Reply #28: Anti-Terrorism Law Criminalizes Protest in Paraguay

[Octafish]

This story may soon sound familiar all across the Americas:

Anti-Terrorism Law Criminalizes Protest in Paraguay

Written by Fionuala Cregan
Wednesday, 08 August 2007

The Government of Paraguay has introduced proposals for the modification of the penal code and an Anti-Terrorist Law which could result in the criminalisation of social protest and the paralysis of civil society organizations throughout the country. The law is due to be ratified by the Congress on August 9.

With the advance of soy plantations, thousands and thousands of rural poor are being forced from their land and social movements are organizing to fight for their right to land, health care and education. Incomplete and corrupt agrarian reform in Paraguay has made the occupation of unused land a way of life from most Paraguayan subsistence farmers. Farmers who can occupy land continuously can eventually apply for a legal title. Communities of occupying farmers have worked together to make schools, community governments and clinics for their communities.

Farmers have achieved these victories in spite of a complete lack of government support. In fact, under Article 142, land occupation, and the intention of occupying land, will become a crime punishable in some cases by five years in prison. In other words, the administrative procedures for gaining legal title to a land could result in legal proceedings. In addition, former probationary tactics known as “precautionary measures” will no longer apply, and those who are processed will go straight to prison.

Anyone Could be a Terrorist

The proposed anti-terrorist law does not include a clear definition of what exactly constitutes the crime of terrorism, leaving it to an arbitrary decision by a judge. Behaviour which could be considered terrorism include “dangerous interventions or obstacles on public roadways,” “noise pollution” and other actions which “intimidate Paraguayan citizens.” Under the law, financing terrorist activities is also a crime punishable by 5-15 years in prison, as is any kind of association with terrorist organizations.

“The law is so lax that anyone could be considered a terrorist, says Juan Martens, a lawyer with the National Coordinator of Human Rights In Paraguay (CODEHUPY).(1) “A lawyer giving a workshop, a journalist doing an investigation, or an international NGO providing financial support could all be accused of promoting terrorism.”

CONTINUED...

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