Date: Sun, 12 Apr 1998 22:06:54 +0100
From: Chris Burford <cburford-AT-gn.apc.org>
Subject: M-I: "Satanic" forces in Colombia


Yes, it is good there is information about this struggle. 

I caught a new item by the BBC today which seemed a straw in the wind. I
wonder if it reached the USA or elsewhere. 

Two people died from drinking poisoned wine given to a priest who poured it
out in celebration of Easter. The man who left it as a present was reported
to have several other bottles with him for delivery. The speed of the
deaths made people suspect arsenic. The story was publicised to prevent
more deaths.

The reporter quaintly quoted the local church authorities blaming it on
satan worshippers whose influence it is alleged have been growing in
Colombia. The explanation sounds at best metaphorical but presumably they
could not be more explicit.

No doubt the criminals may never be caught, but it smells very much like
dirty tricks of a particularly crude kind. The political leanings of the
local church and the local population would be interesting but it is
reasonable to guess might well be progressive. 

If Dennis gets any further information on this it might just be worth
reporting. In solidarity work it is necessary to watch out for the rare
occasions the mainstream media give a serious struggle any attention, and
someone might find it useful. But even twisted "human interest" stories
might be turned to good account. 

Chris Burford







     --- from list marxism-international-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---