The organizations and participants to the European Preparatory Assembly of the European Social Forum (EPA-ESF) in Vienna express deep
concerns about the arrest of 14 protestors from South Korea, Japan,
Taiwan, and mainland China, who are facing charges of unlawful assembly for the events that transpired on the December 17, 2005 near the vicinity of the 6th World
Trade Organization Ministerial Conference site in Hong Kong.
The 14 protestors charged were among more than 1,300 people arrested on
the night of December 17 questioning the on-going negotiations within the
conference site, which would undoubtedly be detrimental to the livelihood
of farmers, workers, and people around the world.
We denounce also the use of force by the Hong Kong police during the
night of the 17th.
Although all fourteen are released on bail, it is our understanding that
the Hong Kong government has formally charged them with unlawful assembly
and they are considering adding new charges. We are very concerned by the
actions of the Hong Kong government and the police. A harsh sentence for
the 14 would also put into question the democratic tolerance of
the region, taking into account that no foreigners have been arrested in
previous cases of similar demonstrations. Thus, we strongly call for the
immediate release of the 14 protestors so that they can return home to
their families.
OSPAAL- Espana
Bad Ischl -Austria
Novox - France
Droit au Logement - France
Confederation paysanne - France
Vamos Intergalactique- France
COBAS- Italie
KOKKINO- Greece
SNESUP- France
FSU- France
Revolutionnary proletariat - Turquie
Federation Sud-Ptt - France
PCF- France
Les Verts- France
Alterecolo- France
LCR- France
CRID- France
ESK- Basque Country
Anitza- Basque Country
Union syndicale Solidaire - France
Campaign Genoa 2001- Greece
Stop the war coalition - Greece
Les Alternatifs- France
Confederation Kon - Kurch
OLME ( Geeck Federation of secondary sector teatchers )- Greece
ADEDY ( Geeck Confederation of services publics workers ) - Greece
Forum social lemanique- Suisse
Forum social suisse
Network for political and social rights - Greece
CGIL- Italie
ARCI- Italie
Fiom-CGIL- Italie
ATTAC - France
CADTM-Belgique
France Amerique latine - France
Anti-imperialist component- Grece
Imece Women dolidarity and entreprise coop
Solidarity houses
Gesellschaflic politik forum
GSFE- Greece
Alliance 21- France
Reseau IPAM- France
OPROG- Russia
Institue of globalization studies IPROG- Moscou- Russia