On March 16th, eight comrades from the “Chico Mendes” Settlement in Taboão
da Serra chained themselves in the front of the São Paulo state Governmental
Palace.
The indifference from the state government towards the social movements and
it’s intransigence in attending the demands of the roof-less, didn’t leave
us with other option than persistence and radicalisation expressed in this
action.
The last six months we organised four marches with the participation of
hundreds workers of Taboão da Serra to the Palácio dos Bandeirantes
(governmental palace). Hours of marching, but no answers.
The government do not speak to us, and when it speak to us, it’s just to
give evasive answers. In this period, the “Chico Mendes” Settlement managed
to obtain several victories, with our mobilisation and pressure, including a
guarantee from the federal government that the 860 families in the community
will get housing. But that project will take time and there are new
immediate threats of expulsion against the roof-less.
But the state government is refusing to collaborate with any solution to
avoid that the families are thrown out on the street, which can happen at
any time.
We demand a provisional area to shelter the families until the houses
promised by the federal government are built. Until now, after six days of
being chained, we got no positive answer. Instead there is a constant threat
of repression against the movement, of violence and imprisonment of the
organisers. But neither the threats or the fatigue will stop us. The “Chico
Mendes” Settlement have decided that for everyday that pass without an
answer, a new comrade will join the chained. If it’s necessary, all the 860
families will make a human fence around the Palace of Alckmin (the
governor).
We need the support and solidarity of trade unions, student organisations,
social movements and MP and councillors with a commitment to the struggle
of the people to be victorious in this struggle. If possible we also welcome
visits, to help keep up the morale of the chained.
Please send protest letters to governor Alckmin, demanding that he meets
with the roof-less:
[email protected]
Send copies to:
[email protected] and [email protected]