Sunday, the 14th of November, we had the opportunity to meet with and interview the Zyrko Nomada de Kombate Collective, a touring radio/video art collective from Juárez. They were on their third stop of the tour in Tijuana, and staying at a local collective house. Their collective produces political media, including music, to inform other Juárez inhabitants and the world about the state of their city. These inspirational people shared with us many stories of violence and corruption in Juárez that the corporate media purposely ignores.
The collective members spoke of the violence occurring to students, teachers, and activists for opposing the militarization of their neighborhoods. They spoke of late night raids, beatings, and even murders targeting the activist community. The government is at war with the Pacífico and La Linea cartels. Tanks are rolling in the streets as the government battles the La Linea cartel, all the while ignoring the actions of the Pacífico cartel so that they might hold future negotiations.
Many of the human rights abuses are perpetrated by the military, federales, and police officers as they combat the narcotics traffickers. Examples given as to human rights abuses were the use of excessive force, such as the shooting of an activist as she was writing her objections on a wall during a demonstration of 1000 people. The soldier claimed that rocks were thrown, although this has been contested by eye witnesses. There is widespread impunity for these abuses, especially as the world focuses its attention to the drug war.
The cartels, of course, are responsible for despicable crimes as well. Mafia-rule attempts to levy a “protection” tax on local businesses. The collective has witnessed the consequences of the cartel’s enforcement. A member spoke of a bakery, whose goods were a favorite of his, which was burned to the ground for refusal to pay the extortion tax. This comes as business are closing and leaving Juárez. To date an estimated 10,000 business have closed or been destroyed.
According to the collective, capitalists are using this moment of crisis to further their greed by leveling blocks of historic buildings, so that the land can be redeveloped. Due process is not being adhered to as the ongoing drug war provides sufficient distraction from accountability.
A special thanks goes to Zyrko Nomanda de Kombate Collective for meeting with us and sharing their personal stories. Our thoughts and solidarity are with you. We would also like to thank our friends Michelle and Cesar for introducing us to the collective and helping with translations.
Safe journey Nomads!
http://www.elznk.net/
Purple Canyon Hoedown was good times and delicious food! Much thanks goes to all the bands that came out to share their music, all the volunteer cooks and everyone that showed up to share the experience. Some photos of the day are available to view 
