Update - May 26: The Zapatista Other Campaign and the Netwar over Defining Atenco -
How a Horizontal Communications Network Unmasked Repression and Simulation by the Mexican State and Media By Al Giordano (from Narco News Bulletin)
Update - May 20: Testimonies of Rape by Police in the Aftermath of Atenco
Update - May 16th: Letter From The Women
San Salvador Atenco, about 15 miles outside of Mexico City, has a history of struggle against the Mexican government going back to 2002 when residents stopped the construction of a major airport there. This Wednesday, May 3, the government tried to arrest flower sellers at the nearby town of Texcoco which called for aid from Atenco's "macheteros". Residents of the two municipalites armed themselves with homemade ordnance, erected barricades of burning tires, drove out the police and detained six of them (later released). A 14 year old boy was killed by police gunfire in the melee. On May 4th the Mexican police attacked Atenco, occupying the town against spirited resistance, going door-to-door breaking into houses, and arresting and "disappearing" many residents. Solidarity blockades and barricades sprung up around Mexico City. On May 6, over 8000 marchers including Zapatista "Subcommandante Marcos" entered Atenco.
There are reports of female prisoners being sexually humiliated and raped. Prisoners have begun a hunger strike. Many arrested have not been located.
Newer Updates May 7th 8th & 9th!
Update! May 6th (English first - sigue en español)
"Crackdown in Mexico" (Overall Account of Situation) John Gilber/Global Exchange
Call For Solidarity
photos: 1 | 2 | 3
| BBC News Photo Gallery(May 3-4th events) | Big Yahoo photo gallery (105 pics)
| photo gallery of May 5th march (Radio Pacheco)
Video reposted to You Tube from Mexican TV news: 1 | 2
Global Indymedia Feature | Mexico City Indpendent Media Center (Google Translation) | Chiapas Indymedia (Google Translation) | Mexico Indymedia (english page) | Atenco Breaking News Blog | Narco News Bulletin | San Diego Indymedia Hunger Strike Story with photos and chronology
Mexico's industrial workers also deal with violent repression: Steel Workers in Mexico Clash With Police | 100 Years After Mexican Labor Movement Was Born, Miners’ Blood Once Again Stains Nation
