Atenco, Mexico: Campesinos opposed to the New Airport Violently Attacked

A group of between 30 and 40 people violently attacked members of the Frente de Pueblos en Defensa de la Tierra (FPDT) and others of the state of Mexico that are opposing the construction of the new international airport of Mexico City. This violent group was armed and shot on various occasions at campesinos that were protesting with a road blockade in Tocuila. The campesinos stated that, “We are blocking the entries and freight trucks that transport material for the new airport because it passes through our lands and we are not allowed to plant alfalfa and corn that are appropriate for this season. This construction is happening in spite of the various legal challenges demonstrating that it is illegal.”

Since Thursday morning, ejido members have organized to destroy the road that allows cargo trucks to pass, transporting construction material extracted from hills and natural reserves of the east of Mexico City—the road is almost two kilometers long and 20 meters wide on each side. The ejido members also put piles of dirt to block the continuing damage of the ejidal lands of the area.

Around 3:30 in the afternoon the aggression with firearms began. Fortunately the protestors were able to retreat without any major mishaps. We directly denounce the federal government of Enrique Peña Nieto—who has already ordered brutal repression in the municipality of Atenco in May of 2006—as well as the Airport Group, CIPSA, and PINFRA, the principal licensees of this megaproject of death.

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