Political prisoners

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Two weeks ago a group of left extremists demonstrating against the american president, Bush, and american imperialism, did graffiti painting on buildings, and burnt cars, using molotov bombs in the city's historical neighborhood ("ciudad vieja"). See pictures. This actions were performed in response to Bush presence in Mar del Plata, Argentina, at the summit of the Americas. The police had to intervene for the incidents to stop. There were many prisoner's taken, most of them released within the following hours, but four of them kept inside.

Two weeks have passed and at least two marchs protesting, demanding the release of the prisoners, have been made. One last friday, and the other one today. The prisoners may spend from 3 months to 3 years on prision, if the release demand is not granted.

I would like to point out that demonstrations in uruguay are usual, but demonstrations resorting to violence as a means of protest are definitely not, and this is what makes this one so particular.

Last march a leftish government took office for the first time in uruguay's history. This is a good opportunity for the new government to prove it's worth managing this situation. The dilema faced is that if actions are not taken, this could be interpreted as legitimization of the use of violence in public demonstrations, on the other hand if punishment is severe support from the hardcore leftish wing will be lost. ...