LACSN - In solidarity with the Occupy Toronto Movement

_ The Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Network (LACSN) stands in solidarity with the Occupy Toronto movement and their right to camp in St James Park. The occupy movement is a legitimate and peaceful manifestation of public assembly and expression protected under section two of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Occupy movement, like other expressions of discontent is a legitimate and deep seated expression of rejection of the current political, economic and social system in Canada, and across the globe; a system that seeks to benefit the few at the expense of the majority.

LACSN sees today’s court ruling by Ontario Superior Court Justice David Brown as another form to sanction the systematic criminalization of protest that has taken place in Toronto since the G8/G20 crackdown. The courts along with the police seek to hide from public view a manifestation of discontent, anger and rejection by the 99% but in reality will only fan the embers of discontent. Although they may physically clear out protestors from St. James park and their supporters, they cannot evict the courage and resolve from those that currently inhabit the park. Ideas cannot be evicted from the hearts of women and men who seek a more equitable and just society. 

Across the Americas, people have risen up and demanded that their voices be heard. On the streets of Bolivia and Honduras, in the rainforest of the Amazon, in the mountains of Chiapas, people are forming real participatory structures to address economic and environmental injustice. Occupy Toronto is part of a global movement in solidarity with these movements in Latin America and around the world, from Cochabamba to Tahir Square to Oakland to Port-au-Prince. The spirit of these movements will not be arrested.

LACSN stands in solidarity with Occupy Toronto and with movements for liberation and participation around the world.  We call on our members and allies to not stand by and watch in silence as the police attempt to evict the Occupy Toronto Camp.  Today they  attempt to evict Occupy Toronto Camp, tomorrow they may attempt to evict us from our places of assembly

LACSN Coordinating Committee