Santa Cruz Youth Union

The Santa Cruz Youth Union ("Unión Juvenil Cruceñista") (UJC) is a militant neo-fascist group based in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Founded in 1957 as an arm of the Pro Santa Cruz Committee ("Comite Pro Santa Cruz") [http://www.comiteprosantacruz.org.bo/luch.html] , the UJC has recently become the subject of controversy and accusation concerning its activities in support of the Santa Cruz autonomy movement in opposition to the government of Evo Morales and his MAS political party. [ [http://upsidedownworld.org/main/content/view/603/1/] UDW, Ben Dangl. The Dark Side of Bolivia’s Half Moon January 2007]

Claiming a membership of more than two thousand, the UJC has violently enforced general civic strikes called for by the Pro Santa Cruz Committee, [ [http://www.boliviainfoforum.org.uk/documents/432279594_BIF%20Bulletin%208.pdf BIF Bulletin No 8] Santa Cruz and the banner of autonomy] intimidated and assaulted leftist political opponents, [ [http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR18/004/2007/en/dom-AMR180042007en.html] Amnesty Intl. Bolivia: Fear for safety 06 March 2007] and provided "security" for the illegal May 4th Santa Cruz Autonomy referendum [ [http://ain-bolivia.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=116&Itemid=32] AIN Illegal Autonomy Referendum Deepens Division in Bolivia 17 April 2008] , participating in violent clashes the day of the vote. [ [http://upsidedownworld.org/main/content/view/1270/31/] UPD Santa Cruz Divided 08 May 2008] Two members of the UJC were arrested and accused of plotting to assassinate Evo Morales on June 20th 2008, when encountered by police in possession of a rifle, scope, and ammunition at an airport in Santa Cruz prior to the president's arrival. [ [http://www.prensa-latinaenglish.com/article.asp?ID={7E1D1EA2-CD67-4508-8863-70E1DCC486AB})&language=EN] Prensa Latina Suspected Attackers of Evo Arrested June 20, 2008]

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