The peasant leader explained in an interview with Prensa Latina today that rural people considered to be most affected by state policy, large land-owners, and agriculture exporters, are vulnerable "to being almost wiped out". He was refering to 150 unpunished murders of rural leaders in Paraguay.
Aguayo also mentioned the toxic fumigations that recently caused the death of two young girls and left hundreds ill, in the north of the country, saying that those responsible were “practically declaring a chemical war” against the communities.
He explained that from the perspective of the large land-owners, ranchers, and the giant agro-exporters, farmers and indigenous people were considered to be the main enemies because they were located on desired land.
Transnational companies such as Monsanto, are the main supporters of thisalleged plan – dispossessing the farmers from their lands, he stresed.
Although rural communities were fiercely defending their rights, he said, the struggle was unequal, considering the larger means at the state´s disposal. The state has legally backed Monsanto, and has not pushed for the prosecution of murders.
Aguayo confirmed that protests are organised for Augst 13 to 15, across the country. Unions, student organisations, and social movements are expected to protest privatisations, and demand agrarian reform.
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