On Wednesday, September 10th, Mr. Kyanghai Lee, President
of the Association of Korean Farmers and Fishermen,
stabbed himself atop the barricade separating
demonstrators from the Hotel Zone where the WTO is
meeting in Cancun. Demonstrators were carrying signs
declaring "WTO Kills Farmers."

In many media reports in the West, the death is being
referred to as a suicide. The word is also starting to
circulate that Mr. Lee stabbed himself once before during
the negotiations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade [the GATT]. The implication that will probably be
suggested is that he was suicidal and mentally
unbalanced.

Our Asian colleagues here in Cancun are insisting that
these are incorrect and culturally insensitive judgments.
In Asia, such a death is referred to as "Self-
Immolation." It is a very honorable form of sacrifice as
a demonstration of the impact of oppression on oneself
and one's people.

A reverent vigil is being kept at the barricade where Mr.
Lee gave his life. A small, quiet demonstration with
flowers and candles is being planned for inside the
Convention Center so that the delegates and the public
will be kept aware of the powerful message. A spirit of
grave, reverent seriousness is present among the NGO
activists present.