Dear Colleagues in Focus,
We are all shocked at the veiled death threat issued to Walden Bello, Lidy Nacpil and others by the Communist Party of Phillipines (CPP). CPP has become increasingly intolerant of criticism and its branding of all those who do not agree with it as “counter-revolutionary” or agent of imperialism is particualrly reprehensible. For CPP leaders to claim that the list is only one of those they consider agents of imperialsim and not a hit list sound specious when at least three people in this list have already been killed.
As we know to our cost, sectarianism, taken to its logical conclusion, can lead to a policy of individual annihilation. This has nothing in common with Marxism-Leninism, which CPP claims to espouse and only sullies its once proud reputaion as a fighter against US imperialism. Walden, Lidy and others are well known to the international community, particuarly amongst activists in the global struggle against imperialist globalisation.
We are aware that CPP views all these movements and platforms as diversionary, even though the anti war and anti WTO campaigns have made significant contributions. Surely, the people will decide who the true opponents of imperialism are and not a small group issuing either certificates or death “fatwas”?
My colleagues in Delhi Scince Forum and myself would like to exprss our solidarity with Walden and the Focus staff and hope that CPP will heed the voice of the activists in the global struggle against imperialism. I am sure our other colleagues and organisations in the WSF India collective also feel similarly and will add their voice to yours and others around the globe who have already condemned the CPP hit list.
In soliadrity, Prabir Purkayastha
