Monsanto protesters in Malvinas, Argentina got a rude awakening yesterday. November 28, 2013 was the 72nd day of the blockade against the brand new Monsanto plant under construction in Malvinas, set to be the largest GM seed plant in Latin America. Protesters have been camped on site since September 18th and despite attacks and death threats they remain unmoved. They have managed to block all five entrances to the plant site, bringing construction to a standstill.
Brutal retaliation came early in the morning yesterday when two buses of approximately 60 people arrived in camp and attacked the protesters, most of whom were sleeping in tents at the time. They ripped tents, destroyed property, set fires in the campsite, threw bricks and stones and beat protesters with clubs. Some protesters also had their computers and phones stolen.
Photo: ECOS Cordoba
Approximately 20 protesters have been injured many with head wounds. Outspoken activists, Sofia Gatica and Celina Molina were among the wounded having been beaten and kicked while on the ground.
A small group of police officers were on site but they looked away and did not intervene as protesters were subjected to violence. It seemed the police were only interested in opening up the blockade temporarily to allow entry of a truck of construction materials into the job site. They did however manage to fire rubber bullets at protesters at some point during the attack.
Photo: ECOS Cordoba
Protesters documented the attack with photos and videos and local authorities are now scanning all media to identify suspects in the attack. Some of the attackers claimed to be from OUCRA, a local construction trade union. Representatives of OUCRA have denied involvement in the ambush on the Malvinas blockade. It is still unknown who sent them but this attack was clearly organized.
The bus driver who drove one of the buses bringing the thugs into camp was caught on camera attempting to hide the license plate of the vehicle but protesters have photos of the plate numbers and evidence has been turned over to authorities who will hopefully track down the owner.
Photo: ECOS Cordoba
Photo: El Cuarto Patio
Photo: ECOS Cordoba
