Government Attacks on Solidarity Movements
Victory in Uhuru 3 Trial: Not one day in prison, no fine. See handsoffuhuru.org This victory was a victory for all of our organizations which defend other nations’ sovereignty against US interference and for all those who value the First Amendment.The Uhuru 3 are African People’s Socialist Party Chairman Omali Yeshitela, Solidarity Committee Chair Penny Hess, and Solidarity Movement Chair Jesse Nevel. In September they were found not guilty of acting as unregistered Russian agents. Yet, in contradiction, they were found guilty of conspiring to act as Russian agents. Chairman Omali stated: “The only reason we didn’t get prison time is because we fought back against this government attack. Our lawyers were outstanding! The jury affirmed that we work for Black people, not Russia.”
Truthout: HR 9495 – the Plan to Shut down Progressive Civil Society HR 9495, is known as the “nonprofit killer bill” because it would give the Treasury secretary the power to strip the tax-exempt status from any nonprofit they decide is a “terrorist-supporting organization,” all without any due process. Attacks on Palestine solidarity are the opening salvo in the right’s stated plan to suppress social justice groups. A wide coalition of nonprofits was able to persuade some House Democrats who previously supported the legislation to vote against it this time around. That coalition will continue to advocate against the bill as it goes forward. While Palestine solidarity activists may have a wider target on their backs, organizers for any causes even remotely associated with the left should be paying attention.
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Orinoco Tribune (Roger Harris): Venezuela’s Elected President and its US-selected one An excellent summary of US regime change operations since their failed election coup.Despite the unrelenting US siege, the economy has been recuperating with one of the fastest growing GNPs in the hemisphere. While reversing the economic tailspin, under Maduro’s leadership, the recovery has been partial. The popular sectors still disproportionately suffer from the sanctions, which was Washington’s intention…. Once again, the US with a growing number of allies has in the form of the Machado-González team a new puppet president for Venezuela. It is unclear how far the US will go to enforce it.
TeleSur: Venezuela Celebrates the Legacy of Simón Bolívar with a Focus on the Militia and the Working Class “On a day like today, 194 years ago, we said goodbye to the greatest leader who gave all he had: his life. Though born into wealth in this city, he gave away all his riches in the name of freedom,” Maduro stated. “The ideals and strength of Bolivar shine brighter than ever in Venezuela. Every hundred years, Bolivar awakens when the people awaken, and here, the people have awakened never to fall asleep again or to be betrayed. Here stands the people of Bolivar, transformed into workers, soldiers, and militiamen.”
Peoples Dispatch: Twenty Years of ALBA-TCP Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People’s-Trade Agreement (ALBA-TCP) was founded on December 14, 2004 by Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez. In their addresses during the Summit on December 14, the heads of state and invited countries stressed the importance of solidarity among countries seeking alternative ways of development and the need for unrestricted solidarity among people struggling against imperialist attacks. They also demonstrated their support for Nicolás Maduro and his victory in the last presidential elections. Final statement is here.
TeleSur: 25th Anniversary of the Bolivarian constitution: A historic milestone December 15, 1999, the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was approved in a popular referendum, an event that marked a before and after in the history of the nation. It consecrated Venezuela as a social state based on the rule of law and justice, with emphasis on a wide range of social, economic and cultural rights, such as the right to health, education, housing and work. It strengthened the mechanisms for citizen participation, such as referendums, popular consultations and communal councils, giving them a leading role in public administration. The communal councils, created by the Constitution, became a tool for the organization and empowerment of local communities.
Venezuelanalysis: Unrelenting US Imperialism, Undeterred Venezuelan Resistance In a yearly review, the editorial team from Venezuelanalysis looks at the state of the economy in Venezuela today, including efforts to build a grassroots alternative, as well as the 2024 presidential election and its aftermath.
Al Mayadeen: United Nations silence on Gaza is complicit, cowardly: Maduro President Maduro described the United Nations’ silence regarding the genocide carried out by Israel in Gaza as “complicit and cowardly silence.” In a speech at the 25th Global Development Forum for Special Economic Zones, he stated, “Humanity aspires to a future of freedom and independence, where world governments are respected, and international law prevails—not the absurd theater that the United Nations has become.”
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Nicaragua
Nicaragua: 96.6% of youth say the Sandinista Government gives them hope This, according to a polling released December 11 by M&R Consultores. The survey showed that 82.8% of the youngsters interviewed approve the Government’s performance, while 78.7% of teenagers think so. Likewise, same group (77%) approved the work done by Vice President Rosario Murillo, while 4.5% disapproved. Among those polled, 85% of each group are satisfied with Nicaraguan democracy.
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Cuba
Granma: The Cuban 5, Ten years after the return, gratitude and remembrance Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, René González and Fernando González celebrated, yesterday, the 10th anniversary of their return to Cuba, after serving long prison sentences unjustly imposed by a U.S. court. The evening, presided over by the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, praised the courage of these men who remained loyal to the Homeland and the Revolution, and the resistance of their families. Joining in this gratitude was Political Bureau member and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who claimed that their return was the “confirmation that, no matter how difficult the circumstances, as the Commander-in-Chief taught us, faith in victory and solidarity are the essential reasons for triumph.”
Hombre del Silencio: The Prison Diary of Ramon Labanino [one of the Cuban 5 heroes] Part1, Part2, Part3,Part4, Part5, Part6, Part7, Part8, Part9, Part10, Part11, Part12, Part13
Prensa Latina: Biden to Keep Cuba on State Sponsors of Terrorism List Despite the calls that are currently multiplying in the US, Secretary of State Blinken ruled out any change in the policy toward Cuba, including keeping it on the SSOT.
Donate to help Cuba in this time of need Eight different organizations sending material aid. Also Code PinK(milk), and painkillers for hospitals
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Events:
December 21 (Fort Lauderdale): Demonstrate to End the US Blockade on Cuba
January 13: Nicaragua Solidarity Coalition monthly zoom meeting, 2:30 PM ET. Email NicaraguaSolidarityCoalition@gmail.com in advance to request Zoom access.
January 28-31: Havana, Cuba: VI International Conference For World Balance This conference cultivates partnerships and formulates actionable strategies to propel us towards a more equitable and just global community. Organized by the Office of the Martí Program and co-sponsored by UNESCO and Soka Gakkai International.
February 8, London: Latin America Conference This will be the 19th annual Latin America Adelante! Conference.
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Delegations to Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua:
Bolivia
Feb 8 – Feb 17, 2025: Bolivia, 20 Years of Popular Democracy and Indigenous Self-Determination
Cuba
January 26 -February 4: Visit Cuba with the Center for Global Justice
April 17-May 3: Puerto Rico Brigada Juan Ruiz Rivera to Cuba
April 26- May 3: The Nation: Havana and Trinidad
April 27-May 9: May Day Delegation Itinerary Draft
Different Brigades and Solidarity Trips to Cuba
Witness for Peace delegations to Cuba
Friendly Planet delegations to Cuba
Nicaragua
Casa Ben Linder Email casabenjaminlinder@gmail.com to apply:
20 February – 1 March 2025: The Bird Brigade: Birding in Solentiname Arquipelago
6-16 March 2025: Power & Protagonism: Women in Nicaragua
May 2025: Co-ops and Communities: Cooperative Movement in Nicaragua
June 2025: Global Health: Family and Community Health in Nicaragua
July 2025: Solidarity in Action: Nicaragua’s Popular Revolution
November 2025: Salud & Solidaridad: Hands-On Healthcare in Nicaragua
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This is also available at ChicagoALBASolidarity.org. If you have events to publicize, send them to venezuelaweekly@afgj.org or stansfieldsmith100@gmail.com.
Chicago ALBA Solidarity 