 |
| Bushman women, Namibia
© Mark Håkansson/Survival |
Twenty-five protestors from Survival International were bundled out of
the Oxford Union by burly security guards on Friday for wearing
offensive t-shirts' and asking offensive questions.' All were members
of the Union or their guests.
Botswana's President Mogae had been invited to give a promotional talk
to the Union about the state of democracy in his country, but was met
at every turn by students and others protesting at Botswana's
persecution of peaceful Kalahari Bushmen, who have been thrown off their ancestral land.
Three Bushmen, including a child, have been shot in recent weeks, and
all their leaders have been arrested, imprisoned and charged with
unlawful assembly'. All the Oxford protestors wore t-shirts reading
Botswana police shoot Bushmen'.
President Mogae was greeted by protestors as he entered and left the
Union building shouting Why are you persecuting the Bushmen?' and Let
the Bushmen go home'. He gave no reply other than a two-fingered salute.
He was also questioned inside the Union chamber, but some of the members questioning him were also forced to leave.
Survival's Director Stephen Corry, who was one of those expelled, said
today, The Oxford Union says that its guiding principles are
diversity and outspokeness', and the free exchange of ideas'.
Instead, it seems to have learnt a few lessons from the Botswana
authorities, who routinely expel anyone who dares to challenge them.'
Another protestor, a refugee from Chile, said, The behaviour of the
Union officials reminded me of General Pinochet's henchmen back home.'
For further information, please contact Miriam Ross on +44 20 7687 8734 or email mr@survival-international.org
