| United nations assaults radio for peace { November 4 2003 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active) http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=03/11/04/1556254http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=03/11/04/1556254
Tuesday, November 4th, 2003 Radio For Peace International Under Siege in Costa Rica
The only shortwave radio station dedicated to peace and social justice in the Western Hemisphere is under siege by the UN mandated University For Peace where it is housed. In July, the university served an eviction notice to the radio station staff, who refused to leave. We go to Costa Rica to speak with the station’s CEO from inside the locked studios. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only shortwave radio station dedicated to peace and social justice in the Western Hemisphere is under siege. Founded in 1987, Radio for Peace International broadcasts Democracy Now!, Free Speech Radio News, and other independent radio programs as well as United Nations. Radio for Peace International is housed on the grounds of University for Peace, a United Nations mandated university located in El Rodeo, Costa Rica. On July 21st, the University served an eviction notice to the radio station staff. Armed guards employed by the University locked the station’s access gate and patrolled the premises. They ordered the staff to evacuate the facilities in two weeks. A number of Radio for Peace International employees refused to leave the station. Supporters delivered supplies and food to the locked station and a group of listeners is collected donations for a legal defense fund.
Well yesterday the United Nation's University for Peace began to use aggressive means to force the shut down of the station. At noon they cut off the water supply to the remaining 8 staff and volunteers holed up in the building. Four hours later the University cut the telephone lines. Security guards have turned away reporters and cameramen who have come out to try to enter the campus.
Since the University is owned by the United Nations, they are claiming immunity from all laws and law enforcement; the station has little power against this major act of censorship.
James Latham, CEO of Radio for Peace International, speaking to us from inside the locked studios. To purchase an audio or video copy of this entire program, call 1 (800) 881-2359.
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