A truck with a large screen, broadcasting images of the situation in Palestine, travels through Logroño to raise awareness among the population
The culture of La Rioja, through a manifesto – signed by more than 300 people – which was read at a gathering called by ‘Acampada por Palestina La Rioja’, at 8:00 p.m. at the Espolón de Logroño, has denounced the «genocide» in Gaza and demands «peace, reparations, justice, and freedom for Palestine».
The document ‘Cultura de La Rioja por Palestina’ has been endorsed, among others, by renowned artists and recipients of the highest institutional awards, such as the Félix Reyes, Rosa Castellot, Pepe Viyuela, Javier Cámara, or Jesús Rocandio Awards for Arts and Culture, as well as emerging talents, authors, professionals from various sectors, independent creators, members of theater, music, and cultural groups of all kinds.
Before reading the manifesto, Josúe Lapeña, acting as a spokesperson, pointed out to the media that we are witnessing «one of the most destructive genocides currently happening on the planet; the genocide in the Palestinian people.» «What we want is for institutions, political parties to take risks, become aware, stop sending and selling weapons, and allow aid to enter so that it doesn’t turn into a holocaust.»
«EXTERMINATION»
The manifesto, on its part, recalls that in Gaza «there are no theater performances tonight, no concerts, no peace» because «they are exterminating them». «There are no bookstores, cinemas, schools, or hospitals left; they are destroying everything,» and «there is no one left to tell stories to the children or even feed them.» All of this, because they have stated «it is a genocide.»
They have pointed out that «Israel has been trampling on the human rights of the Palestinian people for too long,» asking «how long?». At this point, they lamented that there have already been «67,000 Palestinians killed, including nearly 18,000 children. After more than 14,000 people disappeared among the rubble and in prisons. After more than 120,000 people injured and mutilated.»
«ETHNIC CLEANSING»
In the manifesto, they insist that it is «genocide,» as well as «war crimes» and «an operation of ethnic cleansing, annihilation of a people, and appropriation of their territories.» These are aspects that «we will not tolerate in silence,» in the face of which «the professionals of the culture of La Rioja publicly express our absolute rejection of the inaction of the majority of political parties and international institutions.»
Finally, they stated in the manifesto that «saving lives is a priority, so we denounce the inaction of our governments and demand that they force Israel to a definitive ceasefire, to unblock and not prevent the entry and distribution of necessary humanitarian aid immediately and without restrictions.» «We call for a review of the Commercial and Political Association Agreement with Israel, which expressly requires respect for human rights, and we demand an arms embargo and sanctions against Israel,» they concluded.
A group photo was taken during the protest, and two artists painted a relevant poster live, with musical performances by Elena Araona, Clara Alonso, Floren Romero, and Wilmaduo, among others.
CONCENTRATION IN FRONT OF THE PARLIAMENT
On the other hand, Ulpiano Gómez, from Acampada Palestina por La Rioja, has reminded that this Friday, at 8:00 p.m., there will be a new concentration in front of the Parliament of La Rioja, to which he invites everyone to attend to demand an end to the «genocide.»
Additionally, as a supportive action, a truck will travel through the streets of Logroño until Friday, with a large screen broadcasting images «of the horror happening in Gaza.» This aims to «raise awareness» among the population and make them «realize that they have the capacity to act on this.»
