Argentinean bishops denounce printing press blockade

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mar 29, 2011 / 14:06 pm

The Argentinean bishops' committee on justice and peace issued a statement denouncing the March 27 blockade of two printing press facilities.

“We have a civic duty to protect the health of our institutions and promote democratic life in a respectful way, fostering dialogue, consensus building, and promoting social peace against every form of violence and aggression,” the committee stated.

The blockades took place March 27 at the printing press facilities for the national papers Clarin and La Nacion. Unable to distribute its newspapers, Clarin issued its edition that day with a blank front page in protest.

The bishops' committee noted that “there are issues of real priority in our country that demand our utmost attention, such as the caring for human life, the eradication of poverty and promotion of comprehensive development.

“These objectives, which are where all of our efforts should be focused, will not be achieved if we cannot guarantee, as a society, true openness to the diversity of ideas and a just defense of the freedom of expression.”

Sunday's blockade was the fifth of its kind since November 2010.

Both newspapers blamed the government for not acting to stop the blockade carried out by workers from the Rioplatenses Graphic Art Firm. The firm claims its union leaders are being treated unfairly.