Catalan Solidarity

SEGON CATALAN DAY A BELFAST

2011-03-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

On September 11th - Let's Go To The Streets!

2010-09-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Spanish: Nazis, media and police fail to stop the debate with former political prisoners and Criminal Diego

2010-05-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Casal Popular CASTELLÓ has been a place of debate despite the efforts of criminalization of the system.

- Not all the propaganda machinery of the state (Las Provincias, ABC, El Mundo, Canal 9, La Vanguardia ...).
- Neither Spanish institutions (Government Commissioner in the Comunidad Valenciana Ricardo Peralta).
- Neither the threats and insults of Fascists (Spain 2000).
- Neither the repressive state bodies (police identified all attendees).

None of them managed to stop the "Support Group for Prisoners of the Plain" had prepared for this Saturday, a debate with former political prisoners and Criminal Diego. The force has been meeting throughout the digestive system and has developed a chat with the full participation, where testimonies of activists kidnapped by the Spanish have been reminded attendees address the dangers posed to fall on the cement upon which the prison is that people in Spain and France.

Press Support Group for Prisoners of the Plain
http://casalpopulardecastello.blogspot.com/2010/05/comunicat-del-grup-de

ABOUT THE ACT

This Saturday May 29th was held in Castellon a day of welcome and Criminal Diego. Despite pressure from the media and the fascist provocation, an act was carried forward in a discussion with more than 80 people. Was not discouraged, rather curious about the experience and Diego Criminal and answers.
Among the many topics that were highlighted chat forms of protests and demands that occur in such a hostile environment, where despite the social impact is nil seeks to improve the situation. Such actions are possible thanks to the links established between the prisoners, political and social setting a common goal and extending it to each module through cooperation, support and collective solidarity.
He also commented on the importance of communication with the outside world and find out that the ideas remain. It is part of the moral support they need to face the injustices that live in there. In conclusion, the nine years in prison and the repression exercised by the media and the state did not affect his spirit of independence and to consolidate a socialist project. He then ended the day with dinner.
It is worth mentioning the police on the street of Casal Popular de Castelló, identifying everyone who passed by there.

PRESSURE ON THE MEDIA

Since the organization of the event noted the harassment suffered media these days. The media have shown their lack of impartiality of information and have created a climate that occurred Casal Popular and aggression against its members. Fortunately not regret any serious incident at the moment. However, Casal People these days have been the victim of a journalistic model that actually benefit from the ninguneja stir violence.
The turmoil has sent the media image of a terrorist proetarra Casal, criminalizing a whole and a plural number of political sensitivities. All media, no differences have followed the strategy of "Everything is ETA." Egunkaria is ETA, ETA is Chavez, and now is the Time "is the Casal Popular ETA. Vicente Cornella, journalist del Mediterraneo, known for his lack of scruple with calumniosos headlines, full of lies, with a pen that could happen to the salary of extremists groups. Channel 9 likewise disseminates opinions in the line of any political party extremadreta.
However, before we have a textbook example of the functioning of media. Build the story by selecting interested and themed issues of the agenda to communicate. For example, invented the groups supporting the ceremony (even summoned the group to support prisoners and the media point to more groups), silence the diversity initiatives that live in Casal and have more sympathy social (consumer cooperative ecological group for historical memory, collective feminist literary gatherings, etc..), and include those groups that raise more uproar among the people (anarchists, libertarian soul-and independence-and forward-maulets) .
In all news glimpse interests underlying a speech two former ETA prisoners is sufficient reason to criminalize an entire project, and hundreds of people have gone for him. The important news is profitable beyond the lack of partiality, the need for a sober analysis acarnissaments not to fall into the media with social consequences. It was a sort of soap opera, reality simplifying formulas populist media, to promote the show and the circus coming to a chronic pink journalism.

CONCLUSION TO THE JOURNALISTS scavengers

A journalist with the unfortunate event of items extremadreta asked us because we left the place to confront them. I wanted to carrion. There is nothing juicier than violence, in a photo, a video recording. It rounded the final chapter, the rest are relegated to the pursuit of exclusive and stunning. The audience we have the perfect story, everything is delayed behind the spectacle.
After all, we can draw the conclusion of the need to educate ourselves to remain vigilant against a construction of reality interested, but can easily end up believing that everything is ETA. The commercialization of the media, and the interests of state, have a fundamental right to pervert the information. The degradation is the fact that report into the circumstances demand an extra literacy of the audience to confront the repressive methods that exercise means.

The struggle continues!
See also:
http://www.rtvv.es/video/video_informa.asp?id=29052010_etarres.flv

Young people from Lleida to the binding referendum for the independence of the Catalan Countries

2010-05-30T15:37:00.001-07:00

About fifty young people participate in the procession organized by the Youth Assembly of Lleida under the theme "Towards the binding referendum for the independence of the Catalan Countries."

This afternoon, some fifty youths have participated in the parade that took place on the streets of Lleida to ask for a binding referendum for the independence of the Catalan Countries. The parade is crowded amid a festive atmosphere but also of struggle and has been in full festival of the city where the youth has generated a demand for space required for further progress towards building a free and socially Catalan Countries righteous.

The parade started at the Public Library of Lleida, has continued the Calle Mayor, where he has painted a mural that read "The young people decide to independence", and ended at Pl. Francis, which was read a manifesto, and has been exploited a way with faces Zapatero, Sarkozy, Camps, Antich, Montilla and King Juan Carlos of Bourbon, demonstrating that we are unhappy youth and society Catalan is towards these characters that are more representative sample of our oppression by Spain.

Since the value AJLL act positively and encourage young people to continue fighting, to organize themselves and go out every day and keep walking towards the independence of the Catalan Countries.

The prosecutor requested the case file screen Terrace

2010-05-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

The news coincided with the celebration of the full concentration and a requirement of the City of Terrace to clarify the political responsibility of the act Espanyol.

After nearly a year, criminalizing the Catalan independence, not to recognize her right to not have to go every 15 days to sign Courts, the Prosecution referred to the courts to file the petition.

Now the ball is on the roof of the City of Terrace to whom the entities that support al'encausat, James, militant 'Endavant', We demand the immediate withdrawal of such accusation.

All this when more than sixty people were concentrated before the municipal council to coincide with the full explanations where needed on the act Espanyol. The Council recognized that only with the installation of the screen you cost to the public purse more than 6,000 euros when far had always denied taking part in the promotion and organization of the ceremony, remember, was filled miltants ultra-right, with flags of Spain, the Franco regime and the Bourbon regime, raising the arm continuously.

Alerta Solidaria We believe that this case put back into evidence by the ridiculous fact Catalan police trying to criminalize the Catalan independence, lengthen the process as possible, in attributing other people, hoping that appear to demonstrate evidence or evidence that prove they do not know. A new case of political repression on the basis of illegal files. A new case of embarrassment for a police department and an interior that can be called democratic.

Prisoner Update: Catalan Politacal Prisoners Released!

2010-04-10T14:55:00.001-07:00

The Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee has welcomed the release of Catalan political prisoners Diego Sanchez Burri & Zigor Larredonda Muñoz, who were finally freed after 9 years of incarceration back on Saturday 16 January.

Some 40 people had gathered at the prison in Castellón, where they where imprisoned although most of Diego's sentence was passed in Albacete.

That evening, a welcome home party and a toast to Zigor and Diego was held in the Plaza de la Vila de Gracia, where over hundred people waited to greet and celebrate him on his release.

Many Catalan Left Independentist organisations joined in the chorus of celebration at his release and also called upon the Spanish state to release all other political prisoners currently being held.

The Youth Assembly of Lleida participates in protests during the ceremony of laying the first stone of the Parador Roser Segrià

2010-04-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

The concentration was, once again, encapsulated by the Catalan police who got in the way using its feature violence, preventing the demonstrators to exercise their right and assaulting a young woman. In addition, last night were a series of painted against the Parador that the City Council has removed more quickly in an attempt to silence those who struggle to save the Rosary.

This afternoon, about thirty people have said during the official ceremony of laying the first stone of the Inn chaired by Àngel Ros Mayor and the Secretary of State for Tourism. The Catalan police have got in the way in demonstrating when they decided to climb to Roser for his public protest and people have been concentrated at the foot of the street cornered Knights.

The protest has passed peacefully during the time that has lasted the official. However, the Catalan police have used force and aggression encapsulating and attacked the demonstrators, as they did less than a week ago during a visit to Overcome concentration of kings. This time there was a young man who has suffered this aggression by Waiters while he shouted against the conversion of the Rosary in a Parador. Other people have also experienced the power of the police cordon prevented the passage.

During concentration were drawn slogans in favor of the Rosary, against its conversion into a Parador Nacional and cries against the mayor and the team of municipal government.

Thus, from the Save the Citizen Initiative Roser, of which the AJLL in part:

- Making it clear that today's event shows once more that the governing PSC totally ignore the demands of most of the citizens of Lleida and makes the imposition of effective project that will convert the Rosary, a public space uses of cultural memory and is a symbol for resistance and Lleida in a luxury hotel to serve the ruling classes.
- We denounce the action the Catalan police, who tried to prevent the demonstration was viewed, preventing people concentrated there to exercise their right to demonstrate. It is the second time in less than a week that the police use their strength and attitude atemoritzadora to prevent an act of protest in Lleida.
- Make clear our opposition to its approach to the conflict of the Rosary has been conducted since the municipal government, which has used all means of repression that has been possible (if Gerard +6).
- We believe it is shameful that people in Spain are strolling at home in a space that has been and is a benchmark of national struggle and resistance, as it was in 1707 when 700 were killed in Lleida.
- We reaffirm our opposition to the draft National Parador, a luxury hotel that will only sit defaced a neighborhood that has many needs to cover, and we are committed to the conversion of the Rosary in a public space the service of all citizens of Lleida.

Lleida, 30 March 2010

Youth Assembly of Lleida - CAJEI
ajlleida@cajei.cat
www.ajlleida.org

1500 people are manifested in Valencia for a Europe of free peoples and workers

2010-04-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

Some 1,500 people have demonstrated on Thursday 26 March through the streets of downtown Valencia squad for the "Valencia Campaign Against the Europe of Capital and War and its Crisis for Solidarity Among Peoples. The demonstration was the response of the left Valencia at the summit of European Union ministers meeting this Thursday just in the capital of Turia. The independent left there took part, grouped in Coordinator Horta against crisis COS bringing together, Move (OSANI) Maulets, SEPC and CS Earth.

During the demonstration were cheered slogans against capitalism and the crisis and for the distribution of wealth and employment; States against Europe and Europe in favor of a socially just and free people of villages. We have also heard shouts of support system for the most disadvantaged groups such as women, and immigrants and young people. The Manifesto of the Valencian campaign called on all social movements "to join in the struggle against structural injustice system promoted by the EU and the creation of alternatives based on solidarity among peoples."

In the event we can highlight the Left Independence, grouped around the Coordinator of the crisis-Horta made against the COS, Forward (OSANI) Maulets, SEPC and CS Land and character of different actions in recent months anticapitalist in the metropolitan area of Valencia has been the most numerous and where the cries of protest have not stopped the march at all. In the manifesto issued today by the independent left was alleged undemocratic nature of the European Union was created as a manager of major capital project and therefore contrary to the interests of workers and responsible plans to increase its exploitation . In this respect the independence highlighted the hypocrisy that is the conclusion by the Union of the two summits to be held in Valencia, of equality and sustainability, as capitalist Europe is promoting the opposite. So from the independent left has appealed to the working class to organize and build a movement strong and combative side to that proposed in the "capitalist system and those who benefit."

The mobilization is completed after reading the joint manifesto on the door of the court after the government delegation would have forced a last minute change in the completion of the demonstration site.

Continued resistance to the demolition of the neighborhood and popular Cabañal

2010-04-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

Today, April 9, is the day that the last four since a wave of demolition will begin this week in the neighborhood of Cabañal Valencia, and perhaps not finish first confrontations with neighbors and members of the moves social and local police nationwide. There are now six houses demolished a long list of properties threatened. But finally it seems that the neighborhood resistance and the power of images in the media offered comuncació Hagen have prompted the authorities postponed the demolition that were planned for Friday.

That have been repeated clashes since Tuesday, have occurred mainly in actions to prevent the machines entered in the vicinity of the houses that they would be landing.

The neighbors and police action against demonstrators, the use of batons, shot rubber bullets, and even more refined techniques of martial arts in order to facilitate the passage of the machines have been d a great brutality, especially in yesterday's session Wednesday. There was a lot of injuries among the demonstrators, and some had to be hospitalized.

The repression has also been intense these days, and at least four people have been arrested, all of which have already gone out of police headquarters.

What has most surprised in certain areas is the constant presence and forceful in his actions of the Spanish police then supposed to declare illegal the actions the ministry of culture for the expansion of Blasco Ibáñez, to affect a protected historical monuments, members of bodies of state security, should not take sides in favor of the Valencian government and city council, who are acting, in theory, against the ministerial rules. So this afternoon a rally was called at 19pm on government delegation to request the resignation of its CEO Ricardo Peralta denuciar and the ambiguity with which the Spanish government is also acting PSOE Valencia.

It is worth mentioning that the protagonist is always taking the platform Saving Cabañal neighbors, particularly on the media, but against the unjustified regret confidence in state government entity that has shown this far.

Also noteworthy participation of members of all social movements of Valencia, who are going to the neighborhood every day to defend the rights of their neighbors and all citizens of the capital.

What is certain is that the actions of resistance remain in the rubble when they resume again, and when the spirits are still intact and the desire to fight for this district are now stronger than ever.

Women, crises will become more precarious!

2010-03-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

Despite what some television and newspapers, especially in the beginning, have announced the highlights of March 8 were not snow. The most notable is that another year thousands of people again took to the streets to denounce the patriarchy and capitalism go hand in hand.

Under the theme "Women, crises will become more precarious" thousands of people turned out on the streets of the Catalan denouncing a system that oppresses us as a class and as individuals.

International Women's Day in Catalonia

2010-03-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

Women, crises will become more precarious!

Hundred years ago today, Clara Zetkin proposed that March 8 as International Women's Day. A century later, the situation of women continues to be defined by the same word then: exploitation. Exploitation as workers, as women subjected to the double day, as young people sentenced to insecurity.

A situation compounded also by the context of endemic crisis of capitalism, which accentuates the inequalities that we submitted to the patriarchal system. This crisis, generated largely by the financial operations of banks and toxic, are paying the working class, and within those, especially women and more if we are young and immigrants. Despite the passage of centuries, then, women are still being told as Flora Tristan, the "proletarian of the proletariat."

Well-received talk on the social and national liberation struggle in southern France

2010-03-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

On Friday 26 February, the talk took place on the social and national liberation struggle in southern France at the Casal Carmen Claramunt by Maulets local assembly, the Popular Unity Candidature (CUP), Badalona and Libertat! Revolutionary Left of southern France. During the lecture, which was attended by thirty people there, the parliaments of the CUP Maulets remembered and brotherhood that has existed historically between the two peoples and attempts to annihilate both suffered.

Verdict in the trial against a militant of Endavant

2010-03-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday (March 11) took place against a militant view of the assembly of St. Andrew - New Neighborhoods of Endavant. The accusation that al'independentista imputed against a painted statue Joan Güell located on the Gran Via with Rambla Catalunya, ended up withdrawing the charges of disobeying any applicant for a permanent location for 3 days a lack of deslluïment.

According to prosecutors, three agents of Waiters from Squad were identified near the statue of the militant 'Endavant and they infer his guilt. But once a trial, one of the officers testified he did not see any painted by the accused, admitted that he had no ink-stained hands and not wearing any spray. However, the agent insisted that they saw the person doing the graffiti was a figure similar to the accused and therefore the prosecutor, while not demanding money for alleged damage liability was maintain a claim for lack of minimum disillusionment.

In turn, the soldier of Endavant he used to denounce the absurdity of the process and that Waiters from Squad Spanish Justice and engaged in pursuing independence. Although denied having made any painted, is pleased to know that there are people that demonstrates the existence of fascist symbols on our streets and monuments that pay homage to the bourgeois nineteenth century known to enrich themselves by exploiting workers to organize repression of workers and the organization for having nurtured the land and money thanks to its lineage slave trade.

According to defense counsel Verdict in the next two weeks.

The censure does not prevent the success of the Fourth Symposium for the Prevention of Torture

2010-03-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

The State Coordinator for the Prevention of Torture has issued a statement celebrating the success of the conference conducted in Seville this weekend despite the ban of the Provincial.

By Eva WellsRepresentative ofAlerta Solidaria at conferences, the censorship that forced the change of location (the house of the province headquarters of theAsociación Pro Derechos Humanos de Andalucía) Did not prevent the substantial assistance of people close to eighty and the high level of discussion and debate. Members of the judiciary, medical professionals, university representatives and experts from different fields of human rights defenders have complied with the quote that began in Barcelona in 2006.

The censorship imposed by the Provincial Council of Seville was caused by the pressure of a newspaper that denounced Espanyol assignment of public space for an event involving nationalists. The CPT reported that the day Friday was interrupted with the warning by telephone one hour before the afternoon session resumed, and no possible alternative to staying in the street. The organization of the conference the problem was solved thanks to the coordination of the members of the CPT Andalusian (Group 17 March, Federation Pro Human Rights Association and Link in Spain). The initial cause of all this persecution was the Basque separatist left as a speaker at the conference is militant and political movement that was presented to the press with Spanish as the "Batasuna". The CPT Add this to censure suffered through the long list of suffering by official bodies because you put on the table the hidden reality of torture in Spain.

http://www.prevenciontortura.org/

The Spanish Inquisition - Spain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGUIx0LwOMo

30th anniversary of the birth of the "Committees"

2010-03-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

Such a day like today, 30 years, were born Committees of Solidarity with the Patriots Catalans organization anti-repressive Left Independence, the historical background of the current alert network. In tribute to your colleagues and classmates of that batch of struggle reproduced here following the principles inspiring the struggle in solidarity with the people representative for his work in favor of freedom of the Catalan Countries.

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES CSPC

1. Committees in Solidarity with the Catalans are a movement of the Patriots defense and support of all the Catalan separatists jailed, exiled and repressed by the occupation forces.

2. We also intend to vindicate the memory of all those patriots who died in the struggle for national liberation.

3. The Committee of Solidarity with the Patriots Catalans are a part of the people fighting for national independence, socialism and the reunification of the Catalan Countries.

4. When we talk of Patriots Catalans we refer to all these fighters who seek to fight their independence and reunification of the Catalan Countries.

5. The Committee of Solidarity with the Patriots Catalans are formed by regional and sectoral committees, with the support of unions and political parties id'organitzacions accept programmatic points of In ¬ dependency, socialism and reunification as objectives for the countries Catalans in their entirety, id'entitats cultural and patriotic citizens.

6. The territorial scope of the Committees of Solidarity is the Catalan Countries.

7. Committees in Solidarity with the Catalans undertake the defense of the Patriots repressed based on their thoughts and ideals and not question the type of fight that they have chosen, regardless of the facts for which they are accused.

8. We believe that given the antagonistic nature between the Spanish and French States and our national community, imprisonment and exile and the dangers of repression continued to be independence day. Therefore we maintain that only dissolve committees when there are no reprisals or threatened repression ¬ sion for the Patriots Catalans. Which is equivalent to saying that the Committee will dissolve when our nation has achieved the objectives of independence, socialism and establishment of a reunified nation.

9. The Committee of Solidarity with the Patriots as a half Catalans chose to fight to achieve our goals. the legal defense and awareness and mobilizing popular, as only the struggle of the Catalan people will bring us to victory.

10. The Committee of Solidarity with the Patriots Catalans we can coordinate with all agencies throughout the world, fight against oppression and oppressors of States for national liberation.

Catalan Countries, March 1980

Festa Catalana Belfast

2010-02-03T14:27:00.001-08:00

This year begins with a very creative programme of events in the shape of Festa Catalana Belfast.

From debate and discussion to cultural and music events, there is also a political walking tour of West Belfast, not to mention a well deserved pub crawl of the local hostelries. All events planned are not to be missed.

For more information an how you can join in with the events and get involved please email: jornadappccbelfast@googlemail.com.

9th October: Popular Unity for Independence & Socialism

2009-09-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

Catalan independentist republican socialist organization's Endavant and Maulets intend to hold a march and rally in València, (which is part of the Catalan Countries) on the 9th of October. The organizations joint statement stated that they are calling for National Unity in the fight for both Independence and Socialism.

The Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee will be reporting on both events later.

As it has been for too many years now: 12 Oct. Nothing to celebrate!

2009-09-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Platform "No ens tallaran les Ales" that fights for the freedom of speech and demonstration, has been repressed and illegalized for some of its actions. Social Centres, collectives, entities and individuals that fight, day after day, to end up with this system that oppresses us are being persecuted, repressed, illegalised... But fascists that, year after year, celebrate the beginning of the America's people Genocide, deny the Holocaust, claim for Franco's memory and attack anyone who is not like them. They are tolerated and can act without any impediment. It is an insult to the anticolonialist and the antifrancoist fight, and a serious contradiction with democratic exercise to help recovering the NON democratic historical memory.

New Murals In Girona

2009-06-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

Several new murals have been created in the Northern Catalan city of Girona by members of the left independentist youth organisation, Maulets.

As you can see, one mural is in solidarity with campaign against speculation and the MAT project in Catalonia while the other in paying homage to Guillem Agulló murdered sixteen years ago by neo nazis.

Check out the other images on:
http://www.maulets.org/veure.php?id=1177

Catalan Student Activist on Hunger Strike!

2009-04-03T03:34:00.000-07:00

A Catalan student activist, Tomàs Sayes, from the UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) is on hunger strike since 23th February. The action has been taken to put further pressure upon the Spanish and Catalan institutions in an attempt to create open dialogue with the students regarding the new Bologna process.

After a month on hunger strike, Tomàs has been hospitalized because of his severe deterioration.

This is the web that is following Tomàs srike (is only in Catalan language for the moment but we will keep you updated on this site).

http://vagadefamperlauniversitatpublica.wordpress.com/

At least 110 deaths in custody of the Spanish State during the year 2008

2009-03-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

In the year 2008, we have news of at least 110 dead people while were found in custody of the State, or in the course of police operations: The last one, December 31, in the jail of Zuera, Zaragoza. From January 1, 2001, the known number of people that have died under the circumstances elevates at least to 800. These they are only the cases we know, but ,how many deaths in custody have been produced?. When, who and how will put an end to this situation?. Once more we have to report of this mark of its supposed democracy. Once more we have enough data lack to call the State: murderous.

(some cases are...)

Deaths by actions of the FSE' s or in police stations during the year 2008:

1. 3 of January, W. Ecuadorian citizen dies, after being person under arrest by agents of the Civil Guard of Colmenar Viejo.
2. 8 of January, V. dies when was under arrest in the headquarters of the Civil Guard was found of Burriana (Castellón).
3. 11 of January, a man dies in the headquarters of the Civil Guard of Guardamar del Segura (Alicante)
4. 21 of February, a man of 40 years, die in Markina (Bizkaia), when he was reduced by agents of the Ertzaintza
5. 21 of February, a man of 37 years, he appeared hung in a cell of the Leon police station.
6. 7 of March, a detained man dies after jump out of a window in the locality of Madrid of Rivas Vaciamadrid, when he was under arrest by the Civil Guard.
7. 18 of March, a man dies in Algeciras, Cadiz, upon being reached by a shot performed by an agent of the Civil Guard, when "he fled" of a control.
8. 18 of March, P. of 24 years, dead person in a jail of the Upper Headquarters of Police of Granada appears.
9. 1 of April, G. of 23 years, dead person found in a cell of the Upper Headquarters of Police in Zaragoza.
10. 3 of April, A man of 44 years, dies in the cell of the precinct of the Spanish National Police of Lion.
11. 30 of June, A. of Moroccan origin, appeared hung in the jails of the Local Police Station of Roquetas del Mar, (Almería).
12. 4 of July, A man of 46 years, appeared hung in a cell of the precinct of the Spanish National Police (C. N. P). of Estepona (Malaga).
13. 11 of July, J., of British origin, appeared hung in the jails of the command of the Civil Guard of Murcia.
14. 31 of August. A Nigerian citizen, of 47 years, died in the backwards of Sappers, Valencia.
15. 22 of September. A. of 35 years, passed away in the Hospital Donostia, after being arrest by agents of the local police of San Sebastián (Gipuzkoa).
16. 24 of September. S, of 52 years, died in consequence of a heart attack of myocardium when agents of the Civil Guard registered their vehicle near the Rioja locality of Gimelio.
17. 14 of October.- A Honduran citizen appeared hung in the precinct of the National Police of Getafe (Madrid).
18. 1 of December.- An Ecuadorian citizen, of 32 years, died after a struggle with agents of the Civil Guard. The official version affirms that the dead seized the weapon of an agent and shot to himself.

Deaths in spanish state prisons during the year 2008

21. 6 of January, S. passed away in the prison of Zuera (Zaragoza).
22. 8 of January. J. died in the hospital of the prison of Albolote (Granada).
23. 9 of January. A person passes away in the prison of Teixeiro (TO Coruña).
24. 9 of January, A person dies in the jail of Albolote (Granada).
25. 12 of January. A woman dies in the prison of Nanclares of the Goose (Álava).
26. 13 of January, a prisoner of the Modelo jail of Barcelona, dies in the hospital.
27. 14 of January, a woman of 28 years, died in the prison of Brians (Barcelona).
28. 1 of February, G. passed away in the jail of Granada of Albolote.
29. in the first days of February, a person dies in the prison from TO Lama (Pontevedra).
30. To first of February G. died in the from Cordoba jail of Alcolea.
31. 5 of February, C. of 22 years, appeared hung in the prison Brians 2.
32. 5 of February, F. of 35 years, died in the cell of the jail of Pereiro (Ourense).
33. 8 of February, J. died in the prison of Alcolea (Cordoba).
34. 9 of February, F. died in the module 4 of the jail of Aranjuez (Madrid).
35. 9 of February, J., appeared hung in a cell of the prison from A Lama (Pontevedra). 36. 17 of February, a man of 27 years, died in the prison Seville II.
37. 21 of February, J. passed away in the nursing one of the prison Tenerife II.
38. 28 of February, S. of 27 years, died in the prison of Huelva. There are news of other two deaths in the jail of Aranjuez, in February of this year.

And an surprising data:

Deaths in Young and Kids special centers during the year 2008

92. November. A boy of 12 years, killed itself in the center of smaller "Picón of the Jarama", in Madrid, negotiated by the Foundation OR' Belen.

Sources:

Center of Documentation against Torture
Point of Scape Magazine
International Red Help

Torch Light March For Political Prisoners

2009-03-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

In Catalonia each year a torch light procession takes place for International solidarity with those who fight for the liberation of the nations and for socialism in the Catalan Countries. What follows is a link to one of the recent demonstrations held by RESCAT (or Rescue) the Catalan Collective for Political Prisoners.

VIDEO Political prisoners: March of torches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cdr7tvSilc

You can also visit: http://rescat.wordpress.com/

Catalan Activists Bring Down Spanish Symbol

2009-03-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

Two Catalan independentist activists were arrested and imprisoned for 8 days for ther alleged part in demolishing la figura del Toro de Osborne, a bull (a Spanish symbol), at El Bruc. Around 200 activists from various Catalan independentist Left organisations: Maulets, la Coordinadora d'Unitat Popular (CUP), Alerta Solidària and the Coordinadora de Joves de l'Esquerra Independentista (CAJEI).

The action is part of an ongoing campaign to remove symbols of the Spanish state and comes not long after the highly successful controversial campaign to have street markings erected during the fascist dictatorship era.

Catalan demonstrators rallied at a local monument to Catalonia in El Bruc as speaker after speaker called for the complete removal of 'the bull'.

Video:
http://www.lavanguardia.es/premium/publica/publica?COMPID=53655247597&ID_PAGINA=200806163&ID_FORMATO=9

Demonstrators Blocked from Celebrating Women's Day In Barcelona By Mossos D'Esquadra

2009-03-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

As International Women's Day in Catalonia got underway it was clear from the high level of 'MOSSOS D'ESQUADRA' that something was developing. The national Catalan march and rally was organised by Plataforma Revolucionària Antipatriarcal (Anti-Patriarchal Revolutionary Platform) hundreds gathered at la Plaça Universitat to participate in the annual event.

The demonstration was as ever very vocal, angry, yet good humored however as it headed in the direction of Les Rambles the atmosphere was changing by the minute. At Les Rambles lines of Mossos in full Riot dress then read out a statement telling those in attendance to carry on to the next street as we were unable to carry on through Les Rambles as in previous years, however this suggestion was rejected completely.

As we began to protest by calling slogans at being refused access to Les Rambles, as discussion took place as to what direction we should take it was decided that we continue the original route down Les Rambles. As several Mossos taunted those taking part by pushing and using threatening gestures two baton charges were directed at those taking part in the International Women's Day celebrations. In doing so many had been assaulted at which it was decided to call off the demonstration so as people wouldn't be subjected to further violence by the thugs of the Mossos D'Esquadra.

View more by going to: http://antipatriarcal.wordpress.com/

Tarragona March 8th Demonstration

2009-03-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

Several Catalan Feminist collectives rallied in the streets of Tarragona on March 8th as part of the 2009 International Women's Day celebrations. Many of the groups which included the trade unions, spoke of the Spanish state level of surveillance throughout the rally by agents of the Guàrdia Urbana and the Mossos d'Esquadra, who identified members of the various organisations involved and those who spoke during the celebrations. However successful event was rounded off with a popular meal at the Casal Popular Sageta de Foc which included Jamaican music and dance.

10,000 March For Catalan Self Determination In Brussels

2009-03-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Under the slogan "We want a Catalan state", thousands of people – 10,000 according to the organisers and 2,900 according to the local police – marched from the northern Brussels station, headed by party composed of the organising group for the march “Ten thousand to Brussels for self-determination”. They were accompanied by representatives of the ERC and the CDC.

The demonstrators carried Catalan four-barred independist flags and Basque, Flamenco, Corsican and Venetian flags were also in evidence. A Berber delegation was also in attendance. Other demonstrators carried placards depicting, upside down, some Catalan MEPs who had not supported the march, such as Raimon Obiols (pro-Spanish social democrats), Ignasi Guardans (CiU) or Aleix Vidal-Quatras (Spanish conservatives).

Slogans were chanted such as “Independence!”, “Catalonia is not Spain!” and they sang the Catalan anthem “Els Segadors”. The placards displayed slogans such as “Independence for Catalonia”, “For a Peoples' Europe” (in Catalan), “Valencians are Catalan people too” or “EU 27 States+Catalonia+28”.

The demonstration passed through the centre of Brussels, taking more than two-and-a-half hours to do so and finished at the esplanade outside the Midi station, where a manifesto was read calling on the Catalan political parties to place self-determination at the centre of their electoral programmes and at the centre of Government action.

“Here we wish to show the world that there is a conflict in Catalonia, a conflict of a political nature. The Catalan people has the right to self-determination and wants to exercise it” states the manifesto, in which independence is sought so that Catalonia becomes “an EU state with the same rights and obligations as the other members states”.

Oct. 12th Nothing to celebrate!

2008-11-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

The Platform "No ens tallaran les Ales" that fights for the freedom of speech and demonstration, has been repressed and illegalised for some of its actions. Social Centres, collectives, entities and individuals that fight, day after day, to end up with this system that opressess us are being persecuted, repressed, illegalised... But fascists that, year after year, celebrate the beginning of the America's people Genocide, deny the Holocaust, claim for Franco's memory and attack anyone who is not like them. They are tolerated and can act without any impediment. It is an insult to the anti-colonialist and the anti-francoist fight, and a serious contradiction with democratic exercise to help recovering the NON democratic historical memory.

TV3 footage of demonstration: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pq2Sa2giug4/SO8N0FWPCaI/AAAAAAAAADk/PfAaIE0r_fI/s1600-h/dibuix.JPG

September 11th: Catalan National Day

2008-10-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

An estimated 8000 people took to the streets of Barcelona to mark the National Day of Catalonia on September 11th 2008.
As one of the largest and main demonstrations of the day, organised by the independentist left, groups representing political organisations from Endavant (Socialist Organisation for National Liberation), Maulets (Catalan Revolutionary Youth Organisation) SEPC (Students' Union of the Catalan Counties), MDT (Movement for the Defence of the Land), CUP (Candidacy of Popular Unity).
Representatives of several Catalan political prisoner support and human rights organisations also attended to highlight the continuing issues facing Catalan Political Prisoners, namely RESCAT (Rescue) and Alerta Solidària (Solidarity Alert).

This the main demonstration took place without any major incidents, though several political activists were arrested. This despite attempts of provocation by the Spanish State forces, Mossos d’Esquadra against the Catalan Republican Left. It was yet another year of increased security as Catalans marked September 11th.
Following a series of political speeches, masked youths took to the main stage symbolically burning the Spanish and French Flags to applauds from those in attendance, and the burning of a photograph of the Spaninsh Royal family.

Solidarity with Franki

2008-06-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Catalan Political Prisoner Francesc Argemi Anglada (Franki) has been issued a ‘third degree’ which is a form of day release from prison.

However the political prisons group RESCAT has issued a statement in which they highlight:

- That penitentiary ‘third degree’ is yet another way to complete the sentence, and therefore he will be imprisoned until he receives an unconditional release.

- That solidarity protests must continue to demand his, and the rest of all other Catalan Political Prisoners, immediate and unconditional release.

Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee echoes this call for Franki’s unconditional release from prison and that of all Catalan Political Prisoners currently held by the Spanish State.

We call on everyone, individual activists, community and political organisations, current and former political prisoners to extend the hand of interantional solidarity at this time by sending postcards/letters of solidarity to Franki at the following address:

Francesc Argemi Anglada
C.P Brians 2 (modul 6)
Apartat de Correus 3000
08760-Martorell
Barcelona

Visc a Barcelona!

2008-06-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

The 1,2 million euros media campaign to raise the spirits of Barcelona both economically and socially is all over the television, papers, magazines and billboards. However in Catalan political activists have completely taken the media gloss and spin turning the 'Visca Barcelona' campaign on its head.

The activists issued a series of images, in an attempt to show the reality for many Catalan's of life in Barcelona, to attention of the world.

For a glimpse of the recent images visit:
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/344200/index.php

Garraf Demands Release of All Catalan Political Prisoners

2008-06-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

In Garraf, a demonstration took place to call for the release of all Catalan Political Prisoners outside the town hall. The demonstration was called by RESCAT. Activists call for political prisoners Marina, Lola, Diego, Zigor, Laura i Franki to come home.

Link:
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/344251/index.php

Protests Continue: LLIBERTAT FRANKI

2008-06-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

A daring bid by activists in Vilafranca scaled the Basílica de Santa Maria, one of the cities largest land marks, to help raise the profile of Franki and the continued imprisonment of other Catalan Political Prisoners.

Following the action, in a gesture of solidarity, the Spanish flag was then burned.

For more images to this story:
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/344267/index.php

Meanwhile, further solidarity actions take place throughout the Catalonia each and every day to press for Franki's release:

Action in Gracia, Barcelona:
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/344232/index.php

Release Franki Now!

2008-06-03T04:04:00.000-07:00

As many maybe already aware, Franki is a Catalan political activist from Terrassa in Catalonia, who has been condemned to 2 years and 7 months in prision because it had been reported that he burnt a Spanish flag in 2002.

Without ANY solid probes and without waiting for ANY type of formal judgment he is now in prision. Since his arrest and imprisonment there has been shock and anger across Catalonia. Likewise this has grown into widespread solidarity actions which are continuing on a daily bases across Catalonia.

Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee has added its voice for the release of Franki.

Just some of the thousands of actions which have taken place demanding the release of Franki in Catalonia.

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/341597
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=EaX6fauode0
http://www.vilaweb.cat/www/noticia?p_idcmp=2835826
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/341476
http://www.rtvvilafranca.com/noticies-rtvvilafranca/societat/6/16559-dim
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/343369
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaX6fauode0
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/342705
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-R7yR4AApw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjy2Azq7gfE
http://www.arte-redes.com/nocturama/?p=1594

Solidarity With Political Prisoners: April 17th

2008-05-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Protesters gathered in the city centre of Derry to mark International Day in Solidarity with Political Prisoners.

Supporters of several Basque, Catalan and Palestine political prisoner/support groups gathered as well as representatives of the Irish Republican Socialist Party, 32 County Sovereignty Movement and other non-aligned republican activists to highlight concerns of Political Prisoners in Ireland and across the world. Following the city centre protest, those in attendance gathered at a near by mural of 1981 Hunger Striker Patsy O'Hara for a solidarity photograph.

During the Days events several hundred information leaflets were also distributed during the event which stated:

April 17th has been marked for several years now as the day of International Solidarity with Political Prisoners to highlight the rights of political prisoners throughout the world.

International Day in Solidarity with Political Prisoners is a day when relatives and friends, individuals and organizations draw attention to issues affecting political prisoners as a gesture of solidarity on the outside.

Today we are still confronted in various places of our world with governments implementing further repressive measures that limit more and more the rights and freedoms of the population. An extension and the justification of practices such as harassment, internment, torture, isolation, and even the physical elimination of any political opposition, are carried out on a daily basis.

The creation of radical measures confronting basic international legislation and the respect to the sovereignty of third countries conducted by the United States of America and the establishment of new spaces outside the law, such as Guantanamo or the secret flights with detainees exempt of any rights.

It is a clearly documented fact, supported by many non-governmental bodies, that there’s a serious deterioration of the living conditions of people who suffer retaliation in different detention and penitentiary arrangements.

This has also caused greater criminalization, each time more acute, of those organizations which work to document the repression and that show solidarity with those who suffer retaliation.

April 17th is a day to give a voice to these concerns, complaints and claims; to create a common space for shared strategy, a retaining wall against these measures that limit our rights and freedoms.

They suffer the global repression; let us globalize the willingness and the hope by raising the flag of solidarity with all political prisoners.

Free All Political Prisoners Now!

International Initiative for Political Prisoners

Related Links: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/87318
http://www.kalera.org

Day of the Catalan Freedom Fighter: January 26th

2008-01-20T16:15:00.000-08:00

•12:00h Homage to the fighters fallen at cemetery, València.

•14:00h Popular lunch
videoshow: "Y llegó la hora de la venganza" (And the time for revenge has come)

"To those who have given their lives in defense of Freedom, the best homage shall be Victory!"

Organised by:
Assemblea de Joves de Benimaclet
Assemblea de Joves l'Aixada (Horta Sud)
Assemblea de Joves l'Espart (València)

http://ajbeni.ppcc.cat
http://ajcasinos.ppcc.cat
http://ajespart.ppcc.cat

www.cajei.net

HAPPY REBEL BIRTHDAY: January 26th, 7th anniversary of Rescat

2008-01-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

This year the Anti-Repressive organisation of support to the Catalan political prisoners Rescat, celebrates 7 years of struggle and resistance.

A series of events will be held to commemorate the occasion.

7 Years without Zigor & Diego

2008-01-20T16:01:00.000-08:00

On January 22nd it will be the 7th year since Diego’s and Zigor’s imprisonement. Terrassa Anti-Repressive Solidarity (SAT) and Rescat (Catalan political prisoners support group) have called a rally for Tuesday January 22nd with a press release that reads as follows:

SEVEN YERAS WITHOUT ZIGOR AND DIEGO!!!
KIDNAPPED BY THE SPANISH CAPITALIST STATE!!!

On January 22nd it will be 7 years since our comrades Zígor Larredonda from Terrassa and Diego Sánchez from Barcelona, were imprisoned.

Diego was arrested in a court house when he was giving voluntary statement after the media accused him and Zigor to be part of an E.T.A. commando. Likewise Zigor give voluntary statement in Madrid.

The only evidence against them was the statements that Diego and other people gave while they were being tortured by police.

On January 22nd 2001 while seeing the judge, all those arrested denied their statements given to police and denounced ill-treatments. Nevertheless, the National Audience in Madrid ordered their imprisonment.

Since that moment both Zígor and Diego were Spanish State’s prisoners and they were treated as such.

They applied upon them a series of illegal repressive measures which still last today: dispersion (holding them in prisons as far away as possible from their home and moving them constantly), F.I.E.S prison regime ( with strict control of phone calls, mail, visits, personal belongings, and separation from other prisoners), isolation (special cells and wings of punishment away from other prisoners, very small and in bad conditions, with punishments that can last days, weeks or even a month).

But even though all that repression that they are enduring, they have always stood their ground and have publicly condemned from within the walls, all these injustices. They have also carried out protests ( hunger strikes, lock up’s,...) and participated through written statements in many political and cultural events outside prison.

It’s been 7 years without Zígor and Diego, 7 years kidnapped by the capitalist Spanish state. But these 7 years have made us reaffirming ourselves in our ideas and to be convinced that now more than ever, the struggle is the only way forward even if we fall arrested or imprisoned.

From SAT and Rescat we make a call for participation at the rally organised for next January the 22nd in Terrassa. We also thank all the support and solidarity received throughout all these years and we encourage it to spread on until all political prisoners are free!!!

Solidarity with the victims of reprisal in Alacant & Perpignan

2008-01-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

On December 26th, militants of the Socialist Organisation for National Liberation (OSAN) in Alacant, made different solidarity information murals which they hung in the city centre.

Precisely these murals condemned the political harassment that the youth is suffering at both extremes of the Catalan Countries: Alacant (south) and Perpignan (north), for organizing politically.

Pere and Yann were recently arrested by the French police for their activities as members of the Strike Committee which throughout December 2007, lead the students struggle in the Perpignan University.

Enric and Robe on the other side are immersing in a judicial process blamed of sabotage against several Estate Agents in Alacant.

(Endavant)

Trial of the 4F Case Begins

2008-01-20T14:35:00.000-08:00

At the start of this month in Barcelona, it started the trial known as the 4F which sees 3 people accused to injure a Local policeman who is still in vegetative state.
These 3 people have been two years imprisoned awaiting trial.

This case has raised numerous complaints for the judicial procedure it has taken and for the ill-treatment to which the accused were submitted to. Beaten by the police, their statements were collected by Amnesty International and the case has been closely followed in Chile and Argentina were the arrested are originally from and personalities from these countries were expected to attend the trial amongst them Nora Cortiñas, president of the association Mothers of May Square.

Update: Two of the above prisoners have since been released, more news to follow (Indy media)

Update: Two ofthe above prisoners have since been released, more news to follow(indymedia)

Declaration in Tarragona for burning the Spanish King’s picture

2008-01-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month the Central Court House in Madrid requested the appearance of a militant of the Socialist Organistion for National Liberation (OSAN) to give statement in a Tarragona (South Catalonia) Court House.

He’s accused of burning a picture of the Spanish Head of State when participating in an anti-monarchy rally last October in Tarragona.

Solidarity protest where held outside the Court House.
(Endavant)

The Student Union of the Catalan Countries (SEPC) in Defense of an Education in Catalan

2008-01-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

After numerous attacks by the Spanish Popular Party (PP) against the teaching in Catalan in Catalonia, the SEPC has declared that the use of Catalan as a vehicle language within the education centers throughout the Catalan Countries, it’s really the only way to achieve an own educational model, organised territorially and in Catalan.

They went on saying that “people must not fall into false debates and inexistent problematic as exposed by the PP”. “The real problem is not the index of Castilian spoken in the region, but the incapacity of the Catalan Government to engage in a national model which will be based, amongst other aspects, on the Catalan language and culture as it’s its own.

Source: sepc
Email: sepc.comunicacio@gmail.com

The Spanish ex-minister of Defense openly incites the practice of torture

2008-01-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

He ‘advised’ the armed and police forces to use torture and not to be shy in practicing State terrorism.

During a radio interview and through other media clippings, when he was asked about the ETA members who recently were arrested and brutally tortured until the extreme of having to be hospitalized, he answered that “there shouldn’t be any casualties but if there had to be, they shouldn’t be members of the State”.
According to anti-repressive organisation Socors Roig Internacional
(International Red Aid), he went on declaring in a reactionary attitude that “all the Spanish have to side with those they must” a statement which doesn’t allow room to asking any questions on dirty war, torture and murder and those who carry it out.

These public statements have come just a year after since the reports of Amnesty International and other international and national human rights bodies which point to the Spanish State as responsible for continuous torture practices with over a 1000 annual official complaints, and the absolute lack of political will to deal with the matter.

http://www.presos.org.es/BalanceRepresivo.htm
http://www.presos.org.es

Xmas Rallies of Solidarity For Prisoners

2008-01-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

Last month hundreds of people mobilized for the Catalan political prisoners by organizing a total of 20 torch marches in different towns and cities throughout the Catalan Countries.

A the end of each march, a press release from anti-repressive organisation Rescat was read, demanding the amnesty for all political prisoners “not as a simple release, but as a step forward within a global solution” to the political conflict. “Because overcoming the conflicts which generate political prisoners, must primarily sweep away the political problems which originate confrontation”.

Members of the organisation expressed their delight as the numbers of participants in the solidarity marches during Xmas time is rising every year. These marches have been under the slogan “We Want Them Home for Xmas” as used during the 80’s and 90’s solidarity rallies then taken place in support of the prisoners of the armed group Terra Lliure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3RWXJ0PC1E
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx3_fToSxoE

New Wave of Pressure Upon Reporters

2007-12-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Reporters in Terrassa have formally protested against the seizure of images and in favour of free information.

Two television networks in Terrassa refused to give away images to regional police [Mossos d’Esquadra]covering the recent demonstration against the eviction of the squatted social centre "Les oblidades" in the city. For this reason regional police have started legal procedures to obtain the images by court order.

In front of this situation the workers of both networks have signed a manifesto titeled ‘A mistaken idea by the Mossos d’Esquadra’. The delegation of the Journalist Trade Union of the city has also written another one.

Town Council Aids Torture Practices

2007-12-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

After several scandals in the town of Torrevella (Baix Segura), where a series of formal Complaints for police maltreatment captivated media attention; the town council is still employing all the agents implicated.

Anti-repressive organisation Alerta Solidària, had denounced the slow pace of Torrevella town Council in taking strong decisions against those involved (and often charged) in torture, as it creates enough settings for impunity and therefore the continuation of torture practices.

According to the United Nations, and other bodies such as Coordinadora per la Prevenció de la Tortura [www.prevenciontortura.org], one of the issues that must be prioritized to put an end to this situation, is the immediate removal of any person investigated for tortures.

Alerta Solidària also condemns the complicity of the public administrations with torture as the Spanish State MPs do not respond positively when asked to take action.

Anti-Repressive Organisations Express Solidarity

2007-12-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

On December 4ht a youth from Terrassa had to appear in court charged with assaulting authorities for having participated in the September 29th demonstration under the slogan: Repression won’t clip our wings off!

Several anti-repressive collectives and organisations organised to denounce the violation of basic human rights by regional police against social movements during several public demonstrations.

Police agents surround the crowd, so it becomes a kidnap as protesters can’t move, they can’t get in our out of the spot, they don’t let protesters to inform passers by, it creates moments of tension and charges…Therefore basic rights such as free speech, free circulation and movement, right to protest, not mentioning police’s provocation and aggressions to protesters.

The youth was arrested as he and others made their way home from the protest. A solidarity protest was called outside court.

Women’s Health Protest

2007-12-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

The Women’s Health Net protest against the last arrests taken place in clinics where abortions were carried out

Mass media have created these last days a social alarm regarding the arrest of several medical staff in clinics of Barcelona were voluntary interruptions of abortion are carried out , criminalising professionals and women alike.

The existent law on abortion, as the feminist movement has been condemning, doesn’t guarantee women’s rights to decide or for professionals to practice.

For this reason they believe it’s important to reclaim the total non- penalization of abortion and to vindicate the right to decide as well as to denounce the sensationalism of the right wing and some media against women’s decision.

From the Women’s Health Net, formed by more than 22 associations of feminist women who struggle to better Health within gender perspective, they manifested their position on the insufficiency and limitations of the present abortion law which has converted a women’s right into an obstacle race because of:

- The requirements needed

- The difficulties added by the fact that such service it’s not available within many public services (only a 3%)

- The lack of political willingness which has maintained the present law

- Permitting that the conscious objection by groups of professionals has passed from being a reclaimed individual right, into a collective action, so preventing all professionals of a same centre practicing.

The women’s net explain that all this has meant that the majority of women who’ll request an abortion will end up doing so in private clinics and taking up all the costs.

Therefore these last arrests are believed to be a new attack against the right of women’s to abort and the clinics that practice it.

They claim that difficulties not only come from the law itself. For the difficult and unequal access which exists within the Catalan territory to information on reproductive and sexual health, the historical insufficient action taken, which they believe has not been properly corrected, towards vulnerable groups, the difficulty to carry on with unwanted pregnancies, which might have been welcomed within other social and economical conditions, it creates a bizarre situation for many women and which it must be corrected.

Day of action against Gender Violence

2007-11-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

During November 24th and 25th throughout the Catalan countries, different actions, info-talks, etc, took place which included several political and social organisations to denounce the ongoing violence against women not only by isolated men but also by the inequality originated from the capitalist system in which we live.

More than 650 women have been assassinated by male violence within the Spanish State since the start of the 21st century. Of these more than 200 were residents in the Catalan Countries, and nearly a 100 of them residents in Catalonia.

These facts however, are only the top of the iceberg of the thousands of women’s lives, with names and surnames, who suffer the humiliation, vexation, repression, slavery and the beatings only because they have been born women.

Political activists argue that the measures to eradicate this kind of violence are insufficient within society and that the priority of this struggle it’s still being misunderstood and uncared for.

WORKER’S SOLIDARITY DEMONSTRATION

2007-11-29T14:56:00.000-08:00

‘Re-admitance of SEAT workers made redundant, stop redundancies and clousures of
Sysmo, Mercedes Benz i Frape Behr factory plants’

Around 1.000 workers from the various factory plants of Mercedes Benz, Frape Behr & Sysmo protested on October 28th in Barcelona in defense of their work places and to demand the continuity of production in the plant.

A coffin with a man-sized puppet representing a worker walked at the fore-front of the march.

Trade unions supporting the workers argue that ‘the problem within the motor industry is a global issue. But to insist that nothing can be done in front of the multinationals globalization and devastation of the industry, it means falling in defeat and to submit workers to very poor labour conditions’.

People throughout have been encouraged to go out on to the streets of Barcelona on December the 2nd to express their rejection to the present situation and to demand trade unions to take proper syndical actions to put pressure on Seat, VW, GM or Faurecia, to keep on workers and to better their present work conditions.

Endavant

THE PLATFORM ‘FOR THE RIGHT TO DECIDE’ CALL FOR A UNITY DEMONSTRATION ON DECEMBER THE 1st

2007-11-29T14:50:00.000-08:00

After months of absolute chaos within the railway service due to the AVE’s (High Velocity Train) rail construction around Barcelona County and the lack of power decision that the Catalan Government has upon the issues affecting thousands of ordinary train users, it has sparked uproar and indignation amongst the Catalan population.

The slogan for the demo will be: “We are a nation and we say enough! We’ve the right to decide upon our infrastructures!”

A spokesperson for the platform says: ‘we aim at gathering a large number of people at a national level, to protest against the chaos within the infrastructures and rail nets in Catalonia, and to demand upon the Spanish State the right of the Catalan people to decide the model of country that we want, not depending of the Spanish State’.

Source: CAL

NO MORE REPRESSION AGAINST THE YOUTH WHO STRUGGLE

2007-11-29T14:32:00.000-08:00

On the night of the 21st to the 22nd of November, several youths from Tarragona made a symbolic attack on the military barracks of the ‘Civil Guard’ of this city by throwing several paint bombs and eggs to the front of the building. This was an action that was part of a national campaign by the CAJEI (Coordinator of the Youth Assemblies of the Independentist Left) entitled “Subversion to Conquer Freedom”.

This action was aimed at questioning the very existence of this Spanish repressive military body which is still present throughout the Catalan Countries, as well as to condemn their post-Francoist and torturer course.

After the action 4 young people were arrested and brought to the police station where they were read their rights and handcuffed afterwards. Next day they were brought to a room to give statement but they refused to. They were released with charges relating to acts of public disorder.

Members of the organisation supported the action by recognizing it as legitimate for it was a response and rejection of this military body as well as the fascist symbolism that it endorses and, which it imposed throughout the Catalan region preventing its social and national emancipation as a people.

KNOWING THE PAST, TO WIN THE FUTURE OF THE NORTH CATALANS

2007-11-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

The North-Catalans already suffer the separation from the rest of the Catalan Countries which happened nearly three and a half centuries ago.

This year’s annual demonstration in Perpignan an estimated 1.000 people gathered. At the fore-front of this commemoration was the Federation for the Defense of the Catalan Language and Culture in North Catalonia, and de Coordinator of Associations for the Catalan Language (CAL).

Also in attendance was the presence of the youth Independentist organisation Maulets, who carried a banner which read: "Neither Spanish Monarchy nor French Republic", in support to the present anti-monarchic campaign throughout the Catalan Countries.

The annual speech at the end of the demonstration reminded everyone of a year of financial and social wreckage, but also a year of struggle and resistance from North Catalonia: against all the French State’s attacks on local institutions, the campaign against the MAT (Line of High Tension) and the TGV (Train of High Velocity) as well as the struggle against racism and labour conditions, which were some of the issues that marked the 2007.

You can view more on this by visiting the L’Accent website: http://www.laccent.cat/

March of torches: December 22nd

2007-11-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

Another year has passed, and around Christmas time, Rescat 'Catalan political prisoners' support group organizes a march of torches in solidarity with the Catalan political prisoners and demanding their release.

Rescat calls for the participation and collaboration of anyone who can organise a march in their home town or by assisting a similar solidarity event organised nearest you.

This year's rally date for all towns and cities will be December 22nd across the Catalan Countries. More information on this will follow shortly.
Also this is the time of year when we call on all recipients of Llibertat! – Saoirse! to please remember all political prisoners. We would like you as a gesture of international solidarity with those on the inside.
Send a solidarity message, a few lines of support to boost morale to the following Catalan Political Prisoners currently being held by the Spanish and French States. Please note that all Christmas Cards and post cards must be posted by December 10th.

Laura Riera Valenciano: CENTRE PENITENCIARI DE DONES DE BARCELONA, Carrer Doctor Trueta, 76-98, PPCC.

Marina Bernadó Bonada: (353 922 Y), MAISON D’ARRÊT DE FLEURY MEROGIS ( femmes ), 9 Allée des Thuyas, 91700 Sainte Genevieve des Bois Cedex, PARIS, France.

Zigor Larredonda Muñoz: CENTRO PENITENCIARIO DE ALBACETE, Ctra. de Ayora, km. 72, 02006 Albacete

Dolores Lopez Resina: CENTRO PENITENCIARIO DE ÁVILA, Ctra. de Vicolozano, 05194 Brieva (Ávila)

Diego Sànchez Burria: CP Can Brians, Carretera de Martorell a Capellades, km 23, 08635 Sant Esteve Sesrovires, PPCC.

Isabel Llaquet Baldellou: PRISIÓN DE Valencia II, A.C 1002, 46225 Picassent (Valencia), PPCC.

Solidarity Mobilisaton with the Kurdish people in Barcelona

2007-11-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

“Let’s stop Turkey’s aggressions to Kurdistan- Peace, Democracy and Freedom for the Kurdissh people”. The Catalan campaign in solidarity with the Kurdish people is made up of different organisations such as Endavant and the Platform against the War, amongst others. There’s a rally organised in front of the Turkish consulate in Barcelona on Thursday November 29th.

In front of a huge possibility of a military operation by the Turkish army against PKK bases in South Kurdistan, the campaign activists would like to invite collectives, trade unions, and other organisations to join by signing up an email in the campaign’s address: poblekurd@gmail.com

For more info: http://poblekurd.blogspot.com http://www.aturemlaguerra.org

The Spanish State condemns two Catalan political activists for burning the picture of the king in public

2007-11-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

After a long campaign of support and solidarity throughout the Catalan Countries, on November 20th, a judge in the National Audience court in Madrid, condemned Jaume Roura and Enric Stern to 2.730 euros, instead of 15 months imprisonment as first requested, for burning the picture of the Spanish king during a demonstration in Girona due to the monarch’s visit to the city some previous months.

Both Jaume and Enric admitted responsibility for the actions. The judge expressed uneasiness at the fact that they spoke in Catalan and commented that as Spanish citizens they had the obligation to know and speak the Spanish language and, even not understanding the detainees’ statements, he never provided a translator.
Support gatherings were held during the trial outside court and throughout the Catalan Countries.

This is not the only open file against ‘injuries to the crown’. The judge
Fernando Grande-Marlaska keeps an open file of another 18 youths who participated in a protest, also in Girona, on September 22nd.

The anti-repressive organisation Alerta solidària has complained that the regional police, Mossos d’Esquadra, aid the Spanish repressive institutions by keeping unlawful political files on hundreds of activists

There’s a solidarity funds collection to help the other twenty defendants organised by the campaign ‘I also burn the Spanish Crown!’
(www.noalrei.elsud.org)

Police repression in solidarity demo in Barcelona

2007-11-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

Due to the cold blooded murder of an antifascist youth in Madrid earlier this month, more than a thousand people took to the streets of Barcelona in solidarity with Carlos, the boy assassinated, and in condemnation of fascism and the governmental institutions’ cover ups on the matter.

Police did their best to prevent the mobility of the march and in numerous occasions charged brutally against demonstrators.

At one stage a swastika sign was burned as a symbol of refusal to fascism.

Participants argued: …” this is another clear attempt by the authorities to prevent an act of free expression such as protesting, as it has been done in previous occasions; making the Catalan ministerial institutions accomplice of the Spanish State’s consent of fascist activities for its their legacy from dictator Franco.”

MARCH TO WAD-RAS PRISON (Barcelona)

2007-11-08T05:43:00.000-08:00

Around 50 people participated on October 27th in the march organised by Rescat to the women Wad-Ras prison, where Catalan political prisoner Laura Riera was moved last August. During the march participants shouted slogans in favor of the release of political prisoners.

Police presence was clearly visible all the time. At the end of the march, at the arrival to the prison, in front of a police security cord, a statement was from Rescat and another from Laura were read.

To finalize the day of action, a solidarity dinner was organised.

Laura Riera’s statement read at the march:

Salut comrades,
Once again it’s only the thickness of the wall prison that separates us from one another. It’s only the bricks that prevents us to be closer physically. However, for me, for us all, this is a re-encounter!!!! We know that actions such as this one, are a show of cheering, of strength and of fighting spirit.

Some months ago we met in Picassent and now we meet in in the old working class area of Poble Nou (Barcelona). Some months back I was along with Diego (partner) and now with Dídac (son) a baby who gives me more reasons to keep struggling for people’s self-determination and social justice in the world.

As myself, as well as you all do, we struggle for a future where Dídac and his people will live in freedom and equality. We know that this is not easy but we are ready to keep going, to preserve our truth, in our desires, in our victory!

I’d like you all to know that from the window in my wing I can see the graffiti that reads: “ Freedom Laura Riera, prisoners to the street “. And things as such as well as the march today, being beside my son, it’s what keeps me going in our struggle, amongst you all, amongst my people!!!

TO STRUGGLE: IT’S THE ONLY WAY
Laura Riera.

Catalan students in Madrid Protest Against Spanish Repression

2007-10-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

The 'crisis of king's burning photos' is not finished, the Spanish special tribunal, that usually deals with 'terrorist activities', has sued 11 demonstrators fro taking part in the burn of Spanish king's pictures, they are accused of 'crown injuries' and face possible sentence of 15 months imprisonment. Mobilizations are organized by Independentist Left.

A group of student’s burnet more images of Spanish king in Autonomous University. There have been demonstrations in Alacant, Girona, Lleida, Tarragona and Valencia

The judge has charged the last 9 sued Independentists for 'injuries to crown' , and released tem on bail.

Judge Fernando Grande-Marlaska has released on bail the nine last activist accused of the burning of the king's pictures. They have participated in a demonstration in Girona last week against the process on other 2 Catalan freedom activists. Police has identified a 10th person who is with the same charges and will have to go to Madrid for declaration.

Lawyer of activists, Mr Benet Salellas, said that judge urged State Attorney to present formal accusation against them.

This wave of repression against antimonarchic acts and free speech has been countered with dozens of solidarity acts in all Catalonia, most of them repeating the with civil disobedience act of the symbolic burning, by the Catalan left-wing Independentists.

More info (Catalan):

http://noalrei.elsud.org/ (Solidarity campaign: "I'm also against Monarchy")
www.endavant.org/ (Endavant, Catalan Socialist organisation for National Liberation)
www.alertasolidaria.org (Catalan Human Rights Organisation)
www.sepc.cat/ (Catalan students organisation)

Related Link: http://noalrei.elsud.org/

‘THEY WON’T CLIP OUR WINGS!’

2007-10-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Last June 17th different Catalan anti-repressive collectives called for a demonstration under the slogan ‘Repression won’t cut our wings off’. This demonstration, as well as the speeches and exhibitions planned for the day, had the aim to defend the freedom to march as a basic element of protest against all kind of power abuses. To be present in the streets, is a basic need for all the social and political movements which must be defended actively.

During the speeches and the setting up of the street exhibitions, there was a heavy police presence which was aim at intimidating all those people taking part: identifications, searches, arrests, etc. When the demonstration started police surrounded the crowd preventing people from walking. This situation lasted for three hours.

These police actions, as an exhibit of the usual routines which breach freedom to protest, and deserves a sturdy answer. In front of these events, the organizing collectives of the demonstration, wanted to carry on denouncing this situation by processing a formal complaint and called for a demonstration in Barcelona on September 29th.

This time the march was able to take but under a heavy police presence and harassment as there were several wounded reported as the marchers arrived at the final point from three different routes. A youth was also arrested while making his way home after the protest and was released the day after with charges of attempting to assault the authorities. Further solidarity actions are planned in solidarity with him.

“Wherever there’s struggle there exists repression,
wherever there’s repression there exists solidarity”

Video clip on the demonstrations: http://www.e-noticies.tv/canal-actualitat/manifestaci%f3-1103.html

Other images of the demonstration:
http://www.moviments.net/tombantirepressiu/imatges.htm

West Belfast Catalan Mural

2007-09-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

During the summer, catalan activists in Belfast organised a new mural in the Beechmount area, just off the Falls Road. The work was carried out as part of the West Belfast Feile during a day to highlight 'interantional struggles'.

September 11th: Catalan's Rally in Dublin

2007-09-24T04:35:00.000-07:00

Catalan's living in and around the Irish capital, Dublin, came out on to the streets on September 11th to mark Catalonia's National Day.

September 11th (Catalan National Day)

2007-09-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Demonstrations took place across Catalonia marking "La Diada Nacional" or the Catalan National Day of which the largest concentration took place on the streets of the capital city, Barcelona.

The day began in the early morning of La Diada, as hundreds at Carrer Ferran, during a ceremony to remember Gustau Muñoz in the same spot were he was murdered by the Spanish police during La Diada demonstrations back in 1977. After that, thousands gathered in ‘El Fossar de les Moreres’ to honour Lluís Maria Xirinacs following his untimely death back in August of this year. At which his former comrades paid an emotional tribute.

Shortly afterwards, the members of the nationalist reformist ERC youth wing (JERC) attempted to enter the square of Fossar de les Moreres but were prevented from doing so amidst catcalls such as "sellouts!", as emotions ran high. Many members of the independentist Left physically prevented entry of JERC by blocking their entrance as tension was high when a member of CAJEI was beaten by them as scuffles broke out.

At midday, several formal speeches remembering the Terra Lliure comrades fallen and calling for the unity of the socialist independentist movement were made. In a show of solidarity, representatives of Batasuna added their support for solidarity and self-determination. During one speech representatives called for the solidarity between the Basque and Catalan peoples to end both Spanish and French repression.

The main prisoner solidarity demonstration took off around 1pm as over one thousand protestors called for the freedom of the Catalan Political Prisoners as the ‘Catalan police’ (Mossos d'esquadra) followed the march as it wound its way through the street with heavily a armed riot squad placed in various "hot spots" such as the Catalan Government or the Spanish Government building in central Barcelona. During the march some large banners were displayed. The former Catalan Political Prisoner Juanra took part in the demonstration.

The evenings demonstration was one of the largest of the day with as the march began at 6pm. Members of the main Independentist Left from organisations such as Endavant, Cup, Maulets, Cajei and also from the black block supporters. An estimated 10,000 participants marched through the streets, displaying banners and flags calling for the independence and socialism. People from several other countries attended such as Castilla, Andalusia, Scotland, Wales, Occitania and Galicia with their flags expressing their solidarity with the Catalan struggle.

At the end of the march, as commemorative speeches were made which called for the independence and socialism. A member of CUP stated that we must not show trust in the nationalist politicians, by they from the ERC or CIU, and their lies. As the ceremony drew to a close with the Internationale, the "Muixeranga" and "El Cant dels Segadors" (the Catalan national anthem) were played as several masked people came to the stage and symbolically burned a Spanish flag.

For more reports, images etc:
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/316787/index.php
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/316778/index.php
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/316725/index.php
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/316716/index.php
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/316706/index.php
http://www.ccsi-si.org/11%20Setembre%202007.htm
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/316643/index.php

Emotional farewell to Comrade Xirinacs

2007-08-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Amongst shouts of independence and singing the national anthem, around 3.000 people gathered in Barcelona at the funeral of Catalan comrade Lluís Maria Xirinacs.

Political activists of the Independentists Left where also present representing organisations such as: Alerta Solidària, CUP, Endavant, MDT, Maulets, CAJEI and diferent Casals Independentistes.

Earlier on in the day a commemoration was held with none of the Catalan institutional politicians dared to enter as Xirinacs classified them as traitors.
Our best homage, will be Victory!

A background on Lluís Maria Xirinacs i Damians (1932 – 11 August 2007)

A Catalan politician, writer, religious and advocator for the independence of the Catalan Countries.

He was born in Barcelona in 1932 In the 1960s and 1970s, he made several hunger strikes, a first long one against the entailment of Church and State during Francoism. The Spanish regime imprisoned him twice (1972 and 1974-1975). He declared himself as follower of Gandhi theses and practiced the fight from within the non-violence. As example, he spent twelve hours a day for a year and nine months standing in front a prison of Barcelona until the approval of an amnesty law for political prisoners. For all these actions, he was proposed 3 years (1975, 1976, 1977) as a candidate for the Peace Nobel Prize.

In 1977, in the first Spanish elections after Franco dictatorship, he became senator for Barcelona as a independent candidate. In 1979, he led a candidature for the Spanish Congress of Deputies in a coalition known as Left Block of National Freedom (Bloc d'Esquerra d'Alliberament Nacional or BEAN). That reivindicated the spirit of the former Assembly of Catalonia, of which he also was one of its main promoters.

Later on, BEAN also presented in 1980 Catalan Parliament elections; but, in both cases, it did not obtain any representation.

By 1980, he left active party politics. In 1984, he founded along with Agustí Chalaux the Centre d'Estudis Joan Bardina, where he wanted to deepen in a new economical, political and social model. In 1990, he abandoned his priesthood vows.

In 2000, he started to protest again, sitting in Sant Jaume square daily for the independence of the Catalan Countries. When he was 65, he became PhD in Philosophy.

On September 11, 2002, within the National Day of Catalonia reivindicative speeches in Fossar de les Moreres, he declared:

"Gandhi said that the nonviolent one cannot deal with neutrality the parts of a violent conflict: the aggressor is the enemy, the attacked one is the friend, although he may be violent. I have tried all my life the fight by non-violent means. Nevertheless, I declare here and, I say it aloud, in the case there could be any police or public prosecutor: I declare myself enemy of the Spanish State and friend of ETA and Batasuna."

After this, he was condemned two years of prison and four of incapacitation by the Spanish Audiencia Nacional, accused of ennobling terrorism.

On December 17, 2002, he stated in his defense in the jury:

"I don't think that working as historian is any crime (despite it can be disagreed): -describing a war for national freedom that lasts for 40 years, -and comparing it with other wars."
"Spanish tanks are the ones that occupy the Basque Country. No Basque weapon wants to conquer Spain".

Despite the condemning sentence, and an existing search and capture warrant, he was not arrested.

When he was 74, on October 25, 2005, he was arrested by Spanish Police when he visited Ciutat Vella commissary in order to renew his identity document.
Two days later, he was sent to prison, but in the very afternoon, the Attorney General decided to free him invoking humanitarian reasons because of his age.

In 2004, Catalan Summer University awarded him the Canigó prize. During that time, he continued his political commitment within Fundació Randa.

On August 11, 2007, he was found dead in the woods of Ogassa, Ripollès having apparently committed suicide. He left a note in his workplace explaining his decision, where he criticized the cowardice of Catalan politicians and noticed that Catalonia is occupied by France and Spain.

More police brutality during Gràcia’s festival in Barcelona

2007-08-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Gràcia links incidents to the large police presence

According to what Alerta Solidària has been able to ascertain, agents of the Mossos and other local police, police used vicious amounts of brutality during the night of Thursday 16th and Friday 17th of August under the argument of imposing ‘tranquility’.

During the incident, police agents directed their attack towards two political activists of the Independentist Left who were beaten up in the middle of the street. Members of the Festival’s coordination committee believe that the city council does not support such alternative festivals, as in Gràcia, it is outside of their own festive program and therefore they tried to put people off by sending in the police and their batons.

Anti-repressive demonstration

Around 300 people attended, one year on, the central act of the Gràcia’s festival: the Anti-repressive demonstration, on Friday August 17th under the slogan: “For a quiet Festival: Mossos out!”. The march went through the main streets of this area in Barcelona.

Saura’s (who is the head of the regional police, Mossos) Political repression & illegal files continues.

Mossos were present on the streets in plain clothes, six of them pretended to be journalists. These ones were invited to leave the march as it was evident they were trying to gather information on various people taking part in it in order to enlarge their current files.

On the other hand some journalists, who covered on the march, gave deliberated wrong information to the media such as the number of those participating, which they quoted to 50 and 100 people.

When the demonstration ended, a spokesperson for Alerta Solidària reminded those who assisted about next mobilization on September 29th to demand the right of free expression and the right to protest.

This will be the second time that this demo is going to try to go ahead as during the last one on June 17th, 300 people were prevented from marching as police held them hostages in the same spot for more than three hours. Protesters were even prevented to access toilet facilities and water.

Congratulations to Laura & Diego from Ireland

2007-08-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

"Our revenge will be the laughter of our children" Bobby Sands.

Members of the Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee held a symbolic vigil at Free Derry Corner to extend our solidarity with Catalan Political Prisoners Laura & Diego on the birth of their son, Dídac.

At the same time we would like to echo the demands of the EPPK relatives of the right to maternity and paternity, eliminate the obstacles of communications with the father, to guarantee the quality of life and the dignity of the children within prisons as well as the rest of rights which are demanded by the prisoners collective (the right to health, the right to good treatment, the right to communication, language rights, the right to education, the right to organisation and the right to freedom).

Also, protests outside the hospital in Terrassa were Laura gave birth to little Dídac:
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/314234/index.php

Tornarem A Lluitar!

2007-08-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

In 2007, a hisorical book was published on the Catalan Independentist Left by Roger Ferriols titled 'Tornarem A Lluitar!'. The publication has been used as a fundraiser for the Catalan Political Prisoners support collective, RESCAT (or RESCUE). The book itself is an excellent historical archive which examines the struggle throughout the Catalan Countries for independence and socialism from the period leading up to the transation until the present day. As part of the work of Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee sections of this book were translated into english to assist greater knowledge of the Catalan Struggle.

To view more, click on:
http://www.catalanhistory.blogspot.com

New Catalan Solidarity Mural

2007-07-30T07:20:00.001-07:00

Catalan Solidarity Mural

2007-07-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

Members of the Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee erected a mural in Derry’s Bogside following a week of events designed to create greater awareness of the continuing fight for self-determination and independence by the people of Catalonia from 300 years of Spanish and French occupation.

During 2007, the Catalan independence movement is commemorating the occupation of the Catalan Countries with a campaign titled: 300 Years of Occupation & Resistance.

The week long series of events in Derry ranged from musical, cultural and political discussions on continuing ‘land speculation’ as well as an historical overview of Catalan Resistance both on the streets and in the prisons. Catalan representatives also met with former Republican and Republican Socialist Political Prisoners to exchange experiences as a gesture of continuing solidarity with the Catalan struggle. The series of events accumulated in Derry’s Bogside with the unveiling of a mural depicting unity and solidarity in struggle between both Ireland and Catalonia.

Communities Of Resistance: People Before Profit

2007-07-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee will be hosting a public meeting that will include a video showing of 'A Tornllom' an insight into a Catalan community's 10 years resistance against their eviction and demolition of their land,and the participation from the Donegal network activists of MAOR. We also encourage everybody else to come along and have their say in the discussion 'Communities of Resistance' as a tool for people's empowerment.

Catalan Solidarity Belfast Nite

2007-07-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

One of Catalonia’s most popular singer song writers has taken up the opportunity to perform live in Belfast. Feliu Ventura will be on stage during along with several local artists.

Feliu, who prides himself as a Catalan song writer, has been in the acoustic music scene for over 10 years. He fuses his social compromise with the poetry of his feelings. He presents his songs as a tool of communication, expression and information to invite and to open up alternative ways for social change.

Feliu, who prides himself as a Catalan song writer, has been in the acoustic music scene for over 10 years. He fuses his social compromise with the poetry of his feelings. He presents his songs as a tool of communication, expression and information to invite and to open up alternative ways for social change.

Please Attend & Show Some Support

Public Discussion: Catalonia, A Nation In Struggle

2007-07-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

As part of this years Gasyard Féile, the Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee will be hosting a public discussion titled 'Catalonia: A Nation In Struggle'.

An introduction into the role of Catalan Solidarity with an historic overview of the fight for independence and followed by discussion surrounding 'State Terrorism & The Role of Political Prisoners' with a panel of former Catalan and Irish Political Priosners of War.

A spokesperson said “This will be an excellent opportunity for the people of the North West to learn more about the actual political and cultural situation in the Catalan Countries. The theme of this year’s Gasyard ‘Roots’ Féile is quite appropriate as the independence movement throughout Catalonia celebrate 300 years of resistance to the occupation of our land. We are grateful to the organisers of Féile for their support and people of this city who have known only too well, the horrors and injustices of the imperialist occupation and we are mindful of that”.

All Welcome: please support and join in with this debate.

Feliu Ventura: Sampling Catalonia

2007-07-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

One of Catalonia’s most popular singer song writers has taken up the opportunity to perform live in Derry during this year’s Gasyard Féile. Feliu Ventura will be on stage during the 629 Sessions at Masons Bar of Friday 27th July and at The Craft Village on Saturday 28th July along with a number of other local artists.
Feliu, who prides himself as a Catalan song writer, has been in the acoustic music scene for over 10 years. He fuses his social compromise with the poetry of his feelings. He presents his songs as a tool of communication, expression and information to invite and to open up alternative ways for social change.
With dates in both Belfast and Dublin he is overwhelmed to be giving the opportunity to take part in the celebrations across the city during a series of Féile events which are designed to give an insight into Catalonia, as this will be his first visit to Ireland.

If you would like to get a taste of what Feliu has to offer, you can visit his website on: http://www.myspace.com/feliuventura or better still hear him perform live during this year ‘Roots’ Féile.

Féile '07 ROOTS

2007-07-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Catalan Solidarity:Ireland Committee take this opportunity to thank the Féile '07 Roots organisers in Derry's Bogside for giving us the chance to particaite in this years festivites by organising several Cultural, Musical, Social and Political events which include:

The Peoples Gallery Mural Project
(Runs From 20th-29th July)

Catalan Solidarity Mural marking the 300 Years of Occupation & Resistance!

Catalan Ways
Pilots Row (Runs From 26th-29th July)
All Welcome.

Exhibition exploring Catalan cultural traditions and the ongoing struggle for self-determination.

International Food Fair
Thursday 26th July
Main Hall, Pilots Row 5pm - 10pm
Admission: 3.00
All Welcome

International Food Fair with a taste of Catalonia amongst foods from across the world.

Communities of Resistance
Friday 27th July
Pilots Row, 7pm
All Welcome.

A platform of diverse community activists & their ongoing campaigns on social-environmental issues, from both Catalonia and Ireland, with the aim of building public awareness. Speakers include representatives from Donegal based group MAOR.

You Are Now Entering Free Music Derry
Friday 27th July
Masons Bar, Magazine St.
6pm - 9pm Session

Catalan Singer song writer Feliu Ventura will perform during the 629 Session with a number of other Irish artists.

Catalonia: A Nation in Struggle
Pilots Row, 2pm - 4pm
All Welcome.

This year marks the 300 years since the occupation of Catalan Countries by the Spanish & French States. This discussion will give a direct insight into Catalonia's radical movement for independence.

Exploring 'State Terrorism & The Role of Political Prisoners'. With former Irish & Catalan Political Prisoners of War including Pep Musté.

Féle Folk in the Village
Saturday 28th July
The Craft Village 6pm - 10pm
Admission: 3.00 before 7pm

For the first year The Féile Music Committee is delighted that this event is taking place. An outdoor folk explosion in the Craft Village featuring Catalan Singer song writer Feliu Ventura as well as a number of other Irish artists.

We would like to encourage everyone to come a long the above series of events to show your support & solidarity, and also to enjoy the host of other events that this years Féile has to offer.

Footage of 'Catalan' Police Harrasement

2007-05-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

The following sickening footage has been displayed on the YOUTUBE website of Mossos d'Esquadra in their ture colours.

This type of abuse is regular in the police cells across the Catalan Countries and the footage has cause widespread outrage as the Mossos d'Esquadra attempted to justify their actions.

Click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVNrF1e5W9c

Juanra: First interview since his release

2007-05-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Vilaweb has just published an short interview (in Catalan) with Juan Ramón Rodríguez (Juanra) which can be viewed at the following address below.

http://www.vilaweb.tv/?video=4872

Joan Saura defends repression again

2007-05-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

On May 19th the Assemblea d'okupes(squatters meeting) made a call to demonstration for Squatting and for popular and anticapitalist culture. The demonstration was call off shortly after its beginning when it was clear that it could not be done normally due to Mossos d'Esquadra attitude. Even so, the Mossos, with arrogant and violent manners, keep the demo kidnaped for 2 more hours not allowing anyone to enter or leave until the demo was about to arrive to the port. Both Joan Saura, Catalan Home Office councillor d'ICV-EUiA and Imma Mayol, candidate to Barcelona Mayor (from ICV-EUiA as well) have defended the Mossos action.

The demonstration was always surrounded by a strong police cordon, beating anyone willing to enter o leave the demo, sometimes with truncheons and pushes, sometimes with a weapon named kubotan, in fact it seems that more than 15 people have been attacked with this new weapon with doubtful legality as well as the other bruised.

Release of Catalan Political Prisoner Celebrated

2007-05-26T15:06:00.001-07:00

On May 14th, Catalan Political Prisoner, Juan Ramón Rodríguez Fernández was released following 5 years of imprisonment.

Back in 2002, Juanra was extradited to the Spanish State despite widespread solidarity protests and demonstrations throughout Europe at the false charges put against him by the Spanish State.

The Catalan Political Prisoners organisation, RESCAT, held a series of solidarity celebrations upon his release. Members of the Catalan Solidarity raised a glass or two upon his release at 'Free Derry Corner' while using the celebration to demand the release of all Catalan Political Prisoners still being held by the Spanish State. Also in Belfast a symbolic celebration was held in support of Juanra release.

More on the release of Juanra & other images on:
http://rescat.wordpress.com/2007/05/16/cronica-de-la-sortida-den-juanra/

New Video On Police Violence

2007-05-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

After the broadcast of a video on the ill-treatment that the Catalan police inflicted upon a detainee in the Mossos d’Esquadra police station, Alerta Solidària would like to make the following reflections:

• The images show facts that are more than usual within this State which claims it to be democratic. Uncovers the hypocrisy of the heads of police and politicians that too often have omitted previous claims of similar cases of violence.

• Beatings, as well as intimidations and threats of all kinds, have been previously applied to force detainees’ to make self- culpability statements and to prevent that they will make further formal complaints. These are some of the facts collected systematically in reports by international human rights bodies. They have even recommended that measures should be put in place to prevent such abuse practices.

• It’s been acknowleged, that it’s been the great social understanding on this issue, which affects especially specific sections of our society such as the refugees or the political militants and activists, as well as the increase of formal complaints against the police stations, which has forced authorities to open an internal investigation which has led to the release of these images. Therefore Alerta Solidària,

• Calls on the Catalan government to apply once and for all the law they approved on December 1st 2004 which states ‘to implement the recommendations by the U.N. on torture’.

• Calls for all citizens to make formal complaints against all police abuses anyone might suffer, in spite of the threats, the fear and the persistent impunity. Personal dignity must be priority for all.

We are talking about a police body rotten by corruption, which rewards brutality and consciously it promotes impunity, they said.

We only need to remember the Roses case, in which 14 agents were set free after being investigated for tortures suffered by a Moroccan detainee. They covered each other’s backs so the case was dropped for lack of a material author.

And there are many other cases awaiting proper investigations, such as the Torà case.
Finally Alerta Solidària reaffirms its commitment to maintain their continued support for all those who might suffer power abuses, standing in front of repression, and to hold liable all those responsible.

Alerta Solidària
April 2007

COMMUNNIQUÉ FOR THE RELEASE OF LAURA RIERA AND EL DIEGO SÁNCHEZ

2007-05-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

Catalan political prisoners Laura Riera and Diego Sánchez have been moved to Brians prison in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Catalunya.

On April 25th Laura was moved to Soto del Real prison by the Civil Guard, an ordinary move in a police van, in spite her advanced pregnancy. She remained there until April 27th when she was moved to Brians prison by ambulance.

Diego was moved on April 24th by Catalan police force Mossos d’Esquadra, from Picassent prison to Brians.

At present, Laura is in the prison’s infirmary and Diego is in first grade within a special module where Catalan political prisoner Zigor Larredonda had also been priory when he had to attend trial.

Even though both Laura and Diego are currently closer to their family and friends, the association of support to the Catalan political prisoners Rescat, makes a public complaint stating that:

• The move have been carried out without neither the knowledge nor the consent of the prisoners and, that the conditions of such move where unsuitable for Laura due to her advanced pregnancy. Prison moves create confusion, stress and anxiety.

They also disturb prisoners’ routine and their relationships with other comrades inside, so prisoners are much more vulnerable to the pressure received from screws and security forces as there’s no guarantee for the respect of their rights.

• Due to their new situation, both Laura and Diego, will see themselves totally isolated from the rest of the political collective to which they belong (EPPK), making so impossible their active participation in a future process for the resolution of the Basque conflict.

• In Brians prison, where they are presently held, there have been several episodes of maltreatment against the persons held imprisoned there, such as the case of Zigor in 2005 when he suffered abuses from the screws.

Freedom for the Catalan political prisoners now!

Barcelona May 1st 2007

Against the yellow and non-compromised trade unionism, youth prepare for battle

2007-05-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

On May 1st, International Worker’s Day, Maulets condemn those responsible for the present poor labour conditions which affect primarily the young people, and the working class as a whole.

It is necessary to point out all those who practice worker’s exploitation as well as both the Spanish and French government for authorizing the practice of so-called flexible and temporary work which increase the level of insecurity and the rates of unemployment. Therefore we denounce:

• The acceptance by mainstream trade unions of a Labour Reform which doesn’t provide any real solution to the ongoing deterioration of labour conditions borne upon the working class, and which covers up the general acceptance of practices such as temporary work and the payment of premiums to those businesses that reduce the income of the worker’s social security.

• The total submission of the unions to the Bolkestein Directive and the economical rules imposed by the EU which encourage competition among workers and which do not proposes answers to the deterioration of labour conditions throughout the continent.

• The official figures (never challenged against by CCOO and UGT) on permanent contracts due to the cuts that these have suffered.

• The phenomenon of forced temporary contracts, specially on the public sector, which official trade unions haven’t fought against at any time.

• Turning a blind eye towards labour accident rates.

• The lack of implication in the numerous worker struggles that the breaking unions or worker’s collectives have started in front of the neo-liberal offensive.

• The abandonment by the unions of the new arriving people and the total lack of commitment to defend their rights as workers, which are violated daily.

• The pact between the state and the leftist institutions in front of the attacks of capitalism.

The revolutionary independentist youth call for a break through in the struggle against worker’s exploitation as a mean to challenge an economical system and social organisation based upon the most profound injustice.

They are presently building on a political project which aims to gradually break with all forms of oppression on the road to workers unity and socialism within the national frame of the Catalan Countries.

Independence and Revolution!

More info:
http://www.maulets.org
http://www.maulets.org/veure.php?id=514

Yellow Unions Attacked by Revolutionary Catalan Youth

2007-05-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

A group of youth from Maulets, organisation of Youth of the Catalan Independentist Left, threw yellow paint on the Comissions Obreres (CCOO) and UGT banner on May 1st in Barcelona. The paint was yellow to stress the role that both Spanish trade unions have played in the process of today’s poor work conditions.

The young people condemned the collaboration of both CCOO and UGT with the managerial class and the government both of whom year after year agree new laws that worsen work conditions and quality of life.

Source:http://www.maulets.org
http://www.maulets.org/veure.php?id=514

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L01OpdOmBko&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emaulets%2Eorg%2Fveure2%2Ephp%3Fid%3D514

May Day in Catalonia

2007-05-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of people took part in this years International Workers Day or May 1st in Barcelona.

As is the norm, various political and trade union organisations held separate demonstrations through out the day. Although there was a strong police presence at both anarchist and independents gatherings, were they openly monitored and recorded activities even though most demonstrations past off without any confrontation. In most towns and cities across the Catalan Countries workers held similar demonstrations.

Free the February 4th Prisoners

2007-04-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

February 4th 2006, Barcelona:

Three people in Barcelona who were going to the underground metro, past by a squated house where a party was taking place. Few moments earlier, there were several
incidents between the atanding the party and four local police. During the
incidents a flower pot was dropped from the squat’s window.

The flower pot hit one of the police officer’s on the head which left him in a coma. Shortly after that lot of police arrived and began beating everyody who was around the neighbourhood. Nine people in total were arrested. Five of those had never even been in the squatted house at all. Three of those arrested were: Alex, Rodri and Juan who are from South America.

Alex, Rodri and Juan were brought to the police station. All were brutally
beaten, harassed, insulted, threatened and tortured.

Barcelona’s mayor made a statement afterwards claiming that the injured police man had been hit by a flower pot dropped from a window of the squat. Alex, Rodri and Juan had
never even been into the house.

Few hours later the mayor councillior changed his mind and said that the people who were outside the house had thrown stones to the police and one of which had hit the police officer who is now in a state of coma.

Alex, Rodri and Juan were charged with: “attempting to injure members of the authorities and attempted homicide”. Juan, like the other ones arrested were charged
with “attempt to authorities and injures”.

Inspite of all this, all of these people arrested were released apart from Juan, Alex and Rodri. The authorities later said that they were foreigners and that they would try to escape.

After which the charges were changed to: The six released people were charged with “attempting to harm the authorities” and Alex, Rodri and Juan were charged with “attempting to harm the authorities and injure with a weapon”.

It’s obvious: that there was a police officer in a coma and they needed to imprison somebody for it, even though they had no evidence against them.

End of April, 2007:

Today more than one year imprisoned awaiting trial: At the beginning of this trail everyone thought that they would be released in a short time because there wasn’t any relevant evidence against them, but unfortunately it was not the case.
To date all the legal options have been exhausted. All three including Rodrigo’s mother began a hunger strike in protest for 30 days in June and July 2006 and set up a number of support groups and to date more and more people continue to call for their immediate freedom.

The latest trial has now said to begin within the next months. Just recently the enquiry agreed that torture was inflicted on those currently imprisoned.

We can not forget any of those imprisoned. Prison is a way of torture. That’s why those imprisoned who are more known as the ‘4th of February’ and all them need our
support and solidarity from the outside. We can’t afford to forget that these people exist.

Freedom for Alex, Rodri and Juan!
Freedom for All Political Prioners!

More info:

http://presos4f.blogspot.com/2007/03/novedades-denuncias-de-torturas.html

300 years: Resistance Continues!

2007-04-26T03:49:00.000-07:00

Demonstrations and protests have already got underway throughout the Catalan Countries marking the '300 years of Occupation & Resistance' Campaign. Various campaign groups have posted news items, photos and reports on actions to date on Barcelona Indymedia. Below are links to some protests so far:

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301228/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301225/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301211/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301147/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301516/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301498/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301456/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301413/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301409/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301407/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301402/index.php

http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/301397/index.php

Catalan Solidarity Day Of Action In Derry

2007-04-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

Members of the Catalan Solidarity:Ireland Committee gathered at ‘Free Derry Corner’ in Derry’s Bogside as part of a day of international solidarity action in conjunction with widespread protests and demonstrations throughout the Catalan Countries.

This year mark’s the 300th anniversary of the occupation of the Catalan Countries by the Spanish forces of occupation following the battle of Almansa in 1707.

During today’s solidarity action the Catalan flag (Estelada) was raised on Free Derry Wall as a symbolic gesture of solidarity to the Catalan people as part the ‘300 years of occupation- 300 years of resistance’ campaign.

As part of the event protesters wore white masks on which the Spanish Flag was placed over their mouths, symbolizing the continual denial of the rights such as self-determination and sovereignty of the Catalan people as a nation.

Following the event at Free Derry Corner protesters distributed information leaflets in Derry's city centre.

Despite heavy rain and strong winds, a spokesperson for the Catalan Solidarity:Ireland Committee thanked those “taking part in today’s action and the solidarity received from the people of Derry”.

“Today’s date cannot be easily forgotten as both the national and social oppression by the Spanish State over the Catalan Countries still continues. Likewise, we can not forget one part of our country, Northern Catalonia, which has been occupied for more than 300 years by the French State.

“In spite of the historical significance of 2007 our country’s occupation was not completed until 1715 when Mallorca fell. The Catalan Countries’ occupation lasted so long due to the wave of popular resistance.

“We view today’s symbolic action in Derry as an important gesture in international solidarity and we would like to thank everyone for taking part in today’s action and the solidarity received from the people of Derry. The Catalan people are fully aware of the enormous strength and courage that the people of Derry and the Bogside in particular in facing down oppression.

”For the Catalan people, we find evidence of that resistance in the continuation to date of the independentist movement which, in spite of years of torture, war, dictatorship, imprisonment and exile, has stood firmly against Spanish occupation challenging the economical and socio-political order established upon the Catalan people.

“This is why we celebrate the ‘300 years of occupation- 300 years of resistance’ campaign. We invite all organisations to keep on defending our language and our culture from Spanish bullying impositions. “

Let's Celebrate Juanra's Release!

2007-04-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

On May 14th, Catalan Political Prisoner, Juan Ramón Rodríguez Fernández will be released following 5 years of imprisonment.

Following his arrest in Holland and a several court hearings on ‘trumped-up’ charges brought by a notorious Spanish Judge connecting Juanra with links with the Basque group ETA. On October 23rd 2003, Juanra was extradited to the Spanish State despite widespread solidarity protests and demonstrations throughout Europe.

The Catalan Political Prisoners organisation, RESCAT, will be holding a series of solidarity celebrations upon his release.They invite people to celebrate somehow his release on May 14th and to send pictures of the event which will be printed and handed out to him.

The Catalan Solidarity: Ireland Committee takes this opportunity to also extend our solidarity greetings to Juanra. Visca Irlanda! Visca Catalunya!

You can send messages of solidarity to Juanra directly to campaign by emailing: llibertatjuanra@gmail.com.

If you or your group has organised any events etc upon his release then please contact info@rescat.org

For those interested in Juanra's campaign click on the links below:
http://www.freejuanra.org/en/index.html

Catalan Solidarity Protest Free Derry Corner

2007-04-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday 25th April at midday, the Catalan Solidarity Ireland Committee will hold a symbolic solidarity protest at Free Derry Corner in conjunction with widespread demonstrations throughout the Catalan Countries.

The protests mark’s the 300th anniversary of the occupation of the Catalan Countries by the Spanish State following the battle of Almansa in 1707.

We invite all organisations to keep on defending our language and our culture from Spanish bullying impositions. We invite all associations which work daily to transmit the historical truth lived within the Catalan Countries.

We invite all the people who want take a stand to end with 300 years of occupation to participate in showing our refusal to this economical and national colonization.

We won’t be silenced in front of the injustices committed against our people.

300 Years of Occupation - 300 Years of Resistance!

Bon Pastor demolition begins

2007-04-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

On Monday April 16th, 2007, the diggers have begun the Bon Pastor's cheap houses demolition; these were popular buildings constructed by the Patronat Municipal de l'Habitatge in 1929 to house immigrants who came to Barcelona from Murcia, Andalucía and Catalunya interiors looking for a job. During 80 years the houses inhabitants have been abandoned and they've had to keep their homes with their own money and efforts. And now that the city has reached the district, the Patronat remembers its terrains and starts tearing down houses.

The Associació de Veïns(Neighbours association) has achieved to persuade the neighbourhood not only that 80 years of history were not worth conserving, but even that there were no need to indemnify anyone affected. The dream of owning a flat has divided the neighbours and has created a diffuse uneasiness which adds to the mobbing that are suffering the neighbours who resist. SOLIDARITY WITH BON PASTOR NEIGHBOURS' STRUGGLES.

300 Years of Occupation - 300 Years of Resistance!

2007-04-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the occupation of the Catalan Countries by the Spanish State following the battle of Almansa in 1707. This date cannot be easily forgotten as both the national and social oppression by the Spanish State over the Catalan Countries still continues.

Likewise, we can not forget one part of our country, Northern Catalonia, which has been occupied for more than 300 years by the French State.

In spite of the historical significance of 2007 our country’s occupation was not completed until 1715 when Mallorca fell. The Catalan Countries’ occupation lasted so long due to the wave of popular resistance.

We find evidence of that resistance in the continuation to date of the independentist movement which, in spite of years of torture, war, dictatorship, imprisonment and exile, has stood firmly against Spanish occupation challenging the economical and socio-political order established upon the Catalan people.

This is why we celebrate the “300 years of occupation- 300 years of resistance” campaign. We invite all organisations to keep on defending our language and our culture from Spanish bullying impositions. We invite all associations which work daily to transmit the historical truth lived within the Catalan Countries. We invite all the people who want take a stand to end with 300 years of occupation to participate in showing our refusal to this economical and national colonization. We won’t be silenced in front of the injustices committed against our people. We shall only stop when we are free!

300 Years of Occupation - 300 Years of Resistance!

FREEDOM FOR NURIA!

2007-04-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Nuria Portulas who is a Catalan citizen was arrested on February 7th 2007.
She spent 2 days in solitary confinement under the anti-terrorist law, following which, she gave evidence in court. Thereafter the judge ordered that she would remain in custody to await trial for charges of collaboration with an armed group (she could spend up to 4 years in jail without trial).

Her only crime was to express her solidarity with other anarchists imprisoned and the possession of some anarchist leaflets.

Every week there is a rally in various palces demanding her freedom.

This is another example of the Spanish State's repression against any form of political opposition.

more info: http://elsud.org/nuri/

Spanish Repression Against Catalan Social Movements

2007-03-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

After 30 years from the beginning of the “democratic” regime, the spanish state still doesn’t accept the dissident voices, using every kind of repression against them. Methods such as torture, lies and criminalisation are used nowodays by the Spanish institutions.

In Catalonia there are a lot of examples of this state violence. The spanish police forces (Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil) have been accused of all kinds of abuse of power. In recent years, a new police brigade is being introduced in the northern area of Catalonia. It is Mossos d’Esquadra, described by the Spanish State as a catalan police force, at the mercy of the catalan autonomous government, who is at the same time, at the mercy of the spanish government.

This new police force, started out in 2003, arresting three people from a small catalan village called Torà, under the anti-terrorist laws. One of the arrested, Jordi Vilaseca, was hospitalised after five days of solitary confinement in a police station.

During that period, Jordi was beaten and drugged by the officers. The torture of Jordi Vilaseca was proven fact due to detailed medical analysis in the hospital, which reported anfetamines in his blood ingested for sure during several days of detention by the ‘catalan’ police. Following that, Jordi and the other two arrested during this time, were jailed in a Madrid Prison, over 620 km. away from his home town. After two months, the families had pay €30.000 to the government for their bail bond for temporary release. The three people, who are still on bail are currently waiting a trial date to be set by the spanish high courts.

At the same time, Jordi has since reported the various levels of tortures which he had suffered at the hands of the ‘Catalan’ police, has since decided to take it to court.

Finally, the judges consideration has confirmed twice that there’s not enough evidences of tortures (!), saying that is not necessary to still investigate what happened during their arrest. No police officers involved in Jordi’s case has been questioned or interrogated and it looks like there’s no possibility of finding out just who was involved in torturing Jordi.

This practise is used very often by the spanish institutions, who still adhere to the line that “torture is a thing of the past”. However lots of organizations such as Amnesty International, Alerta Solidària or OSPDH (organization that belongs to University of Barcelona) report that torture is widespread in police stations and prisons throughout the spanish state. Such acts of torture is being systematically silenced by the mass media, in spite of case’s such as what happened to Jordi, there is evidence available that can’t be ignored.

The Spanish State Tortures & Murders!
Freedom for Jordi from Torà! Stop the Torture!
Freedom for all catalan political prisoners!

Barcelona March 8th, '07: free from patriarchy!

2007-03-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

On this day where the value of women's contributions to our society is claimed, a day to denounce women discrimination on several fields of human activity and a day to fight for women liberation, make us remember and commemorate the official creation of "mujeres libres" (free women), main precursors of our today feminist struggles.

Many Actions took place on March 8th from protests, discussions musical events etc such as:

Women and electronic music was a series of talks on "DONA I SOCIETAT" (WOMEN & SOCIETY), taking a critical look on gender perspectives which was held at University of Barcelona.

Cajei had a debate on young people fight sexism.

Women in Gelida held a debate titled: Let's talk about women.

In Vilafranca by a group called Revolutionary Platform had a series of Workshops on gender relationships on TV ads

Source: indymedia Barcelona

Protest Demostrations in Support of Catalan Political Prisoners

2007-03-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

On March 3rd 2007 several hundred people took part in solidarity protests in support of political prisoners held in Picassent. Protests gathered outside the prison Crònica de la II Marxa in Picassent while listening to speeches.

Click on link below to view video of protests:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy2AyVHXDgo

Trial of Three Maulets Militants

2007-02-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

On February 7th, the trial of three militants of the Catalan revolutionary independentist youth movement Maulets will begin who have been accused of ‘injuring and threatening’ behaviour from a number of well known fascists in the city of Valéncia: all of them are members of the student fascist group ‘Estudiantes por la Libertad’ (Students For Freedom).

We remind, the readers, that the facts which lead to this trial come from a series of small incidents that happened during the election week in the Valéncian University.

As regards the request for this trial, from the Catalan revolutionary independentist youth of Maulets we would like to outline the following:

* We support the call made by anti-reppressive organisation of the independentist left, Alerta Solidària, and encourage the Catalan youth to participate in the demonstration that will be held on February 7th at 11.30am outside of the court house in Valéncia.

* We denounce this new ‘political trial’ that aims to silence the voices of the Catalan youth who are organised and who combat fascism.

* We denounce once again that independentism is being castigated by the Spanish State for daring to give an answer to the attacks that we suffer from the extreme right.

* We denounce the impunity that this fascist groups dispose of these days. We remind, the readers, that these people are the same ones who painted the university library, who have constantly attacked the social centre Terra de Benimaclet, who have assaulted students or those who have attacked in many occasions the Student Union of the Catalan Countries (SEPC).

* We demand the immediate release of the three people, militants of Maulets and SEPC who have been put on charges.Their only crime is being young and left wing.

Stop Fascist Aggression!
Immediate Release of Anti-Fascist Youth!

Solidarity at Annual Bloody Sunday Commemoration

2007-01-30T04:28:00.000-08:00

Members and supporters of the Catalan Solidarity Ireland Committee took part in this years Bloody Sunday commemorative march in Derry.

This year marked the 35th year of which the relatives of those murdered and wounded by British Paratroopers, demonstrated with the people of Derry and across Ireland to demand truth and justice.

Thousands of people from across Ireland and many political backgrounds attended what has now become an annual week long solidarity event that includes political debate, theatre, music as well as a commemorative vigil to those murdered whilst attending a peaceful march and rally through the Derry back in January 1972.

Communique of Endavant (OSAN) In relation to the arrest of two members of the Assembly of Independentist Youth of Badalona (AJIB-The Avant-Garde)

2007-01-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

On 3 January, the Local Police in Badalona stopped 2 militants of the Assembly of Independentist Youth of Badalona (AJIB) who were squating a property in the neighborhood of Badaloní Progress.

Regarding these facts, we (Endevant, OSAN) show our solidarity and we, the two arrested along with the AJIB in the work that it carries out daily in Badalona, believe that repression will not stop the fight of this assembly or of the young people of the independence movement and revolutionaries of the Catalan Countries.

We denounce the illegal arrest of both activists and the unacceptable and delirious accusation of "robbery with intent". Once again the repressive bodies are attempting to divert the debate regarding the issue of squating, inventing accusations and criminalizing the movement. Attempting to stop freedom of speech and as well as the project that goes along with every squat that is established in society.

At present, due to the price increase in housing, miserable salaries, poor work conditions etc and also to the lack of disposable public premises. The young people practically only have the option to squat to have access to housing or in other types of premises available to them. A place to meet to develop cultural and political activities without institutional restrictions.

Because of this we ask for their immediate release without conditions place upon these two activists and so we reiterate our support for them.

Source: Endavant (Socialist Organization of National Liberation)

Unity Gathering in Solidarity with the Basque Country

2007-01-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

Today, January 20th, around a hundred people gathered in St. Jaume Square in Barcelona in Solidarity with the Basque Country.

STATEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY

Without Democracy there is No Peace. Self- Determination

The process for the resolution of the political conflict which is about to start in the Basque Country, has as an objective to create the democratic bases to overcome the confrontation, including all the political options within the Basque society, around two negotiation tables: one consisting of political parties, trade unions and social organisations with the aim to reach a common agreement. And another one formed by E.T.A. and the Spanish Government, in order to promote demilitarization and to resolve the situation of the Basque political prisoners.

E.T.A. called a ceasefire in March 2006. Both the French and Spanish authoritites must give a firm step forward towards peace. There is a feeling of hope amongst the Basque people. The overcoming of conflict is possible. In order for negotiations to progress participation is required from everyone in the struggle for a democratic solution for the rights of the Basque Country.

For these reasons, we make a call to both the French and Spanish State to get involved in the process of dialogue and negotiation, accepting the right of the Basque people to decide upon their own future.

Source: http://www.ccsi-si.org/

Legal Action Against The Aggressive Eviction & Robbery of Calamarsa Squat

2007-01-20T14:29:00.000-08:00

On Monday, those injured during the eviction of Calamarsa (Hail Storm) in Sabadell, who intend to present 4 legal complaints of aggression and one for robbery against the Local Police to the courts of Sabadell, news of this was received by Alerta Solidària (Solidarity Alert).

During the eviction of the CALAMARSA premises which occurred last month, Local Police reloaded twice against the occupants in an operation which resulted in several people wounded, 5 of who have decided to issue legal action for injuries received.

Also, complaints of robbery will be issued for the confiscation of items such as posters, books or minutes of meetings.

Source: Solidarity Alert

Solidarity Action with Catalan Political Prisoners

2007-01-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

The Assembly of Youth of the Figaró and La Garriga (AJFG) "La República", in support to the fight of the collective "Rescat" (rescue) in the solidarity with Catalan Political Prisoners, held a protest on the 23 of December, we displayed a banner in the middle of the Square of Can Dachs de La Garriga and distributed papers to claim the political status, the regroupment and the amnesty of Zigor, Laura, Diego, Lola, Juanra and Marina.

We had our faces covered with white masks and the mouth was covered by two crossed black tapes, as a symbol of the denial by the Spanish State to the democratic right of freedom of speech and self-determination, and to denounce that the Spanish State continues to repress the Catalan youth.

We brought torches to symbolize that in spite of the repression the fight continues, that the flame of the Catalan Countries resists and that the youth will continue to grow in order to construct a better future for our village.

Everybody is not here!!! The prisoners are missing!!!!
Independence and socialism!!

AJFG "La República"
Member of the Coordinator of Youngsters Assemblies of the Secessionist Left (CAJEI)

Six Years of RESCAT

2007-01-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

In Barcelona, Catalan antirepressive Political Prisoners solidarity collective RESCAT celebrate six years of agition and protest from January '01 to January '07.

There will be an evening gathering of the families and friends of the Catalan Political Prisoners with entertainment and discussions.

The Catalan Solidarity Ireland Committee extend our solidarity.

Amnesty For All Catalan Political Prisoners!
We Want You All Home!