Atenco PRESENTE!! en California

The humble and valient people of Atenco continue their struggle for land and liberty. After the Mexican government in conjunction with "FREE TRADE" agreements tried to take away their farm land in 2001 through 2003 with plans to replace their farmland with an international airport. The farmers became known as the "macheteros" who said we will die before you take us away from our indigenous roots to our land.

The humble farmers of Atenco, after a 2 year battle, WON and saved their land forcing the corrupt government to lose the billions of dollars they had planned to make from the airport over their farmland.

3 years later, the Mexican government took vengance against these people as the same farmers of Atenco stood in defense of flower vendors who were being forced away from their land and sales due to desires to put in a WAL MART.

On the 3 and 4 of May 2006, over 200 people were brutally beaten and arrested including elderly and disabled, young and old, two young men killed, and about 40 women raped.

Now, the struggle continues with an international movement growing including Noam Chomsky, Manu Chao, Cafe Tacvba, and many many more signing on to the campaign for the release of the remaining 12 prisoners and two persecuted who have been living in exile for over 3 years now.

Join us December 10th in international day of solidarity with Atenco as 10s of thousands will gather in Atenco, including actors, musicians, and people from around the world to demand the Mexican government REVIEW THE CASES of the prisoners of Atenco, and TRANSFER the 3 prisoners currently in a prison recognized as being worse than Guantanamo Bay--Mexico's highest security prison where Ignacio de Valle, Felipe Alvarez, and Hector Galindo remain locked with sentences as high as 112 years with the most violent drug lords and murders of the country.

Their only crime? Standing up for their rights and freedom to cultivate their own land.

Solidarity Actions will consist of approaching any local Mexican Consulate offices, presenting them with letters demanding the same review of the cases of the prisoners of Atenco, letting Mexican government know that ATENCO IS NOT ALONE! and the whole world is watching!