Tactically. the demonstration showed that CISPES could mobilize a significant group on a working day (Monday) prepared to take part in a direct illegal. although peaceful. protest.... Obviously. fanaticism either by U.S. FMLN supporters or by Salvadorean (sic) FMLN members legally or illegally in the U.S. could be escalated to nonpeaceful actions." 15 Six months after these protests. a group of "Salvadoran refugees" marched for 17 days from New York to Washington "against repression and war in Central America." A proFMLN flyer issued by "Salvadoran Refugees Against Certification." a CISPES front group. cried. "No to the lie of certification!" and urged people to "Join Salvadoran refugees in protest against U.S. intervention in Central America." 18 A march and rally at the White House was followed by an ecumenical service on July 21. the next day. the "Day of Certification." a press conference was held by the "refugees." "U.S.-sponsored terror" was blamed for their status as refugees. according to the flyer. which echoed the FMLNFDR line that "elections held during a state of civil war are unacceptable." Again. this is an example of CISPES disinformation. as the March 28. 1982 electionsin which over 80 percent of the electorate votedrepudiated the numerically insignificant 7.000man guerrilla forces. CISPES activists intend to pursue decertification by misinforming the public with halftruths and distortions. and by pressuring Members of Congress through demonstrations. letterwriting campaigns. and direct lobbying.
Keywords matched
Refugees refugees