Get the Viewpoint! perialism Monthly review of news and analysis from the Fourth * 10 issues by airmail for only €30 International Viewpoint, PO Box 112,Manchester MI2 5DW. JUNE'S issue has articles on the anti-war movement in Britain and the challenge facing the Socialist Alliance JULY'S will be a special double issue with documents from 15th World Congress of the Fourth International (send £5 plus £1.00 p&p) On Sunday 22 June, at 6am, Jose Bove was forcibly arrested at his home by up to 80 armed police and flown to prison in a helicopter. This was after he had declared he was available to cooperate with the law at a previous hearing.
Jose's crime is not a violent one. It is simply the destruction of fields of Genetically Modified corn and rice in Agen and Montpellier in 1998/99.
The actions were symbolic, to highlight widespread concerns over the introduction of GM crops to the region.
Demonstrations against his arrest have already taken place in many French towns, including Toulouse, Montauban, Limoges, Cherbourg and Caen.
Many activists now see his arrest as an increased attempt to repress both the anticapitalist movement, and trade unions who have held a series of general strikes in the last few weeks.
Jose remains in prison. He has been given a ten month sentence -one completely disproprtionate to his action. LIBEREZ, SE BOVE
The Confédération Paysanne (the
union for which Jose Bove is a
spokesperson) has called for a presidential pardon, traditionally given on
Bastille Day, 14 July.
page 19 of the scan
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