June 14, 2007: Thousands of people marched to the zocalo to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the popular uprising and teachers' strike. They are calling on the government to release political prisoners and to admit their wrong-doings.
At 4:30am we awoke to loud fireworks being blasted throughout the city. That was the exact time in 2006 that the state police attacked the striking teachers with tear gas, helicopters and dogs. This lead to the formation of the APPO, an organization of over 300 community groups. They counter-attacked and drove the police out of the city, reclaimed the zocalo and took over television and radio stations. This lasted until November of last year when the federal goverment sent in the army and cleared out the protesters with violent force.
As you can imagine, we have been following this situation very closely as it was a huge factor if we would even come to Oaxaca. Thankfully things have been muy tranquilo here, including last weeks' protest.
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