Thousands marched in Caracas on Tuesday chanting against US imperialism and the war in Iraq at start of the World Social Forum, where activists campaign for causes from fair trade to indigenous rights. US peace activist Cindy Sheehan, who held a vigil outside US President George W Bush’s Texas ranch after her soldier son was killed in Iraq, led the flag-waving crowds shouting “No to the war” in Spanish to end of the rally. “We need to stop the war in Iraq, we need to bring our troops home immediately,” Sheehan said from a stage. “We need to see George Bush and the rest of them tried for crimes against humanity. We need justice for our children.” Many at the rally hailed Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a self-styled socialist revolutionary and critic of Washington, who has become a regional standard-bearer for left-wing and anti-US movements since allying himself with Cuba. Colombian drummers, whistles and stilt-walkers brought a festive atmosphere to an event that has become a central forum for international debate on subjects as diverse as gay rights, anti-globalisation and global arms control.
“This is against conflict, against wars all over the world,” said Marie Eve Rheault, from Quebec, Canada, who was helping hoist a peace dove fashioned from white sheets.
“This is a process that can bring change for everyone,” said Colombian Lucy Martinez, who belongs to a solidarity group with Cuba. “It’s great that it is here in Venezuela because Chavez, like Fidel Castro, is an example for everyone.” Many traveled by road from neighboring Brazil and Colombia. At least four Brazilian students were killed and 11 injured when their bus crashed in Peru in route to Caracas.