NESW

Every year, thousands of activists around the globe fall victim to violence, accidents, or mysterious deaths. While some of these incidents are investigated and attributed to circumstance, others remain shrouded in uncertainty, leaving many to wonder if they were actually targeted by those in power.

In recent years, several high-profile cases of activists’ suspicious deaths have sparked controversy and raised questions about the role of the establishment in silencing dissenting voices. From mysterious poisonings to brutal beatings, these deaths often go uninvestigated or are quickly swept under the rug, leaving activists and their families to pick up the pieces.

Staged deaths? Possible, but often overlooked

While it’s impossible to say for certain whether these deaths were staged, it’s undeniable that the circumstances surrounding many of them bear a striking resemblance to those of individuals who have been targeted by the establishment. Take, for example, the case of Prime Minister Rafael Campese of Ecuador, who was assassinated in 1981 while campaigning against the construction of a US-owned oil refinery.

Campese was a vocal critic of US imperialism and had been openly opposing the construction of the refinery, which was backed by Chevron. His murder remains unsolved, but many suspect that his killing was orchestrated by those who stood to lose from his outspoken criticism.

Examples of activist deaths

1. Chilean Activist, Sergio De Castro (2017): De Castro, a 68-year-old Chilean activist, was found murdered in a park in the capital city of Santiago. He had been a vocal critic of the Chilean government’s handling of protests against the economic crisis. The case remains unsolved.
2. Brazilian Activist, Marielle Franco (2018): Franco, a 38-year-old Brazilian human rights activist, was murdered in Rio de Janeiro, along with her driver. She had been a vocal critic of police brutality and racial inequality. Her death sparked widespread protests and calls for justice.
3. Ukrainian Journalist, Arkady Babkenov (2016): Babkenov, a Ukrainian journalist, was shot and killed in a café in Kiev. He had been investigating corruption within the Ukrainian government. The case remains unsolved.
4. Turkish Activist, Turkish journalist and activist, Yakup Köksal (2010): Köksal, 59, was killed by a car bomb in the Silivri district of Istanbul. He had been a vocal critic of the Turkish government’s policies towards the Kurdish community.

The purpose of silencing activists?

While it’s impossible to say for certain why these deaths occurred, it’s clear that activists who threaten the establishment with their activities are often the ones who become the target of violence. The purpose of silencing these individuals is to maintain the status quo and prevent dissenting voices from challenging the powers that be.

Conclusion

The deaths of thousands of activists around the globe serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in standing up for what is right. While some of these deaths can be attributed to circumstance, others remain shrouded in uncertainty, leaving us to wonder if they were actually targeted by those in power. As we move forward, it’s essential that we acknowledge the sacrifices made by these unsung heroes and demand justice for their families and loved ones. The time has come to hold those in power accountable for their actions and ensure that the voices of the silenced are not forgotten.