The Popular Assembly lodges legal denunciation of Governor Ruiz

by Nancy Davies
Acting as alternative government of the state of Oaxaca, the Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca (APPO) has moved on the legal front to oust the governor of the state. On June 21 the nine-page legal complaint was handed to the national Congress.

Based on the Constitution of the United States of Mexico, APPO issued its formal denunciation of Governor Ulises Ruiz Ortiz. The denunciation calls for revocation of his post as Governor of the Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca.

The call for Ruiz’ removal was composed and signed by seventy-two civil organizations, and members of CIESAS, the top-ranked institute for the study of society and anthropology in Mexico. It was handed to the legislature of Mexico on July 16, one month after the governor ordered a pre-dawn attack on sleeping teachers from the teachers union Section 22. Some teachers were accompanied by children and family members in their encampment in the zocalo of Oaxaca City. The attack was made by police supported by helicopters firing tear gas canisters.

Within days the teachers’ strike had changed into a state-wide popular social movement, with its single demand the removal of Governor Ruiz. Ruiz is a member of the Partido Revolucionario Democratico, the PRI, which has controlled Oaxaca for more than seventy-five years.

The denunciation is being circulated to the national and foreign press. Meanwhile, outbreaks of the struggle to control town governments continue throughout the state. On July 20 the blockade and occupation of the government buildings for the legislature, juridical offices, and executive offices of Oaxaca organized by APPO were carried out.