It is requested that concerned people contact:
The Taoist community has been the brunt of allegations and threats in the press, to isolate them from the surrounding communities; the threats increased in May, when local druglords threatened "We'll get you out, dead or alive" and "You have DIOS (god), we have DAS (the Colombian FBI)". Soon after, unmarked airplanes began to fly over the Taoist farm at night, dropping chemicals believed to be Gliphosate (on Sept. 25, 1995, the Colombian armed forces had threatened to 'fumigate' SAKROAKUARIOS using the anti-poppy chemical Gliphosate; this was stopped thanks to worldwide protest).
The road that runs thru the farm also carries traffic, including vehicles apparently transporting poppies.
The Taoists in a radio communique state:
"Today the 4th of May, four forest rangers were spotted near the water
springs that sustain the Tao community. Once discovered they fled and
asked for the protection of the armed forces. It has been proven that the
water had been poisoned, and there are more than 90 monks intoxicated.
These are the symptoms: partial paralysis, and extreme weakness; fevers of
104 degrees F; diarrhea, deliriousness, vomiting and nasal hemorrahages;
headaches and intense body pains."
"These are monks that practice naturalism and athletic fitness. What would happen if this affects the average person? The water springs that cross the SAKROAKUARIOS flow into the Fonse River, Uripas River, and others. These waters are used by millions of Colombians. In addition this morning an airplane flew over the temple spraying a substance of a very strong odor, the effect of this is facial disfiguration of some of the monks. We conclude that the attack is biologically hazardous and radioactive which is inhuman, cruel and not permitted even in warfare. How could this genocidal attempt happen against a peaceful religious group? There is only one explanation and that is the Narco-Traffickers aided by the authorities are taking revenge against the community who destroyed their "poppy plantations" are are settled on their illegal business routes. We are asking for help from the international institutions, the human rights organizations, the UN, etc. Since the Colombian authorities disregard our requests for help, we urgently need the presence of the international organizations."
"We are under siege; we cannot enter or leave since the battalion of artillery "Galan" under Lt. Col. Blanco of the 5th brigade, second divsion of the armed forces of Socorro, are surrounding the SAKROAQUARIOS."
Additional information can be gotten from (201) 348-1764, (201) 223- 0758, (201) 902-1453; Iris Rosada (212) 391-1110.