International Protest against Police Brutality-13 May 2005.In memory of Nicolas Neira Alvarez, 15 years old.Following the death of Nicolas Neira, who was detained and savagely beaten by riot police during the May Day march in Bogota, social organisations across Colombia and the world are urging their supporters to send messages of protest to the Colombian authorities on 13 May 2005. 15 year old Nicolas, a secondary school student who was marching with the “libertarian block“ was stopped during the May Day march by members of the specialist ESMAD riot squad. Several riot police then beat him into unconsciousness. Following the assault, the police, instead of calling for an ambulance, called for reinforcements to attack witnesses to their brutality, several of whom were subsequently hit with rubber bullets. Unlike regular Colombian police, ESMAD members wear no identification tags and cover their faces with balaclavas. Nicolas was eventually taken to hospital, where he remained in a coma until he died on 6 May. Since his death, the police have launched a vicious campaign to slander Nicolas and his family. Nicolas’ father has complained of almost constant threats against him during the last week, which he is sure are coming from the police themselves. Similarly, on 8 May the police appeared on national television accusing Nicolas of painting slogans in support of jailed FARC leader Simon Trinidad at the time of his arrest. Nicolas’ friends want you to know that this is completely false, lies invented by the police to try to justify his killing. Please send messages of protest to the authorities listed below, urging: 1.. The immediate capture of the ESMAD agents responsible for Nicolas Neira’s death. 2.. The immediate dissolution of the ESMAD squads. 3.. Protection for the family of Nicolas Neira, who since his death have been receiving constant death threats from the police. 4.. That the Colombian State and all state entities take proper measures to protect the right to social protest and mobilisation, and the freedom of expression. To: President Alvaro Uribe Velez: auribe@presidencia.gov.co Sample Letter below: Dear Sir I am writing to express my horror at the vile murder of 15 year old Nicolas Neira Alvarez, at the hands of the police during the May Day march in Bogota. I urge the Colombian authorities to take all appropriate measures to arrest and sanction those agents responsible. Furthermore I urge you to immediately disband the ESMAD riot squads in the face of such overwhelming evidence that they abuse their special powers and dispensations for such murderous ends. Finally, I ask that the Colombian State and all state entities put into practice measures to protect the right to protest and freedom of expression that are guaranteed by national and international norms. I also request that you take the necessary measures to protect the lives of Nicolas Neira’s family, who have received a string of threats following Nicolas’ death. The International community will hold the Colombian police and government responsible, should anything happen to them Yours sincerely Day School and AGM, 18 and 19 June 2005Conway Hall, Red Lion Square
|