LENTEN ARRESTS AT TEST SITE, SOA/STATE DEPT.

Nevada Desert Experience's 20th annual Lenten Desert Experience concluded on Sunday, March 4, 2001, when about 60 people of different faiths came together at the Nevada Test Site's Mercury entrance, about 65 miles north of Las Vegas. Ongoing "subcritical" nuclear tests and many other nuclear-related activities still underway make the Test Site a continuing focus for civil resistance.

After a sunrise ceremony led by Corbin Harney, traditional spiritual leader of the Western Shoshone people, followed by an interfaith Lenten service, the group processed silently to the gates. Most filed in twos, while about 15 formed a blockade across the road holding a banner. Forty-nine decided to cross the line after Corbin Harney made an inspiring speech for the immediate closure of the Test Site and the return of the land to the Western Shoshone. After a brief time in the holding pen at that entrance, all 49 were cited for trespass and then released.

For more information, contact the Nevada Desert Experience, P. O. Box 46645, Las Vegas, NV 89114, (702)646-4814; e-mail nde@igc.org

Plan Colombia, the name given a recent military aid package of over $1 billion for the South American country, continues to be a focus for civil resistance.

On February 28, Ash Wednesday, more than 20 people gathered at the Colombian Ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C., to apologize for U.S. support of the war against the people there. The gathering moved on to the World Bank and State Department, where Jeff Winder poured a bag of ashes at the entrance as a sign of repentance for U.S. policy in Colombia. Winder was arrested for failure to obey a police order and released several hours later. Trial is set for May 30.

For more information, contact Winder c/o SOA Watch, P.O. Box 4566, Washington, DC 20017, (202)234-3440.