Censorship and repression in Uruguay
By Jorge Jorquera
A demonstration in Montevideo in support of Basque nationalists seeking refuge in Uruguay was brutally broken up by police on August 24. A number of people were killed, some have disappeared and more than 100 were hospitalised. Subsequently one Basque citizen has been extradited.
The Frente Amplio called on minister of the interior Angel Maria Gianola to take responsibility for what has been described as the most brutal dispersal of a demonstration since the military dictatorship. The government refused to take responsibility, instead blaming the events on "subversives" and trying to stir up anti-left sentiment.
Feeling the popular pressure, and in an attempt to distort the events of August 24, the government has since closed down two independent radio stations, CX36 and CX44. This censorship has serious repercussions in the campaign for national elections.
Support is building for the Frente Amplio's call for Gianola to resign. Solidarity activities have been taking place throughout Latin America.