How are things going right now in Chiapas?
See out About Chiapas for a brief history of Chiapas and a timeline of the recent struggle of the Zapatistas. Chiapas is still the most militarized state in Mexico, with over 90 Mexican military instillations. Although direct police and army attacks on Zapatista communities have been less of a problem since the election of President Vicente Fox in the year 2000, there have been continued paramilitary attacks and harassment. In 2007 and early 2008 there has been a disturbing increase in violence against Zapatista communities, as well as attempts to force Zapatista communities off of land that was reclaimed during the uprising of 1994, and that has been farmed and lived on since that time. The Zapatistas remain committed to growing services for their communities through the promotion of autonomous clinics, education centers, fair trade economies, and direct democracy, as well as building a broader Mexican movement “from below and to the left” through initiatives like the Other Campaign.
