Friday 25 May 2012

Quebec protesters resist plutofascism


MORE than 500 protesters have been arrested in Quebec, Canada, after they took to the streets to defy a neoliberal clamp-down.

The progression from phoney 'democracy' to real plutofascism could hardly be more clearly exposed than here.

The now-familiar laws are passed to increase student tuition fees as education and all other aspects of our society are privatised for the profit of the elite.

Faced with a massive and determined revolt by a new generation, what is the response of the authorities?

To back down and go along with the democratic consensus? No - to ramp up repression and pass draconian new laws to try and crush dissent.

Happily, the Quebec rebels are fighting the plutofascists every inch of the way, sending shockwaves across the world.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports, from Australia:  "What began as a protest against university fee increases has expanded to a wider movement to oppose Bill 78, which was rushed through by legislators in Quebec in response to the demonstrations.

"The bill imposes severe restrictions on protests, making it illegal for protesters to gather without having given police eight hours' notice and securing a permit.

"On Wednesday night, police in Montreal used 'kettling' techniques - officers surrounding groups of protesters and not allowing them in or out of the resulting circle - before conducting a mass arrest."

Adds the BBC: "Bill 78, passed last Friday, requires marches to follow pre-approved routes, but protesters say it infringes their democratic rights, and have pledged to legally contest it."
Below is the artwork submitted by protesters to police when they were asked to provide a map of their route.