Coatzacoalcos, Mexico
Train of tears: The derailing of a cargo train in southern Mexico has cast a spotlight on the plight of migrants bound for the U.S. The train was creeping along at just 6 miles an hour when it hit a patch where thieves had stolen plates and nails from the track, but despite the slow pace at least six people were killed when the cars rolled over. That’s because scores of Central Americans were clinging to the top of the train or tied to the sides. The northbound train, known as the Beast, is used by thousands of migrants every year, and hundreds are killed or injured in falls from it or assaults on it. Armed gangs frequently attack the train, robbing, kidnapping, or raping the migrants.
Tunja, Colombia
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Farmers paralyze country: A nationwide farmers’ strike has brought Colombia to a near standstill. Farmers have been blocking rural roads across half the country for more than a week in protest over free-trade agreements with the U.S. and the European Union. The farmers say that since the agreements came into force, their costs for fuel and fertilizer have gone up, while their goods are being crowded out of the market by cheaper imported crops. “We’re not going to leave this country to the big farmers or the multinationals that are taking over the land,” said Ederto Díaz, president of the National Union of Farm Workers.
Brasília, Brazil
Bolivian bolts to freedom: The escape to Brazil of a Bolivian fugitive holed up for more than a year in the Brazilian Embassy has caused a diplomatic rift. Roger Pinto, a Bolivian senator, was charged with corruption last year after he accused Bolivian President Evo Morales of having links to drug cartels. Brazil gave Pinto asylum in its La Paz embassy, but he was stuck there for more than a year until last week, when a Brazilian diplomat smuggled him out in his car without permission. Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota took responsibility for the abuse of diplomatic immunity and resigned his post; the diplomat is likely to be fired.
