Posted on 2-6-2004

Mobilization in Guadalajara
Indymedia.org, 31 May 2004


As part of the global social movement, which has been taking place
since Seattle ‘99, days of Social Action have been organised in
Guadalajara, Mexico, with reference to the III ALCUE (Latin American,
Caribbean and European Union)summit , taking place at the centre of
this city. The days of action have consisted of a series of forums and
workshops where people look for alternatives to neoliberal policies,
as well as organising cultural activities and street celebrations.

The main event was scheduled for Friday May 28, this was a well-attended
demonstration which began, as planned, at 4 pm at the Minerva square,
where different representatives from social movements came together. At
that moment the group “Food No Bombs” was distributing free food at one
side of the square.

At 5 pm the demonstrators started to march down the Vallarta avenue.
Around 2,500 people had gathered from all over the country and also from
abroad. The participating groups were extremely diverse, from peasants,
students, trade unions and teachers, to civil associations, anarchists
groups, sexual rights groups and even political parties. All of them cried
out slogans, sang songs, danced to the son of “Resistance Rhythms”, while
showing their opposition to the neoliberal policies of the Third ALCUE
summit. Each group showed a particular form of expression. The crowd was
colourful and celebratory, pacifically advancing under the blazing sun and
the curious looks of the passer-by's.

When they reached the crossing of avenues 16 de Septiembre and Juárez,
beside the main square where the Government Palace is located, the
demonstration was stopped by a crush barrier and policemen standing on 16
de Septiembre Avenue. At that moment, a group of activists broke away from
the crowd and went towards the crush barrier to move it out of the way.
The demonstration partially disintegrated due to various groups and
individuals that began to withdraw, while others remained at the crossing
of these two avenues. The confrontation took place when parts of the
barrier were taken down and the police sprayed an unknown toxic substance,
more irritating than pepper or tear gas, which they used once the
demonstrators had reacted to this aggression by throwing stones, sticks,
parts of the barrier and anything at their reach. There are hints that
among the group of activists there were instigators who might have
encouraged the confrontation. From the Juárez avenue, another police
contingent advanced on the demonstrators, who ran away while some
individuals broke banks and shops windows. People totally dispersed
finally, with the detention of demonstrators who were in squares and other
public spaces. At this instance, it is known that 68 people were arrested,
including foreigners and various people injured. A day of action for the
liberation of the detainees is planned for Saturday 29.