Free Riu
Free Riu (Aragonese: Riulibre) is the umbrella term describing various movements opposing the rule of Esperanza Rios in Riu d'Archent.
Movement for a Brighter Tomorrow used various measures to curtail the Argentian economic crisis after coming to power in 2003. Some of these measures were unpopular (firing of many public servants, lowering the funding to social services), others made people to believe that the government was attempting to abolish democracy and human rights (appointing of Esperanza Rios to the newly-created office of dictator). This view was supported by various South American countries with leftist governments such as Venezôla, Araucania and Patagonia and Nea Illenicia producing some diplomatic conflicts as Riu de L'Argent claimed that these countries were trying to further destabilize situation in RDL by their propaganda. Riu d'Archent was deeply divided on the issue with some people (those of European race, these from northwest were Esperanza Rios started her political career, feminists and the army) supporting the government passionately while others despising it.
Peaceful protests evolved into riots and general strikes over time although these were declared illegal. The government used the army to disperse demonstrations, arrested various opposition leaders and several other key figures. By this time organized anti-government groups started to form. Certain people (including politicians, artists, writers) fled to Nea Illenicia and other countries fearing persecution, while others moved away from main cities to Pampas and the Andes. Some of them established so-called communes there which were, according to the government, terrorist bases used for preparation of sabotage and terrorist activities, kidnappings and assassinations of people related to government or business.
Such things did indeed happen but using accusations of terrorism to justify harsh means of dealing with Free Riu movements tends to be controversial. Free Riu comprises of many very different organizations such as underground newspapers, Association of the Exiled Artists and others. Any terrorist activity tends to bring RDL's response against more Free Riu organizations than only the most radical ones. RDL supposedly keeps a list of "unloyal people" - people, who were arrested during anti-government demonstrations in recent years. Foreign countries have accused RDL of using the terrorist strikes against it to justify destroying opposition and some leftists even claim that RDL itself is responsible for some of the actions supposedly done by Free Riu movements.
Riu d'Archent alleged that some foreign countries harbour the leadership of Free Riu organizations and aid their activities. This was causing considerable friction between RDL and Venezôla, Nea Illenicia, Araucania and Patagonia.
On 25th March of 2005 a civilian airship en route to Buen Ayre - Mendoça was shot down by insurgents, killing 157 people abroad. Such events were making pro-Rios Argentians feel unsafe and they demanded action. The well-prepared counter-insurgency Operation Andes of 2005 destroyed guerilla positions in Riu d'Archent and levelled most of the Free Riu communes. Many prominent leaders were arrested but many have remained in foreign countries. Cross border guerilla activity strengthened after Free Riu lost their bases of operations inside RDL. This led to Second Patagonian War in year 2007 during which Argentian forces occupied Nea Illenicia and the government of Araucania and Patagonia was deposed.
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