The Guardian 12 March, 2008
Vigil for Colombia
stays peaceful despite provocations
At least six pro-Uribe Colombians tried to provoke confrontation with peaceful demonstrators at a March 6 Vigil for Peace and Justice in Perth, Western Australia. The vigil was part of an international day of action, including in Colombia itself. Vigils were also held in other capital cities.
More than 30 supporters of Peace and Justice in Colombia gathered at the corner of William and Hay Street in Perth to call for an end to state terrorism, a humanitarian exchange of prisoners of war and a political solution to the social and armed conflict in Colombia.
A Colombian woman who identified herself as correspondent for Radio Caracol in Colombia angrily attacked those present and requested the name of the vigil organiser for an interview with radio Caracol.
She proceeded to use her mobile phone to ring "Pro Uribe" supporters. One of them recorded speeches and photographed all those present. When questioned about his actions, he replied one of his relatives "worked for the Colombian army".
In general the vigil was a success, with passers-by taking information leaflets and some stopping to talk about the question of peace in Colombia.
In Adelaide supporters of Peace and Justice in Colombia gathered at Hindmarsh Square in the evening for a candlelight vigil.
SA Unions Secretary Janet Giles spoke of the extreme challenges facing trade unionists in Colombia, which has the lamentable "honour" of being the most dangerous place on earth for carrying on the task of organising workers.
Rally organiser and Secretary of the Health Services Union in SA, Jorge Navas, gave details of the tragic toll of paramilitary and state violence against the people in order for transnational corporations to take over their land and to increase the exploitation of labour there.
Visiting retired Electrical Trades Union official, John Cleary, put the events taking place in Colombia into the broader context of a reaction by the US and Colombian governments against the tide of progressive social and political change taking place in Latin America today.