Defend democracy and the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people
Newsletter ‘In Movement’ 8 (2024)
Internationalist greetings! Welcome to the eighth In Movement Newsletter of 2024, from the International Peoples’ Assembly (IPA). This month we highlight the international campaign “Defend Democracy and Sovereignty: Hands Off Venezuela” and we invite you to take action on the streets and on social media to show solidarity with the Venezuelan people and their democratic election.
Venezuela is at the center of important geopolitical disputes. On one hand, the construction of a socialist and anti-imperialist project has regional and international significance. On the other hand, Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, which stirs US interest in controlling them to guarantee the imperialist predatory development model.
The electoral peaceful climate of July 28th contrasts with moments of violence and anti-democratic actions by the Venezuelan extreme right-wing, through “guarimbas.” These actions are part of a broader effort to reject democracy and the election results, alongside a coup d’état that began in 2019 with Juan Guaidó declaring himself president. The pattern repeats today with Edmundo González Urrutia who, after being defeated in the 2024 elections, continues to insist he has won.
In these elections, the far right, anticipating losing the elections due to insufficient participation, decided to take another route: attacking the electronic voting system. This led to a delay in the release of the results, and to chaos and psychological pressure. After the National Electoral Council (CNE) announced that Maduro’s victory was irreversible, the far right claimed the opposite result, that he had lost the election. In the two days following the election, far-right groups began causing violent chaos, destroying symbols of the revolution, from statues to food distribution centers, as well as killing people. As this had been expected for weeks, the government’s response was swift; security forces acted quickly, intervening and arresting the perpetrators of the violence.
In international mainstream media, US imperialist interests are trying to create a narrative that the results were rigged by the government, while they conceal all the acts of violence. Meanwhile, alternative media has been working to expose the truth. This narrative against Maduro’s government also takes place on social media, with the support of Elon Musk and other tycoons. It’s further reinforced by the international fascist alliance, including some Latin American governments.
We must announce that this is an attempt at a violent coup d’état that is trying to overthrow a democratically-elected government. It is an attack on Venezuelan democracy. And this attack is promoted by US imperialism. This plan has been developed and implemented over the past weeks, and will continue into the coming days.
As the IPA, we called two international days of action: the first on August 9th and the second on August 17th, as well as a permanent mobilization to defend Venezuelan democracy and sovereignty. In addition, we have produced and disseminated educational materials to help others avoid falling into fraudulent narratives and to learn more about Venezuela and the Bolivarian Revolution.
This Wednesday, August 28th, one month since the elections, we reinforce our call to mobilize in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and to be on high alert of any attack by the far right and US imperialism against President Maduro’s election.
We defend peace, democracy and the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people, and stand against US intervention in Venezuela! #HandsOffVenezuela
Updates
Walls for Palestine in Brazil | Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 70% being women and children, amid the ongoing genocide by Israel in Gaza. In response, the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) has joined the global call for a ceasefire and condemnation of Israel’s crimes. The MST initiated the “National Campaign of Murals for a Free Palestine” to use art, particularly muralism, as a tool of resistance. Through these murals, the genocide in Palestine is memorialized, and Palestinian resistance against Zionist oppression is honored. The campaign has mobilized artists across Brazil, with significant participation in São Paulo, extending even to Venezuela. Despite facing aggression, such as an incident where an artist was attacked while working on a mural, the campaign persisted. The initiative, which officially ended on August 11th, continues to inspire mural creations nationwide, fostering collective awareness and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The Mask Off Maersk campaign | The Palestinian Youth Movement has launched the “Cut Ties with Genocide” campaign targeting Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping and logistics companies, for its role in facilitating the weapons trade that enables Israel’s actions in Gaza. Maersk, a highly profitable company, has been complicit in the genocide of Palestinians by transporting over $300 million worth of weapons components for major US arms manufacturers since October. Israel receives 68% of its weapons from Maersk US, whose involvement extends to the US Department of Defense through agreements like the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) and the Maritime Security Program (MSP), which facilitate the transport of weapons to Israel. This makes Maersk a critical link in the weapons supply chain that fuels the ongoing conflict. The campaign urges the public to pressure Maersk to sever its ties with Israel, highlighting that while this business relationship may be a small part of Maersk’s operations, it has life-or-death consequences for Palestinians. Supporters are encouraged to sign a petition and join the email campaign to demand that Maersk “Cut Ties with Genocide.”
Manifiesta in Belgium | ManiFiesta, the Festival of Solidarity, returns for its 14th edition on September 7th and 8th, 2024, in Ostend, Belgium. This vibrant event draws over 15,000 attendees from across the country, offering a unique blend of music, culture, and activism. The festival features a diverse program suitable for all ages, including socially engaged concerts, thought-provoking debates, a book fair, and inspiring films. International speakers will attend the event, including comrades part of the International Peoples’ Assembly process, such as Irvin Jim, general secretary of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). The festival is a gathering place for working-class people who share a commitment to solidarity and social change. To learn more about this celebration of solidarity, visit manifiesta.be/fr.
People’s festival in Italy | The Je So’ Pazzo Festival 2024 is set to take place on September 12th, 13th, and 14th at the Ex OPG Occupato in Naples, Italy. This annual event will feature three days of music, art, and discussions focused on activism and social change. The festival aims to amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized and to foster a sense of community around the creation of a more inclusive and alternative society. The event will begin on Thursday with guided tours of the former psychiatric prison, followed by a debate on anti-colonial struggles and international solidarity, featuring Vijay Prashad, Tricontinental Institute director. Entrance contributions will help fund the ongoing activities at Ex OPG Occupato, including after-school programs, language courses, and community services. Here you can find more information.
Zambia says NO to UPOV | A new law is being proposed in Zambia that aims to establish monopoly rights for the global seed industry, spearheaded by the International Union for the Protection of Plant Varieties (UPOV). This legislation is being driven by the same entities that have promoted similar laws in Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Morocco. If passed, the law would make it illegal for farmers to save seeds from their harvests for future planting. You can read the full statement from the Zambian Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity here and add your signature in support here.
Against the WTO and Free Trade Agreements | September 10th is marked as the International Day of Action Against the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Free Trade Agreements by La Via Campesina and its allies. This day commemorates the 2003 sacrifice of Korean farmer Lee Kyung Hae, who protested the harmful effects of free trade on farmers. Today, the world faces crises like hunger, climate change, wars, and inequality, exacerbated by free-market globalization that favors corporate elites at the expense of rural communities and workers. La Via Campesina warns that neoliberal policies, supported by institutions like the WTO, have deepened economic and social inequalities. La Via Campesina advocates for a new global trade framework that emphasizes food sovereignty, social justice, and the rights of rural workers. The organization is working on an Alternative International Framework for Global Trade in Agriculture. La Via Campesina calls on its allies to use September to highlight ongoing crises, demand transparent trade policies, and support the rights of small-scale food producers, who feed 70% of the global population despite facing economic struggles. #WTOKills #NewTradeFrameworkNOW
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