Comments on: Guatemala: Protests for Assassinated Lawyer Streamed Live from Laptops in the Streets http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Sun, 26 May 2013 09:09:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490259 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490259 @Xeni my mom went there today, she's a journalist so she had a critical eye of the protests. People protesting against president Colom were never violent towards police or other protesters (that Colom himself hired to manifest support towards the president) Media coverage of this event has been technically nonexistent or inaccurate. I was listening to Sonora Radio on my way to school and they were mentioning that protesters were insolent and violent, which was untrue according to what I heard via my mom's phone reports and other testimonies of people who attended the protest. Here is Audio live from the Protest that explains what is happenning: http://thevenomousone.tumblr.com/post/106899651/escandalogt-manifestacion-audio @Xeni my mom went there today, she’s a journalist so she had a critical eye of the protests. People protesting against president Colom were never violent towards police or other protesters (that Colom himself hired to manifest support towards the president)

Media coverage of this event has been technically nonexistent or inaccurate. I was listening to Sonora Radio on my way to school and they were mentioning that protesters were insolent and violent, which was untrue according to what I heard via my mom’s phone reports and other testimonies of people who attended the protest.

Here is Audio live from the Protest that explains what is happenning:

http://thevenomousone.tumblr.com/post/106899651/escandalogt-manifestacion-audio

]]> By: pedro_ramirez http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490260 pedro_ramirez Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490260 Hello, I am Guatemalan, and things are ugly right now. A follow up to Miss Jardin: violence in the streets has been incrementing for the past two years, since this president took office(although organized crime has been on the rise for the last 13 years, when the war ended and retired military and guerrillas alike turned to drug trafficking, kidnapping and contraband), mostly claiming the lives of people on the periphery of the city and bus drivers for not paying a "tax" to the street gangs, or narc related killings in the country. It's breathtaking, 18 murders a day in Guatemala City alone, because the government has neglected the need for an increase in police force and investigative power, the courts are peopled by corrupt judges (2 in 100 cases turns into a conviction), also and because of that, the people are afraid to press charges fearing retaliation. Instead, the government spends millions of dollars on "social solidarity" programs that are plain propaganda for a continuity of governance, and good ole fashioned stealing. Now, these murders with a political footprint are another thing entirely, bringing back memories of the 36 year war waged between the state and the guerrillas, and the military juntas and coup de etat that were the norm in the seventies and early eighties. One thing to know about the video the lawyer made is that not only did he accuse the president and high level officials of his impending murder, he also called for all Guatemalans to unite and make a front against the impunity and corruption of the current government(the executive, congress and courts alike). Because print media are very slow to react, and the TV stations are in the service of the government, people here have had to rely on word of mouth to inform themselves of things going on around them, but now with facebook, blogging and all the other tools at hand, building that front is not taking much effort but giving voice to what everyone here knows but does not speak. I wasn't in the protest this afternoon, because I'm working in Antigua Guatemala, but my brother was. All my friends from high school and college were. They got together on a facebook group. Peace Hello, I am Guatemalan, and things are ugly right now.
A follow up to Miss Jardin: violence in the streets has been incrementing for the past two years, since this president took office(although organized crime has been on the rise for the last 13 years, when the war ended and retired military and guerrillas alike turned to drug trafficking, kidnapping and contraband), mostly claiming the lives of people on the periphery of the city and bus drivers for not paying a “tax” to the street gangs, or narc related killings in the country.

It’s breathtaking, 18 murders a day in Guatemala City alone, because the government has neglected the need for an increase in police force and investigative power, the courts are peopled by corrupt judges (2 in 100 cases turns into a conviction), also and because of that, the people are afraid to press charges fearing retaliation. Instead, the government spends millions of dollars on “social solidarity” programs that are plain propaganda for a continuity of governance, and good ole fashioned stealing.
Now, these murders with a political footprint are another thing entirely, bringing back memories of the 36 year war waged between the state and the guerrillas, and the military juntas and coup de etat that were the norm in the seventies and early eighties.
One thing to know about the video the lawyer made is that not only did he accuse the president and high level officials of his impending murder, he also called for all Guatemalans to unite and make a front against the impunity and corruption of the current government(the executive, congress and courts alike). Because print media are very slow to react, and the TV stations are in the service of the government, people here have had to rely on word of mouth to inform themselves of things going on around them, but now with facebook, blogging and all the other tools at hand, building that front is not taking much effort but giving voice to what everyone here knows but does not speak.

I wasn’t in the protest this afternoon, because I’m working in Antigua Guatemala, but my brother was. All my friends from high school and college were. They got together on a facebook group.

Peace

]]> By: jjacobs http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-492060 jjacobs Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-492060 Thanks for your support. For the whole coverage you can view our broadcast at: http://www.libertopolis.com/transmision-en-vivo-desde-el-estudio/ Today, one guatemalan twitter was arrested on charges of "financial panic"... Thanks for your support. For the whole coverage you can view our broadcast at:
http://www.libertopolis.com/transmision-en-vivo-desde-el-estudio/

Today, one guatemalan twitter was arrested on charges of “financial panic”…

]]> By: Brainspore http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490270 Brainspore Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490270 My wife and I backpacked around Guatemala last year, I'd had no idea that the "chicken bus" drivers faced such danger from narcotics gangs. I was worried enough about the giant scorpion that I found on my backpack after it spent some time in the back of the bus with a few crates of bananas. I was struck by how casual the bribery to cross the border was, though. It's so systematic and routine that you wouldn't even know that it wasn't a legitimate processing fee if you went there without a guidebook. But for the equivalent of $5 U.S. I wasn't about to risk a Guatemalan detention cell by raising a fuss about it. My wife and I backpacked around Guatemala last year, I’d had no idea that the “chicken bus” drivers faced such danger from narcotics gangs. I was worried enough about the giant scorpion that I found on my backpack after it spent some time in the back of the bus with a few crates of bananas.

I was struck by how casual the bribery to cross the border was, though. It’s so systematic and routine that you wouldn’t even know that it wasn’t a legitimate processing fee if you went there without a guidebook. But for the equivalent of $5 U.S. I wasn’t about to risk a Guatemalan detention cell by raising a fuss about it.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-492594 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-492594 Now there are two guatemalans arrested over different "crimes", besides the twitter charged with "financial panic", there was this young guy that was arrested because he was distributing CDs containing Rodrigo Rosenberg's video. He was charged with "conspiracy against government". And he is being held prisoner at a local Police Station. Now there are two guatemalans arrested over different “crimes”, besides the twitter charged with “financial panic”, there was this young guy that was arrested because he was distributing CDs containing Rodrigo Rosenberg’s video.

He was charged with “conspiracy against government”. And he is being held prisoner at a local Police Station.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490296 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490296 I live in Guatemala now. This is mind-blasting - until yesterday I thought that the president is just an idiot. Today I know that he is an assassin. The international community needs to support here. It's not possible to let this pass by without any major action. People are afraid to protest, so this little uproar today was already something big. I can only ask all Guatemalans and everybody who like Guatemala in anyway to protest, to move, to insist, to communicate and not stop doing so until we can start living in Guatemala again - without a murderer as a president! I live in Guatemala now. This is mind-blasting – until yesterday I thought that the president is just an idiot. Today I know that he is an assassin. The international community needs to support here. It’s not possible to let this pass by without any major action. People are afraid to protest, so this little uproar today was already something big. I can only ask all Guatemalans and everybody who like Guatemala in anyway to protest, to move, to insist, to communicate and not stop doing so until we can start living in Guatemala again – without a murderer as a president!

]]> By: tricky http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490552 tricky Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490552 a very limited coverage appeared tonight on TV news, they briefly mentioned the subject and didn't mention any names of the accused on the video, but later they did mention it was against the president. What worries me is that he's still saying that this is a plot against him, same thing he's been saying for two years now, also he mentioned in an interview that "these people have more martyrs ready, he won't be the last, more is to come, it's all a plot against this government" I'm scared to think this is a veiled threat from the president himself... also, no coverage about the protest, only mentions of the "support" protest a very limited coverage appeared tonight on TV news, they briefly mentioned the subject and didn’t mention any names of the accused on the video, but later they did mention it was against the president. What worries me is that he’s still saying that this is a plot against him, same thing he’s been saying for two years now, also he mentioned in an interview that “these people have more martyrs ready, he won’t be the last, more is to come, it’s all a plot against this government” I’m scared to think this is a veiled threat from the president himself…

also, no coverage about the protest, only mentions of the “support” protest

]]> By: nosehat http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490553 nosehat Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490553 @ #9 Anonymous: How, exactly, can the international community support you? Just being "aware" of this does nothing to actually help you. @ #9 Anonymous:

How, exactly, can the international community support you? Just being “aware” of this does nothing to actually help you.

]]> By: JayeRandom http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-491069 JayeRandom Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-491069 Is there any significance to the "bird" hand gesture being displayed in the photo on the banner in the last photo? Is there any significance to the “bird” hand gesture being displayed in the photo on the banner in the last photo?

]]> By: Xeni Jardin http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-491073 Xeni Jardin Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-491073 I believe it's a sign for Colom's political party. The implication is also, a bird of peace, new beginning for postwar Guatemala still reeling in violence. I believe it’s a sign for Colom’s political party. The implication is also, a bird of peace, new beginning for postwar Guatemala still reeling in violence.

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490572 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490572 <i>Just being "aware" of this does nothing to actually help you.</i> There are many cases around the world where international publicity have affected government action. Murder cases get re-opened. 13 year-olds get their marriages annulled. The attention of the world can be quite uncomfortable. Just being “aware” of this does nothing to actually help you.

There are many cases around the world where international publicity have affected government action. Murder cases get re-opened. 13 year-olds get their marriages annulled. The attention of the world can be quite uncomfortable.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490068 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490068 The president had better be worried (and if the assassination story is true, that's a good thing.) I lived in Guatemala for a while. Once when they raised the bus fair the equivalent of about .10 US dollars the people freaked out (understandably, a lot of people there just barely get by) Buses were turned over and burnt in the streets. Guatemalans know how to protest. The president had better be worried (and if the assassination story is true, that’s a good thing.)

I lived in Guatemala for a while. Once when they raised the bus fair the equivalent of about .10 US dollars the people freaked out (understandably, a lot of people there just barely get by) Buses were turned over and burnt in the streets. Guatemalans know how to protest.

]]> By: nosehat http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490580 nosehat Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490580 @ #12 Antinous: I truly hope that is the case in this situation as well. I am now aware: Presto, chango? @ #12 Antinous:

I truly hope that is the case in this situation as well. I am now aware: Presto, chango?

]]> By: nosehat http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490586 nosehat Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490586 Still @ #9: What kind of real-world aid do you need? Still @ #9:

What kind of real-world aid do you need?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490086 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490086 Also, most of the people outside of the capital's richer areas don't have internet access. So I'm not sure how important these internet broadcasts actually are. I'm sure that many, many people have heard by word of mouth by now though. It's been about five years since I lived there though so things may have changed. Also, most of the people outside of the capital’s richer areas don’t have internet access. So I’m not sure how important these internet broadcasts actually are. I’m sure that many, many people have heard by word of mouth by now though.

It’s been about five years since I lived there though so things may have changed.

]]> By: Xeni Jardin http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490096 Xeni Jardin Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490096 @anonymous, the existence of these web video broadcasts is very significant outside of Guatemala, and while you're right that internet penetration tapers way, way off outside the capital, you'd be surprised how much has changed in the past 5 years, even in rural areas. @anonymous, the existence of these web video broadcasts is very significant outside of Guatemala, and while you’re right that internet penetration tapers way, way off outside the capital, you’d be surprised how much has changed in the past 5 years, even in rural areas.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490106 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490106 @ Xeni Yeah, and after I sat down and figured it out it's actually been almost nine years. Now I'm feeling old. @ Xeni Yeah, and after I sat down and figured it out it’s actually been almost nine years. Now I’m feeling old.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-490422 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-490422 Im Guatemalan and i was present at the protest. The stories about us being violent are not true, we even sat down as a sign of peace when the other protesters paid by the president showed up. Im glad to see the international community is paying some attetion to us, we need your support. Im Guatemalan and i was present at the protest. The stories about us being violent are not true, we even sat down as a sign of peace when the other protesters paid by the president showed up. Im glad to see the international community is paying some attetion to us, we need your support.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/05/12/guatemala-protests-f.html#comment-491710 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-491710 This is outrageous the whole regime should fall because of this, people like Khalil Musa and his daughter are dead just because he is against any sort of corruption, Mr. Musa's lawyer was killed just because he knew who killed Musa and why. Such people should be put on trial in front of the world court and the president should be put behind bars along with his evil associates and his wife. This is outrageous the whole regime should fall because of this, people like Khalil Musa and his daughter are dead just because he is against any sort of corruption, Mr. Musa’s lawyer was killed just because he knew who killed Musa and why. Such people should be put on trial in front of the world court and the president should be put behind bars along with his evil associates and his wife.

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