On today’s show, we hear about the ongoing trial in Peru of military officials accused of perpetrating a horrific massacre of civilians 30 years ago this week. We’re joined by Professor Jo-Marie Burt, on the line from Lima, to tell us what happened at Accomarca those three decades ago, and what’s happening now, in the courtroom, as the victims seek justice. [2:01]
We then talk to Washington Post reporter Lydia DePillis about a fascinating piece she just published about the use of contract labor at the Washington headquarters of the World Bank, where nearly 20,000 short-term contract employees perform some of that institution’s core functions. We’ll ask what the impact of all that contract labor is for the Bank’s work – and for what DePillis calls the Bank’s own “class divide.” [21:46]
And we’ll speak to Professor Marc Becker about a surge in protests in Ecuador against that country’s leftist president, Rafael Correa. As indigenous groups mobilize against mining and logging in their communities, Correa is accusing activists of attempting to destabilize his government. We’ll find out what the historical roots of this conflict are, and ask where it’s going as Correa seeks a fourth term in office. [37:16]
Originally aired on WBAI on August 17, 2015. Listen to the full show here: