ILEA Congressional Pressure Postcard
Download the ILEA pressure postcard here (See text below)
Dear Representative _____________,
I am writing tourge you to publicly oppose the U.S.-sponsoredInternational LawEnforcement Academy(ILEA) in El Salvador and toreverse the steps that have already been taken to impose this project on thepeople of El Salvador. I also urge you to oppose the funding for theconstruction of the ILEA, funding that must be approved by the U.S. Congress.
During thebloody 12-year civil war in El Salvador,the U.S.srole in "professionalizing" repressive forces through the School of theAmericas (SOA) meant open support for governmental and paramilitary forces thattortured, disappeared, and murdered tens of thousands of people. Currently in El Salvador the lines drawn by the1992 Salvadoran Peace Accords between military and police are being blurred,while draconian "iron fist" policies and violent state-backed repression are onthe rise. The justification ofgang-fighting and anti-terrorism has led to a backlash against Salvadorans whooppose their governments "free trade" policies and are struggling for increaseddemocratic participation. The decisionof the U.S. State Department to build an ILEA police training center in San Salvador will onlyencourage such "iron fist" policing and repression of youth and social movementactivists.
Salvadoranorganizations are strongly opposing the imposition of the ILEA, claiming thatit represents a setback for the 1992Peace Accords. It is for these reasons Iask that you take a position against the ILEA and against U.S. funding for suchan institution.
Sincerely,
"I am a CISPES supporter because continuing to fight for social justice and a more people-centered country means continuing the dream and sacrifice of thousands of my fellow Salvadorans who died for that vision.” - Padre Carlos, New York City
