue to struggle, to maintain this
sense and this newen for the good of all of those who believe that
everything must change for the good of everyone.
It is for this reason, brothers and sisters, that we do not believe in
the words of this coalition government, because they have provoked all
this damage, all this death, all this injustice.
We should not believe in those who have such fragile memories, that
forget about their word. We must correlate the actions and politics of
reclamation of land and freedom for ourselves. We do not believe in
good intentions; let these be put into action and time will tell if we
can recover a bit of trust.
We do not believe in the "interpretation" of treaty No.169 (of the
ILO), ratified by the Chilean government in order to clean their image
.... The image of a stubborn, inhumane, racist, and exploitive
government that protects the rich, and displaces us of the earth's
strength.
"Newen" to all the Mapuche People from coast to coast, Newen to our
siblings of Puelmapu, our siblings in Gulumapu... United we will
triupmh against the oppressors. Newen to the Peoples of the Americas,
Newen to men and women of the earth.
Borthers and sisters, let us leave aside our protagonisms to defend
our mother earth and all that she gave birth to.
With all the strength we will defend ourselves against the oppressor
and exploiter; where one of us are touched, we are all touched.
Much strength and spirit in this hard task. Much loyalty and
transparency. Let every word be defended by blood.
To Reclaim the Land and Freedom!
OUT all of those who violate and exploiter mother earth!
Michel, Michel...? What's wrong with Michel? Who kills and tortures
just like Pinochet.
From the Hospital of Angol
January 17, 2008
Patricia Troncoso Robles - "La Chepa"
Distributed by the Women's Coordinating Committee Chile-Canada
email: wccc_98(*)hotmail.com
1/18/08
More arrests expected in New Caledonia after Noumea clashes
Posted at 03:31 on 18 January, 2008 UTC
Police in New Caledonia are expected to make more arrests following Thursday’s clashes between security forces and those supporting the USTKE union which has been on strike at a Noumea bus depot.
45 people were arrested during hours of clashes which left nine members of the security forces injured while more than 10 USTKE supporters were hurt when police used tear gas and rubber bullets to dislodge them.
Several cars were burnt, including police vehicles, and footage from the incidents is now being used to track down more people suspected of involvement in the violence.
Local reports say among those detained were 10 women and a minor.
A meeting has been held this morning between the French high commissioner, who instigated the police raid, and the head of the USTKE union, but neither of them has commented to the media.
The strike at the Carsud bus depot was called in support of a union demand to have a sacked worker reinstated.
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=37537
MALCOLM X: Apartheid in Amerikkka
Malcolm X speaks about his experiences in Africa upon his return. He indicates that he is prepared to take the struggle for Human Rights to an International level.
http://malcolmxspeeches.blogspot.com/
G is for Genocide
http://blackgst.revolt.org/index.html
Report details crimes against Aborigines
Assimilating the Natives in the U.S. and AustraliaTe Kupu H (Holocaust)
An group of Artists/Activists impressions of what Relevance the H word has to the native tribes of AOTEAROA (NZ)
Featuring Tame Iti, Gordon Toi, & George Nuku
Thanks to Tino Rangatiratanga TV
1/17/08
Stand up for Aboriginal rights
Stand up for Aboriginal rights on the first day of the new gubbament.
Tuesday, 12 February in Canberra
Meet Aboriginal Tent Embassy 11:30am
March to Parliament for 1pm rally
Turn back Howard and Brough's racist legacy!
How to get there!
Buses will be leaving from the Block, opposite Redfern Station, on Tuesday 12 February. Get there at 7a.m. for 7.30am departure.
Ring Janene to book a seat on the bus – 0416 490 481 - $20 ($10 concession).
If you are interested in going down to Canberra on Monday 11 Feb, let us know that as well. Bus times for Monday are still being confirmed.
Initiated by the Aboriginal Rights Coalition, Sydney. Come to the meetings 6pm every Monday at Redfern Community Centre, Hugo St.
Contact:
Shane Phillips 0414077631
Greg Eatock 0432050240
Endorsements from Aboriginal leaders include:
Olga Havnen (Combined Aboriginal Organisations of the NT) Barbara Shaw (Tangentyere council, Alice Springs) Lez Malezer (Chairman, Global Indigenous People's Caucus UN, Foundation Aboriginal Islander Rights Association) Jackie Katona (CEO of Lumbu Indigenous Community Foundation, Djokcan) Michael Mansell (Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre) Sam Watson (Brisbane) Mitch (Arrendte woman, NT) Robbie Thorpe (Melbourne) Phil Falk (Senior Lecturer School of Law, Griffith Uni, Wiradjuri nation) Linda Murphy (Lecturer, School of Arts, Griffith Uni) Sandra Phillips (QUT) Nicole Watson (Jumbunna, Sydney) Heidi Norman (UTS) Victor Hardt (Oodgeroo, QUT) Shane Phillips (Redfern) Peta Ridgeway (Newcastle) Arthur Ridgeway (Newcastle) Greg Eatock (Aboriginal Rights Coalition, Sydney) Indigenous Social Justice Association
Clashes in New Caledonia as filth break up USTKE strike
There have been clashes in New Caledonia as riot police dislodged a strike picket at a Noumea bus depot.
Police tried to disperse members of the USTKE union in the early hours of this morning for illegally occupying land that belongs to the southern province next to the Carsud bus company.
An USTKE leader, Gerard Jodar, says police used tear gas to chase away the unionists, with about a dozen of them suffering injuries.
Local radio says police made 50 arrests.
Clashes have continued and reports say several vehicles, including some belonging to the police, have been burnt.
The violence has caused disruption to the traffic in the area, with protestors blocking the toll road out of the city.
The strike was launched to demand the reinstatement of a sacked Carsud employee.
The French high commissioner, who is responsible for public safety, commented on the Carsud strike and described the methods used by the USTKE union as hooliganism.
Yves Dassonville has told local radio that the authorities have moved to restore order and will provide their information to the French prosecutor.
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=374971/16/08
Aotearoa 2007 - Indymedia Highlights
thanks to the Aotearoa Indymedia Crew
In a wave of massive state repression in Aotearoa / New Zealand, 300+ para-military police carried out dawn raids at houses around the country on Monday October 15th 2007, making 17 arrests. Search warrants were carried out in Auckland, Whakatane, Ruatoki, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and in Christchurch in the South Island. The police wanted to charge 12 people under the Terrorism Suppression Act (TSA). A massive solidarity campaign formed around Aotearoa and the world to support the activists in jail and after almost 4 four weeks, the Solicitor-General, David Collins, announced that he would not be granting permission to the police to lay charges under the TSA. Everybody got released on bail. However, 16 people - people from Tūhoe, Te Atiawa, Maniapoto, Pakeha; indigenous activists, anarchists, environmental and anti-war activists - are still facing charges under the Arms Act. More information: The Struggle continues… | October15thSolidarity.info | Te Mana Motuhake ō Tūhoe | State Repression in Aotearoa
In Janurary, Tūhoe set up a blockade at Paekoa Rd in Ruatoki. On Waitangi Day, the Tino Rangatiratanga did not fly on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. However, it flew around Aotearoa and the world (and in May was flying/jumping on/off the bridge). In April, Ngati Haua was occupying their ancestral Maunga Whakakoro in the far northto stop it from being alienated from the Hapu forever. Maori Revolutionary Syd Jackson died in September. Thousands of people attended his tangi in Hastings. Michael Cullen had to be protected from angry protesters after being verbally abused and jostled at Taemaro Bay in December. Ngati Aukiwa has been fighting for their land for years and oppose they oppose the Office of Treaty Settlements negotiations with the Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa Trust Board. In late December, activists started to gather in the Urewera to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the occupation at Waikaremoana.
In February, Australian composer Martin Wesley-Smith's piece Papua Merdeka (Free Papua) was dropped from the Asia Pacfic Festival in Wellington after pressure from the Indonesian Embassy. May saw the relese of The Nu Face of Youth Rebellion, a film produced for Aotearoa Indymedia on the uprising in Tonga in late 2006. An Indonesian Military officer started a course in NZ in May, sparking protests from human rights activists. The same month, Auckland University students protested against a visit by former Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas. Five Tongan People's Representatives were charged with sedition in June. June also saw progress towardsa Free Trade Area of the Pacific. While the G8 met, the people of Tuvalu becamethe global face of climate change. As the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory in Australia came under renewed attack, people mobilised to support them across Aotearoa - Resistance is Existence: Aotearoa stands in solidarity against Australian Racism, International Day of Action: Stop the Genocide on Stolen Aboriginal Land & "Stop the Genocide!" - Protests Across Aotearoa. Helen Clark visited Jakarta in July, and ignored the abuses taking place in West Papua at the hands of the Indonesian Government. Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer came to Auckland to speak to the National Party in July, and was met with protests. August saw Fijian public sector workers on strike despite intimidation and death threats from the military government. Meanwhile, Indonesian Police used guns to threaten a West Papuan activist who toured Aotearoa in 2006. As the US-NZ Partnership Forum prepared to meet in Auckland, AIMC carried analysis of the effects of the policies it promotes in the Pacific.