Puerto Rican Political Prisoners

Posts Tagged ‘Puerto Rican political prisoners’

By Land & By Sea Drawing Attention to Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera

7:27 am By Maegan La Mala · Activism|chicago|New York City|Prisons|Puerto Rico · No Comments

17 May 2012

Many activist organizations on both the international and national level point out the problem of political prisoners. When it comes to looking at Latin American and Latinos and people incarcerated for their political beliefs, such as self-determination or challenging the way the government works, most people will point to Cuba and/or Venezuela. What they won’t often acknowledge the existence of prisoners of conscious in the United States. Puerto Rican activists from both the island and the U.S. are trying to change that.

Puerto Rican activist Alberto De Jesus, known as Tito Kayak, announced earlier this week intention to kayak from Venezuela to Puerto Rico. The maritine voyage, to begin on June 5th weather permiting, will row from Venezuela, island by island thoughout the Antilles following the tragectory taken by the indiginous Arawak people who originaly populated the Antillies. This effort will be carried out to honor and bring world attention to the case of the longest held Puerto Rican, U.S. political prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera.

This Thursday, Bronx, NY Hostos Community College Cultural Welcoming Event for Carlos Alberto Torres!

7:16 am By Maegan La Mala · Events|New York City|Puerto Rico · Comments Off

13 Mar 2012

Join the Hostos Community College Student Government

Association for a night of speakers and culture as we welcome former political prisoner Carlos Alberto Torres to NYC!

Keynote Speaker:

Carlos Alberto Torres

Special messages:

Michael Cruz, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chair of the SGA Senate
State Assemblyman Jose Rivera

Councilwoman Melissa MarkViverito

Cultural Presentations:

The Welfare Poets,

Prof. Thelma Ithier Sterling-

Humanities/VPA, soprano singing La Borinqueña and Verde Luz
Bomba Yo
Paula Santiago (Prisionera)

Thursday March 15, 2012 at 6:30pm

Hostos Community College 3rd fl. Cafeteria

450 Grand Concourse

(Take the 4, 5, or 2 trains to W149th St.-Grand Concourse. )

Hostos students and staff are free. All others Students (with ID) and senior suggested donations $5.00 and adults $15.00 (no one will be turned away) For more information: (646) 229-5133

Sponsored by: HCC Student Government Association

Endorsers: Humanities Department, El Partido Nacionalista Puertorriqueña-Junta de NYC, The National Boricua Human Rights Network and The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign.

Today in Puerto Rican History : Nationalists Convicted

1:32 pm By Maegan La Mala · history|Puerto Rico · Comments Off

31 Jul 2011

While today many remain attentive to the debt ceiling theater that is taking place in Congress, in 1936, Puerto Rican nationalists Pedro Albizu Campos, Juan Antonio Corretjer, Clemente Soto Vélez and others were sentenced to six to 10 years in federal prison for for “seditious conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. Government in Puerto Rico.”. This sentence is the result of a second trial against the leaders, ordered because the first trial, where the jury was majority Puerto Rican, found the nationalists innocent.

It is important to note that earlier that year, in the Masacre of Rio Piedras four Nationalists are killed by the Policia Insular de Puerto Rico. The Nationalists avenge the Masacre de Rio Piedras. Hiram Rosado and Elias Beauchamp kill Chief of Police E. Francis Riggs. They are caught and killed in the police headquarters of Old San Juan.

It is important to note that the same charges that imprisoned leaders like Albizu Campos continue to be used against current Puerto Rican political prisoners.

Sources : ProLibertad, PR Dream

Te Conozco Bacalao : The Impact of Obama’s Puerto Rican Layover/Campaign Stop

6:48 am By Maegan La Mala · Casa Blanca Camino 2012|Obama|Puerto Rico · 9 Comments

15 Jun 2011

Let’s not call it a visit. Let’s call it a layover/campaign stop. A real visit would have involved at the very least an overnight stay, a visit to a cultural institution that was not a restaurant, and perhaps even a visit with the different sides of the Puerto Rican status issue. But this was not a visit. It was a four hour layover, the majority of which was spent collecting money for his campaign and the Democratic party. As I wrote yesterday, the issues of real importance to Puerto Ricans weren’t really touched. And then people wonder why some burned a United States flag.

The closest President Obama got to touching the status issue was to say that he would support any clear decisions Puerto Ricans would make regarding the status of the island in a plebiscite that according to Pro-Statehood Governor Fortuño, will happen within 18 months. Problem is this is the same way the “status issue” has always been dealt with, with a referendum that amounts to little more than a glorified opinion poll.

Obama did not publicly acknowledge the demand to free political prisoners (although it is being reported that a Puerto Rican Senator did ask him to release Oscar Lopez). The President did not acknowledge the violence and repression against protesters nor the violence and repression against the island’s queer community that in the last year alone has stolen 18 lives. The President did not acknowledge that while he is using Puerto Rico as a litmus test for the Latino vote, Puerto Rico has an active Memorandum of Agreement activating Secure Communities since December of 2010, which no doubt targets the growing Dominican community on the island. Talk about divide and conquer politics at it’s worse. Coming to the island with outstretched hand while continuing to promote the politics of colonization and deportation.

Puerto Ricans are famous for their sayings – their refranes and I can’t help but thinking of Te conozco bacalao, aunque vengas disfraza’o – I recognize you codfish even if you are in costume and that is exactly what this trip was, an affront to the real issues not just of Puerto Ricans but all Latinos. This little Puerto Rican fishy will not be swayed.

Take it away Hector….

Sources : Miami Herald

Petition for Oscar Lopez Rivera

8:07 am By Maegan La Mala · Puerto Rico · Comments Off

9 Mar 2011

People of conscience throughout the world were outraged by news that the U.S. Parole Commission refused to parole Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar López Rivera after close to 30 years in prison for his support of Puerto Rican independence. Thousands of people, including members of U.S. Congress, religious leaders, artists, scholars, and community members support his immediate release.

The Parole Commission’s inhumane decision, issued on February 18, ignored both the specifics of Oscar’s case and the broad-based international humanitarian support for his immediate release. The Commission, basing its unjust decision on falsehoods and inaccuracies, ruled that Oscar must remain in prison another 15 years or until the duration of his sentence, whichever comes first.

Though this represents a significant setback, the National Boricua Human Rights Network (NBHRN) has no doubt the campaign for Oscar’s freedom will be victorious. The Puerto Rican people and their allies have succeeded in winning the release of three generations of political prisoners, an unparalleled accomplishment. This campaign will be no different.

After consulting with Oscar and the campaign for his release, his attorney will ask the Parole Commission to reconsider its wrongheaded ruling. Activists and leaders from the U.S., Puerto Rico and abroad have started to aggressively plan and launch the next phase of the campaign.

There are many ways to contribute to this campaign:

You can sign the ProLibertad Freedom Campaign’s NEW online parole petition based on the NBHRN letter:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/olrnewparole/

AND SIGN/FAX/MAIL THE NBHRN LETTER (Opens as a PDF).

Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Denied Parole

9:34 am By Maegan La Mala · Puerto Rico · 5 Comments

19 Feb 2011

Excuse the overwhelm of news out of Puerto Rico lately, but I am Puerto Rican after all.

Yesterday the U.S. Parole Commission denied parole to Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera. Lopez Rivera is currently inside a federal detention center in Indiana serving a 70 year sentence determined by a 1981 conviction on charges including seditious conspiracy and transportation of firearms linked to the Puerto Rican nationalist organization The Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional (FALN). More than anything however, Lopez Rivera is “guilty” of advocating for the self-determination of Puerto Rico, a colony of the United States since 1898. While the U.S. is quick to support democracy (or at least say it does) globally, it denies that opportunity to the “island of enchantment”.

The Parole Board did not offer a reason for denial of release except via a prepared statement:

“We have to look at whether release would depreciate the seriousness of the offenses or promote disrespect for the law, whether release would jeopardize public safety and the specific characteristics of the offender,” said the commission’s chairman, Isaac Fulwood, Jr.

One theory is that they could be punishing Lopez Rivera for his rejection of a blanket clemency offered to FALN prisoners by former President Bill Clinton. His lawyers can appeal. But for now he must serve until at least 2021 under sentencing rules, although he can reapply for parole in two years.

Members of Congress of Puerto Rican descent had been pushing for his release.

This week can be the determining week for the freedom of Oscar López Rivera.

7:00 am By Maegan La Mala · Puerto Rico · 1 Comment

31 Jan 2011

The US Parole Commission has said they intend to make their decision to confirm or reject the negative recommendation by the US Parole Examiner on Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera, #87651-024, currently incarcerated at FCI Terre Haute. Oscar, 68 years old, is presently serving his 30th year of incarceration for struggling for Puerto Rican independence.

The National Boricua Human Rights Network and the Puerto Rico-based Comité Pro-Derechos Humanos are urging the parole commissioners to reject the wrong-headed and politically punitive recommendation of the parole examiner. We intend to flood the Parole Board with letters until they respond positively. PLEASE DO ALL THREE of the following:

1) DAILY CALL-IN CAMPAIGN FOR THIS WEEK (Jan 31-Feb 4): CALL the Parole Board in support of Oscar Lopez Rivera from 9:00am UNTIL 5:00 PM (EST) CALL and have others call. It only takes 5 minutes. THE NUMBER IS: 301-492-5990 hit 0 to speak to operator. Sample script is below.

Hi, my name is ______________ and I live in Chicago [NY, etc.] The Parole Commission should parole Oscar López # 87651-024 immediately, in spite of the hearing examiner’s recommendation to deny parole.

IF YOU HAVE TIME, USE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
1) Oscar has the support of a broad sector of Puerto Rico’s civil society as well as Puerto Rican and Latino communities throughout the United States.
2) Oscar was not accused or convicted of causing injury or taking a life. He was never accused or convicted of participating in the 1975 Fraunces Tavern bombing or any other action that resulted in injury or death.
3) President Clinton’s determination that Mr. López Rivera’s sentence was disproportionately lengthy, and his offer that would have resulted in Mr. López Rivera’s release in September of 2009.

2) Download the letter to mail and fax here (or write your own using that as a template and place on your letterhead) and send right away. (FAX NO: 301/492-5543) Remember the Parole Commission has stated their intention to make their decision by Feb. 4. Get as many of your friends, family. colleagues and forward to your Facebook and retweet.

3) MAIL Letters to:
Isaac Fulwood, Chariman
United States Parole Commission
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 420
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815

Re: Oscar López Rivera, #87651-024, FCI Terre Haute

Please keep close track of the letters sent/faxed to the Parole Board and let us know at alejandrom@boricuahumanrights.org.
Please forward far and wide and post and repost.

Via / Boricua Human Rights Network

Puerto Rican Political Prisoner, Oscar Lopez, Denied Parole

9:38 am By Maegan La Mala · Puerto Rico · 2 Comments

6 Jan 2011

Yesterday, in the federal prison of Terre Haute, Indiana, a hearing officer recommended to the Federal Parole Commission that they deny release of Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar López Rivera.

Lopez, 67, is serving a sentence of 70 years in prison, having been incarcerated for 29 years and nine months in prison, convicted of seditious conspiracy for his links to the Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional, a Puerto Rican independence group linked to violence. The recommendation was made invoking the 1975 bombing of Frances Tavern in New York City that killed four people, for which the FALN claimed credit. However, Lopez himself though was never connected to any of the attacks carried out in the name of the FALN.

Marc Tanner, the hearing officer, presented testimony from family members of the Frances Tavern bombing and recommended that Lopez-Rivera serve an additional 12-15 years.

Via / El Nuevo Dia

More Things You Won’t Hear About During Latino Heritage Month : Puerto Rican Political Prisoners

12:37 pm By Maegan La Mala · New York City|Puerto Rico · 2 Comments

27 Sep 2010

PROTEST THE TORTURE OF PUERTO RICAN POLITICAL PRISONER AVELINO GONZALEZ CLAUDIO!

Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Avelino Gonzalez Claudio is being held in solitary confinement in MDC Brooklyn and is being denied his Parkinson’s Disease Medication.

The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign denounces this torture and is calling on our allies and supporters to join us as protest this injustice!

WE ARE NOT GOING TO ALLOW THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO TORTURE AVELINO GONZALEZ CLAUDIO!

Picket on Tuesday September 28th, 2010 at 5pm

MDC Brooklyn 80 29th St.

(btwn. 2nd and 3rd Avenues)

Take the R train to 28th St.

BRING YOUR FLAGS, BANNERS, NOISE MAKERS, PANDERETAS AND DRUMS!

For more info. contact The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign:718-601-4751

NYC Event : Rhythm, Rhymes and Revolution: Artist Benefit for recently released Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Carlos Alberto Torres

1:49 pm By Maegan La Mala · New York City|Poetry|Puerto Rico · 2 Comments

17 Aug 2010

Friday September 17th, 2010 at 7:30pm
East Harlem Cafe 1651 Lexington Avenue (btwn. E104-105th St.)
Take the 6 train to E. 103rd St.

Join us for a night of incredible poetry, rap and spoken word as we unite to help our brother former Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Carlos Alberto Torres!

Carlos Alberto, freed from 30 years in jail this July, is trying to open up a ceramics workshop in Puerto Rico! He needs our help to pay rent, buy supplies and many other expenses!

Come through and Help our brother Carlos Alberto, make his dream a reality!

Featured artists:
The Welfare Poets
Prisionera
(not4)Prophet
Sandra Maria Estevez
Papoleto Melendez
SPIRITCHILD
Steve Bloom

Image Via / PR Sun

Older Entries

Maegan La Mala: Thank you Ana. You have always had a kind word and great example. As I tweeted yesterday the biggest [...]

Maegan La Mala: Thank you Julio! To be honest I was a little nervous. [...]

Ana L. Flores: I was very excited when you decided to join us. I really wanted your voice there as it would add dep [...]

Maegan La Mala: Hola Juliana and thanks for commenting. There is a dearth in activist/critical thinking Latino blogg [...]

Julio Ricardo Varela: Good for you for asking. I got goose bumps just reading this and yes, yes, yes, to it all. Thank you [...]

VivirLatino