March on Capitol Hill to Close the SOA and to Resist U.S. Militarization in the Americas
closethesoa
On Monday, April 16, 2012, human rights activists took to the streets around Capitol Hill in a...See more
On Monday, April 16, 2012, human rights activists took to the streets
around Capitol Hill in a spirited parade, culminating a week of trainings,
workshops, music and lobbying to close the School of the Americas. Police
on foot, bicycle, motorcycle and in vehicles prohibited free passage of the
march, limiting SOA Watch activists abilities to be heard and seen by
Congressional staff. Thirteen were arrested as they tried to lead the march
down Independence Avenue in front of the Congressional buildings, but were
impeded by dozens of police who blockaded their passage and expression of
free speech.
The 13 were released over 6 hours later and ironically charged with "blocking passage". Read their statements here.
Inside Congress, students, teachers, labor leaders and activists pressed their Representatives to cosponsor HR3368, the bill to suspend and investigate the SOA/WHINSEC. The weekend's conference, strategy sessions and concert brought organizers together around issues of de-militarization, joining the thousands in Cartagena, Colombia, who attended the People's Summit of the Americas.
We will not be silenced. Despite police censorship of our message, the movement to close the SOA/WHINSEC will continue to demand a closure of the School of Assassins and an end to militarization. Our efforts are compounded with the knowledge that we will prevail!
The 13 were released over 6 hours later and ironically charged with "blocking passage". Read their statements here.
Inside Congress, students, teachers, labor leaders and activists pressed their Representatives to cosponsor HR3368, the bill to suspend and investigate the SOA/WHINSEC. The weekend's conference, strategy sessions and concert brought organizers together around issues of de-militarization, joining the thousands in Cartagena, Colombia, who attended the People's Summit of the Americas.
We will not be silenced. Despite police censorship of our message, the movement to close the SOA/WHINSEC will continue to demand a closure of the School of Assassins and an end to militarization. Our efforts are compounded with the knowledge that we will prevail!
