Mexico: Letter from Anarchist Prisoner Luis Fernando Sotelo

From Proyecto Ambulante
Translated by Erin Gallagher

The following I intend to be some considerations. What I would like is that the people who speak or who say that they represent both me and my words, to do so or not knowing my arguments. At least it will help to end the ignorance about what I think and feel. I will try to abide by my own reasoning.

We were just on hunger strike. We stopped eating like “civilized people” around 2pm on September 28, 2016. Daily intake began again on October 13, 2016, that is, we ended the hunger strike. But we continue with daily fasts (normal food after 1pm). I want to state that I tried out the hunger strike more than anything as a way to see and be seen. With these actions I was able know myself more and make myself heard, visibly and audibly for myself; as well as for others.

I truthfully think that we all deserve everything. And I ask nothing from such a protest. Now I know what I don’t need… I mean, I do not want any institution to recognize my freedom if it means that freedom is partial, if not illusionary. And as freedom is currently of this kind, it seems very logical that “party members” propose or fight for the safeguarding of those freedoms. Who better than the institutional “left” to be the pressure valve of the social machinery?

The strength of the state’s legacy is noticeable in the understanding of some freedoms in opposition to others. Simply take our case as the “beneficiaries” of the amnesty law in the Legislative Assembly: because as we find ourselves today, with the dissemination of so much (mis)information it would seem like there is nothing to hide and nothing left to say. But what happens is that you take for granted some things that are not cool to ignore. I imagine that the amnesty law is a fertile breeding ground for battles between watchdogs. Obviously it’s assumed that one stole, affronted or burned something. In that sense, their opposition to freedom is also obvious: the freedom of expropriation (re-appropriation) of products, of dignity and (direct…) actions against the freedoms of the powerful.

Following this line it is assumed that what the deputies of the Legislative Assembly of the city are doing is fighting for our freedom (at least for the 4 of us prisoners who were on hunger strike). With the latter you can misinform in spectacular dimensions; one could then say that those who promote the said amnesty would be approaching social radicalism… the right wing media goes to work, they will say “the most violent,” followed by “leave them as prisoners.” The “left” will say the most “dissident”, “the results of the most powerful party”, underlining it with a “we will fix it”. If not, “in vain”, the billions of dead for the development of state power.

Punishments overpower humanity in accordance with tyrannies. All are wrong, if not, they are or live as prisoners. But one must know they are a prisoner. I don’t want to be forgiven, or redeemed by the machine that torments the people. I demand – legally – that the state withdraw my offense and end the justifications for the kidnapping I am subjected to. Mine’s a difficult task… no?

[[The background is the neoliberal reordering]]

The responsibility for why I am being punished is due to (ignoring my responsibility) instituted barbarism. It is for transgressing the values of the techno-industrial system. The above is why the security being sold to the people of Mexico City, by guys like Mancera, is not social (but rather the financial security of the powerful). And given that alienating consumerism, “of lives for the market” is intended to be a barrier to new worlds, those above will continue to negotiate. Tons of rotten-smelling bureaucracy, feigning to be the necessities of sovereignty, because they lack what they lack.

And for me:

* I’m glad that not all forget:

Don’t forget Kuy Kendall.

Don’t forget Galeano.

Don’t forget Black Power

Don’t forget that the best liberation goes hand in hand with the liberation of women.

Don’t forget the prisoners

Don’t forget their ways

Don’t forget who, how and why they legislate, carry out, or rule on, powers.

Don’t forget that the oppressive system owes each one of us a life.

* I need to say that I didn’t want nor will I want to send anyone to press in favor of this amnesty law. If you want me to ask for something -to the general public-:

– First, know the world that is collapsing, know it before wanting to approach me (or someone close to me), before assuming what I should accept politically. Before saying that you care about me (or my freedom).

Luis Fernando Sotelo Zambrano.