12.05.06

Record numbers gathered at the gates of Fort Benning on November 17-19 -- estimates for attendance range from 14,000 (Columbus police) to 22,000 (SOAW organizers). In addition, people rallied in ten countries around the world to stand in solidarity with those who have suffered at the hands of the SOA graduates, to remember those who have died, and to denounce the use of torture and human rights abuses in the name of foreign policy. SOA Watch leaders see support for the school waning, as countries such as Argentina and Uruguay announced that they will no longer use the SOA to train troops. This year also marked a key vote in the US Congress where legislation to cut funding to the SOA lost by a mere 15 votes. Mid-term elections saw the defeat of many Representatives who had previously opposed this bill. SOA Watch will continue to push for the closure of the school through legislative and other means, 2007 promises to be a crucial year. For more information: http://www.soaw.org.

Read the SOA Watch press release.

Check out media coverage and photo/video slideshows.

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