GEO Statement of Solidarity with Peru and the Peruvian People
The Graduate Employees’ Organization at UIUC (IFT/AFT Local 6300) stands in solidarity with the Peruvian people who are fighting for the preservation of their democracy. On November 9th, the Peruvian Congress orchestrated a legislative coup d’etat against president Martin Vizcarra through an unconstitutional use of the impeachment process. Immediately, the illegitimate government, led by Manuel Merino and allied within Congress, started actions to repeal long awaited university reform, legalize gold mining in the Amazon Rainforest, force out the attorney general, impose censorship on state media, and other repressive actions. Merino has today resigned, but the struggle for the future of Peruvian democracy continues.
The Peruvian people took to the streets throughout the country in defense of their democracy and subsequently faced brutal police repression. On November 14th the Police killed two protesters, hurt a still unknown number of civilians including domestic and international journalists, and committed illegal arrests. The GEO believes in the importance of internationalism, and recognizes our shared struggle against political repression and police violence. We stand against the coup d’etat in Peru and the flagrant human rights violations committed by the de facto government and express solidarity with the fight of the Peruvian people both in Peru and in our local community.
Stand in Solidarity with the Peruvian People: What can you do?
Sign this international scholar statement
Tune in to a virtual discussion on the crisis in Peru with Peruvian students and scholars tonight at 6:30pm CST
Follow, amplify and support the actions of the Peruvian Student Association & Friends - UIUC
The Graduate Employees’ Organization, AFT/IFT Local 6300, AFL-CIO, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, represents approximately 2,700 Teaching and Graduate Assistants on the UIUC Campus. In November 2009 and in February 2018, over 1,000 GEO members and allies participated in a strike to secure a fair contract and more accessible UIUC campus. With an active presence in the community, the GEO continues to work for high-quality and accessible public education in Illinois.
For more information, please contact geo@uigeo.org. More information can also be found on GEO’s website at www.uiucgeo.org.
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