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School of the
Americas Watch
The US Army School
of Americas (SOA), based in Fort Benning, Georgia, trains Latin American soldiers in
combat, counter-insurgency, and counter-narcotics. Graduates of the SOA are
responsible for some of the worst human rights abuses in Latin America. Among the SOA's
nearly 60,000 graduates are notorious dictators Manuel Noriega and Omar Torrijos of
Panama, Leopoldo Galtieri and Roberto Viola of Argentina, Juan Velasco Alvarado of Peru,
Guillermo Rodriguez of Ecuador, and Hugo Banzer Suarez of Bolivia. Lower-level SOA
graduates have participated in human rights abuses that include the assassination of
Archbishop Oscar Romero and the El Mozote Massacre of 900 civilians. (See Grads in the News, SOA Grads in Action, Reports)
On January 17, 2001 the SOA was replaced by the Western Hemisphere Institute for
Security Cooperation (WHISC).
The result of a Department of
Defense proposal included in the Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal 2001, the
name-change measure passed when the House of Representatives defeated a bi-partisan
amendment to close the SOA and conduct a congressional investigation by a narrow ten vote
margin. (See Talking Points, Critique of New School, Vote Roll Call.)
In a media interview
last year, Georgia Senator and SOA supporter, the late Paul Coverdell, characterized the
DOD proposal as "cosmetic" changes that would ensure that the SOA could continue
its mission and operation. Critics of the SOA concur. The new military training school is
the continuation of the SOA under a new name. It is a new name, but the same shame.
SOA Watch is an independent organization that seeks to close
the US Army School of the Americas, under whatever name it is called, through vigils and
fasts, demonstrations and nonviolent protest, as well as media and legislative work.
Last Updated: 12/03/2001
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NEW
Urgent!
Help the SOAW 31 currently fasting in jail!
SOAW 31 Women's Solidarity Statement
Jailed Protesters Fast
to Close Down Terrorist School
Live Coverage from the Atlanta IMC
Nonviolent Demonstrations to Close School of the Americas
Continue 30 More Arrested
Over 50 arrested
in Massive Nonviolent Funeral Procession
Statement from the 14 people held in Muscogee
County Jail
Nicaragua SOA Solidarity Vigil
Solidarity
Vigil in Colombia
More weekend
coverage...
Federal Judge
Upholds First Amendment Right
The Guardian: United States Is Training Terrorists
The SOA 26
Prisoners
*Prison
Addresses*
Father Roy's Speaking Schedule
House
Bill HR 1810 to Close WHISC
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