Anti-War Protest Planned In Newark: Ecuador, Haiti, US Militarism

NEWARK, NJ — A coalition of anti-war groups plan to hold a protest in Newark against potential U.S. interference in Ecuador’s runoff election, as well as U.S. foreign policy in Haiti. The rally will also protest other U.S.-led military conflicts, “political prisoners” and deportations.

According to a statement from organizers, the protest will take place at 1 Gateway in Newark at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7. Learn more here.

The protest is being spearheaded by groups including NJAntiWar Agenda, Green Party of New Jersey, the Black is Back Coalition, Youth Eco-Socialists, Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Voices of Haitians Living Abroad.

The April 7 protest is the latest in a series of monthly actions from the coalition. Ecuador has been a theme at the last two such events during February and March.

“There is great danger of U.S., OAS and other foreign attempts to undermine the hopes of the Ecuadorean people to follow a democratic process,” organizers said. “That is why the monthly event on April 7 will again be dedicated significantly to send a message to the U.S. not to attempt to impose fraud, intimidation or a coup against the democratic process in Ecuador.”

Organizers added:

“Meanwhile in Haiti, the U.S. is supporting the repressive and corrupt dictatorship of Jovenal Moise who seems bent to bring back the ‘President for Life’ days of the Duvalier era – he has refused to cede at the end of his term and is trying to rewrite the constitution to allow him to stay in power. Many thousands of Haitians, angered by the theft of generous aid to the Haitian people from Venezuela by Moise and his predecessor Martelly – together they engineered millions of dollars stolen in the PetroCaribe scandal – have been in the streets demanding elections and the removal of Moise. There have been numerous protesters killed by point-blank tear gas canister shootings and snipers that are perched and picking off protesters. The U.S. is supporting the dictatorship of Moise, which was focus of a protest on March 26 at the same site of this planned protest – which will also feature Haiti as a primary focus.”

“It is very important for our Haitian community, and all those who believe in democracy to participate in this important protest to make sure our democracy as per the 1987 Haitian Constitution is respected,” said Jean Astrel, a member of Voices of Haitians Living Abroad.

Organizers said the April 7 protest will also serve as a point of unity for “other national struggles whose nations and peoples are beset by problems caused by interference, militarization, sanctions and violence due to intervention of United States and its allies on behalf of corporate interests.”

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