We, the undersigned, condemn the violence inflicted upon the nonviolent protesters demanding AIDS treatment in Queenstown, South Africa on July 12, 2005. According to the Treatment Action Campaign, police assaulted and then opened fire with rubber bullets upon a group of demonstrators. Forty people were injured, including ten who were treated for bullet wounds. Police then shot tear gas at the fleeing demonstrators. We call for an immediate investigation and the swift prosecution of those responsible for these crimes.

South Africans have a right to health care based on their own constitution. They have a right to AIDS antiretroviral treatment and the right to demand it in nonviolent protest. More than five million people are living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa; at least 700,000 need treatment now. As of June 2005, only 110,000 were receiving it, including 50,000 through the public health system.

The campaign of TAC and other South African activists to get treatment for their people cannot be stopped by these abusive tactics.

We will support them in this struggle every step of the way.

Viva TAC, viva!