Posts Tagged prisoners of war/political prisoners
Machetero POW Pleads Guilty
Posted by carnalizmo in General, News, Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners on February 12, 2010
HARTFORD, Conn.— A Puerto Rican nationalist has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to his involvement in a 1983 armored truck robbery of about $7 million in Connecticut _ one of the largest robberies in American history.
Federal prosecutors said Friday that 67-year-old Avelino Gonzalez-Claudio pleaded guilty in Hartford to foreign transportation of stolen money and conspiracy to rob federally insured bank funds.
Gonzalez-Claudio conspired with others to rob the Wells Fargo Armored Service Corp. in West Hartford and to transport the stolen money to Mexico, authorities said.
Authorities allege the robbery was committed to fund the activities of Los Macheteros, a clandestine organization that seeks Puerto Rican independence.
Gonzalez-Claudio was a fugitive for more than 22 years before he was arrested in 2008 in Puerto Rico, where he had been living under an assumed name. He faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced May 26. A plea agreement, subject to court approval, calls for a seven-year sentence.
“It’s a very fair and I would say favorable resolution,” Gonzalez-Claudio’s attorney, James Bergenn, said Friday.
Bergenn has said his client’s membership in the Macheteros was not a crime and accused prosecutors of making unsubstantiated claims about him.
The Macheteros, whose name translates as “Machete Wielders” or “Cane Cutters,” are suspected of using the stolen millions to finance bombings and attacks designed to promote independence for the U.S. territory.
Their alleged leader, Filiberto Ojeda Rios, was killed in a 2005 shootout with the FBI at a remote farmhouse in Puerto Rico.
The robbery was allegedly carried out by Victor Gerena, a Wells Fargo driver recruited by the independence group. Authorities say Gerena took two co-workers hostage at gunpoint, handcuffed them and injected them with an unknown substance to disable them.
Gonzalez is accused of helping to get Gerena and the half-ton of cash out of the United States.
Two suspects, Gerena and Gonzalez-Claudio’s brother, Norberto Gonzalez-Claudio, remain at large, and Gerena is on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.
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Celebrate Freedom With Me (Feb. 6 Statement by Leonard Peltier)
Posted by carnalizmo in General, News, Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners, american indian on February 12, 2010
Sat, February 6, 2010
34 years. It doesn’t even sound like a real number to me. Not when one really thinks about being in a jail cell for that long. All these years and I swear, I still think sometimes I’ll wake up from this nightmare in my own bed, in my own home, with my family in the next room. I would never have imagined such a thing. Surely the only place people are unjustly imprisoned for 34 years is in far away lands, books or fairy tales.
It’s been that long since I woke up when I needed to, worked where I wanted to, loved who I was supposed to love, or did what I was compelled to do. It’s been that long-long enough to see my children have grandchildren. Long enough to have many of my friends and loved ones die in the course of a normal life, while I was here unable to know them in their final days.
So often in my daily life, the thought creeps in – “I don’t deserve this.” It lingers like acid in my mouth. But I have to push those types of thoughts away. I made a commitment long ago, many of us did. Some didn’t live up to their commitments, and some of us didn’t have a choice. Joe Stuntz didn’t have a choice. Neither did Buddy Lamont. I never thought my commitment would mean sacrificing like this, but I was willing to do so nonetheless. And really, if necessary, I’d do it all over again, because it was the right thing to do. We didn’t go to ceremony and say “I’ll fight for the people as long as it doesn’t cost too much.” We prayed, and we gave. Like I say, some of us didn’t have a choice. Our only other option was to run away, and we couldn’t even do that. Back then, we had no where left to run to.
I have cried so many tears over these three plus decades. Like the many families directly affected by this whole series of events, my family’s tears have not been in short supply. Our tears have joined all the tears from over 500 years of oppression. Together our tears come together and form a giant river of suffering and I hope, cleansing. Injustice is never final, I keep telling myself. I pray this is true for all of us.
To those who know I am innocent, thank you for your faith. And I hope you continue working for my release. That is, to work towards truth and justice. To those who think me guilty, I ask you to believe in and work for the rule of law. Even the law says I should be free by now, regardless of guilt. What has happened to me isn’t justice, it isn’t the law, it isn’t fair, it isn’t right. This has been a long battle in an even longer war. But we have to remain vigilant, as we have a righteous cause. After all this time, I can only ask this: Don’t give up. Not ever. Stay in this fight with me. Suffer with me. Grieve with me. Endure with me. Believe with me. Outlast with me. And one day, celebrate freedom with me. Hoka hey!
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier
Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee
PO Box 7488
Fargo, ND 58106
Phone: 701/235-2206
Fax: 701/235-5045
E-mail: contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info
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NYC: 11/14 Freedom Dance for Sundiata Acoli!
Posted by APOC-Philly in Black/New Afrikan, General, Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners, events on October 28, 2009
FREEDOM DANCE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
7 P.M. TO 11 P.M.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. LABOR CENTER, 1199 SEIU
310 W. 43rd STREET, btw. 8th & 9th AVENUES
NEW YORK, NY 10036
$20 Admission, Food & Beverages for purchase
Fundraiser for the Sundiata Acoli Freedom Campaign (SAFC)
On Saturday, November 14th, we will dance and celebrate at Freedom Dance. This celebration is an opportunity for us as a community to acknowledge our victories and renew our efforts to continue this essential work. We celebrate the liberation and freedom of our sister Assata Shakur, who along with many other Political Prisoners (who still remain behind the walls) set the example of unselfish sacrifice for our beloved people. We also celebrate the sacrifice of those freedom fighters whose spirits were released due to their physical demise. This is a celebration for them all. We will especially honor Sundiata Acoli. Through music and the warm meaningful collective interaction of dance and laughter, we will reaffirm our commitment to their freedom.
“I want so much for Sundiata to know how much he is loved and respected. I want him to know how much he is appreciated by revolutionaries all over the world. I want Sundiata to know how much he is cherished by African people, not only in the Americas, but all over the Diaspora. I want him to know how much we admire his strength, his courage, his kindness and compassion. Sundiata loves freedom and we must struggle for the life and freedom of Sundiata.” - Assata Shakur
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DC: November12! Come to Washington to Demand Civil Rights for Mumia!
Posted by APOC-Philly in General, Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners, Prisons, events on October 28, 2009
SAVE THURSDAY NOVEMBER 12TH
For the Delivery of the Letters Calling for a Civil Rights Investigation
of Mumia’s Case to Attorney General Eric Holder
Download/View the flyer here.
11 AM: Press Conference
1 PM: Delivery of Letters to Justice Department
At this critical moment in Mumia’s case, a civil rights investigation could mean the difference between life and death for him. It could also open the door for Mumia’s ultimate release.
Right now, there is a very dangerous converging of forces committed to the execution of Mumia. Lynne Abraham, the current District Attorney in Philadelphia, is calling loudly for the Supreme Court to reinstate Mumia’s death sentence so that Governor Ed Rendell can do what he has repeatedly promised to do: sign the death warrant. The US Supreme Court is currently reviewing a death penalty case that could have serious implications for Mumia. A ruling on Mumia’s case could come anytime.
To cover up the obscenity of their trying to murder an innocent Black man, a great thinker and revolutionary, they now have a Black man, Seth Williams, leading the race for those running to replace DA Abraham. Williams, who is expected to be the next DA of Philadelphia, has stated he believes Mumia is guilty and should be executed. He is being actively supported by the Fraternal Order of Police.
Finally, on December 9th, the 28th anniversary of the original incident that led to Mumia’s incarceration and death sentence, a new film, a hit piece called “The Barrel of a Gun,” also produced by a Black man, will premiere in both the US and Germany.
PLEASE JOIN US. YOU CAN DO ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
-
Organizations: co-sponsor the November 12 th event at the Justice Department, and please, send us whatever financial contributions you can. We are asking for at least $50 from each organization. Checks should be made out to the IFCO /FMAJC and sent to FMAJC, PO Box 16 , College Station , New York , NY 10030, or you can make a contribution on www.freemumia.com
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Organizations and individuals: help us get the word out. Mobilize. Raise and contribute money. Forward this letter to your lists.
Free Mumia and All Political Prisoners! Abolish the Death Penalty!
Abolish the Prison Industrial Complex!
Ona Move!
Pam Africa, International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal
Suzanne Ross, Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition
For more info: ICFFMAJ, icffmaj@aol.com, 215-476-8812; FMAJC, 212-330-8029
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DC: 11/05 Demonstrate for Leonard Peltier’s Freedom!
Posted by APOC-Philly in Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners, Turtle Island, events on October 28, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009 • 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Lafayette Park, Washington, DC
President Obama will host his first annual White House Tribal Summit on 05 November 2009. The Nations will be given the opportunity to interact directly with the president and other top administration officials. All of the 564 federally recognized tribes are invited to send a representative. This is a prime opportunity to be seen and heard on the issue of Leonard Peltier’s wrongful conviction and imprisonment. Please plan to attend.
Supporters will gather in Lafayette Park on Pennsylvania Avenue (across from the White House) at 6:00 a.m. Bring signs and banners, wear Peltier T-Shirts, etc. From Lafayette Park , supporters will walk to the Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, where tribal leaders will assemble for their meeting with President Obama.
In support of this action, tribal members are asked to (1) urge your Tribal Chairpersons to speak to Obama on Mr. Peltier’s behalf — Free Peltier NOW; and (2) lobby your Tribal Councils to pass resolutions calling for freedom for Peltier, the release of all case-related documents still withheld by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and a congressional hearing on the government’s role in the turmoil on Pine Ridge Reservation during the 1970s.
Clemency is one path to freedom for Leonard Peltier. However, there are other issues that deserve as much attention — an Executive Review by Attorney General Eric Holder, for example. We’ve pushed for a review recently, as you know. But there are other important initiatives that we all need to work on:
Congressional Hearing: In the early 70s, the Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, or the Church Committee, investigated the counterintelligence activities of the FBI. The FBI conducted more than 2,000 COINTELPRO operations before the programs were officially discontinued in April of 1971. (While the programs themselves were discontinued, the FBI’s practices that the Church Committee found so objectionable were not.) The Church Committee had intended to investigate the American Indian Movement as another dissident group targeted by the Bureau. Witnesses had been investigated by congressional staff and called to provide testimony. However, one day after the firefight at Oglala, the Church Committee cancelled the hearings. We need to work hard to see that official misconduct in Indian Country — past and present — is finally addressed.
FOIA Documents: The FBI continues to withhold tens of thousands of documents related to the RESMURS investigation. These documents are over 25 years old and, at minimum, should be turned over to the National Archives. Why are the documents important? You have all heard about information uncovered after Mr. Peltier’s trial. Given the nature of that evidence — the withheld ballistics report, for example — there is every reason to expect that other evidence is contained in the documents that may allow Mr. Peltier to appeal his conviction.
On his first full day in office, President Obama signed an Executive Order with regard to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). He encouraged accountability through transparency, and said FOIA should be administered with a presumption of openness. Due to subsequent guidelines established by AG Holder, the Peltier Legal Team may succeed at getting Peltier documents released. But the attorneys need your help to make that happen.
We need people to continue calling the White House Comment Line and the Attorney General every Friday to keep the pressure on: You can find the details here.
www.whoisleonardpeltier.info • www.FreePeltierNow.org
“I would like to ask you why when we speak you do not listen, and when you listen, you do not hear, and when you hear us, you do not choose to understand what we say. This is one time that I ask you to listen carefully and understand what we have to say.” — Frank Fools Crow
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10/17: Emergency Meeting for Mumia Abu-Jamal in Philadelphia
Posted by APOC-Philly in Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners, events on October 13, 2009
URGENT! URGENT! URGENT!
Join the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition in our joining forces with the International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal on Saturday, October 17th! Call our hotline:
212 330-2009 if you want to travel with us to Philly.
PLEASE FORWARD AND REPOST — FOR BROADEST POSSIBLE DISTRIBUTION
—————
INTERNATIONAL CONCERNED FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MUMIA ABU-JAMAL
IS CALLING FOR EVERYBODY TO COME TOGETHER NOW!
**** EMERGENCY MEETING ****
WE NEED YOU TO BE THERE AND ORGANIZE OTHERS TO ATTEND!!
*******************
OCTOBER 17, 2009
ABIDING TRUTH MINISTRIES
846 S. 57TH ST. (57TH & CHRISTIAN)
PHILADELPHIA, PA
12:00 – 3:00 PM
******************
MUMIA IS UNDER ATTACK!
– SUPREME COURT RULING COULD COME DOWN ANY DAY!
– SETH WILLIAMS, DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR D.A., HAS PLEDGED
TO CALL FOR THE EXECUTION OF MUMIA:
“From my review of the evidence, if there was a new sentencing hearing I would ask for the death penalty.”
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/michael_smerconish/20090827_Michael_Smerconish__A_German_surrender__on_Mumia_.html
– “THE BARREL OF A GUN” MUMIA LYNCH MOB FILM SLATED FOR RELEASE IN DECEMBER:
http://www.phillyimc.org/en/fantasies-joe-mcgill-%E2%80%94-response-trailer-barrel-gun
++++ IN 1985 WILSON GOODE AND LEO BROOKS ACTED AS BLACK HIT MEN AGAINST MOVE
++++ IN 2009 SETH WILLIAMS AND TIGRE HILL ARE ACTING AS BLACK HIT MEN AGAINST MUMIA
Y’ALL ALREADY KNOW THEY’VE RUN THIS GAME BEFORE, WE’VE GOT TO PLAN ACTIONS RIGHT NOW TO FIGHT BACK!!
DON’T BE MIA ON OCTOBER 17!!
——–
CONTACT ICFFMAJ AT 215-476-8812
icffmaj@aol.com or info@freemumia.com
www.freemumia.com
http://abu-jamal-news.com/
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Oakland: Film Screening!! Tongues Untied and The Fire This Time
Posted by APOC-Philly in Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners, Queer/Trans/Two-Spirit, Wimmin/Women, events on October 5, 2009
Friday, October 17, 2009 at 7:30 PM come join us for movie night at the historic Cable’s Reef in Oakland, CA. We will be screening a preview of the upcoming film, The Fire This TIme, as well as featuring the full length film, Tongues Untied.
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Phone/Fax Oct 5 – Drop the charges against Cisco Torres of San Francisco 8
Posted by APOC-Philly in Action, Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners on October 2, 2009
Monday October 5th – Drop the against Cisco Torres!
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
FAX OR CALL JERRY BROWN – ALL DAY, MONDAY OCTOBER 5TH
DEMAND ALL CHARGES BE DROPPED AGAINST FRANCISCO TORRES!
FREE THE SF8!
DEMAND ALL CHARGES BE DROPPED AGAINST FRANCISCO TORRES!
Dear friends,
Once again we are asking for your help with a phone and fax campaign to demand that CA Attorney General Jerry Brown drop the charges against Francisco Torres, the last of the SF8 still facing prosecution. Brown has not yet dropped the charges against Francisco Torres, but he knows there is no case against him. He needs to get the message from people all over the country that we will not give up
this just demand.
**In order for this fax campaign to be a success, we need you to help spread the word and take a few minutes to make the call and send the fax. Please send as many individual faxes as possible. We want to flood his office!
**You can print out and use the attached letter to fax and/or use the phone script below, all to Jerry Brown’s office.
TO CALL: 916-322-3360 #7 for comments
I am calling to demand that Attorney General Jerry Brown drop all charges against Francisco Torres of the San Francisco 8. The state of California recognized that there was insufficient evidence to move forward with the case and dropped charges against four of the men. There is clearly no basis to prosecute Francisco Torres, the only remaining person facing charges in connection with this 38-year
old case which is based on torture-coerced evidence. It is an
incredible waste of money in this time of severe budget crisis to proceed with this case, and is a huge injustice to Mr. Torres and his family. Drop all charges immediately!
TO FAX: 916-323-5341
Dear Attorney General Jerry Brown:
Thousands of people around the U.S. and the world have joined the call to drop all charges against the San Francisco 8. On July 6th the state of California recognized that there was insufficient evidence to move forward with the case and dropped charges against four of the men. There is clearly no basis to prosecute Francisco Torres, the only remaining person facing charges in connection with this 38-year old case which is based on torture-coerced evidence. It
would be an unconscionable waste of tax payer money and an egregious injustice to Mr. Torres and his family to proceed with this case. I urge you in the strongest possible terms to drop the charges against Francisco Torres immediately!
Sincerely,
Name
Address
COME SUPPORT CISCO IN COURT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, 8 AM RALLY, 9 AM COURT HEARING
850 BRYANT ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA
For more information
Thank you,
The Committee for the Defense of the San Francisco 8
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San Francisco: Oct 2 Prison Art Show Benefit for Leonard Peltier
Posted by APOC-Philly in Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners, american indian, events on October 1, 2009
PRISON ART SHOW ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009
6:00-9:00 p.m.
PIER 5 LAW FIRM
506 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
There will be a Prison Art Show at the Pier 5 Law Firm (the offices of J.Tony Serra) on Friday, October 2 from 6-9. The show will include the work of Native American Activist and Political Prisoner, Leonard Peltier represented by Bird Levy of Polu Manu Productions.
I hope some of you can swing by to support our incarcerated friends and family from Penitentiaries around the world.
All proceeds from sales of Leonard’s work benefit the LPDOC (Leonard Peltier Defense Committee) in Fargo, ND.
There will food served, speakers and entertainment.
For more information, contact:
Bird Levy
Polu Manu Productions
415-577-4649
www.polumanuproductions.squarespace.com
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Jalil Muntaqim’s 2009 Parole Hearing
Posted by APOC-Philly in General, News, Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners on September 30, 2009
Jalil is asking that we write letters supporting his 2009 parole, which has been postponed for 30 to 90 days for lack of records. This means the hearing could occur as early as Oct. 22 and as late as the end of December. It is believed that they want a new victim impact statement and the sentencing minutes from California. In the interim he said we need to continue efforts to build support. Please address the letter to the Parole Commissioners (Re: Parole application of Anthony Jalil Bottom #77A4283) but send to: NYC Jericho, PO Box 1272, New York, NY 10013
The more personal and individual your letter is, the better. You can write about visiting or communicating with Jalil, or if you haven’t been in direct touch with him, you can write about the articles you’ve read by him or any other knowledge you have of his activities while in prison. Please say that you are aware of the case for which he is serving his sentence. You can also talk about your own perspective – for example, if you are a teacher, you know how valuable it is that Jalil has counseled young prisoners. Any particular slant you can give to your assertion that he will be an excellent candidate for release can give the letter more force. For a list of Jalil’s accomplishments, go to www.freejalil.com.
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Freedom Album Release Thursday, October 1st!!
Posted by APOC-Philly in Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners, Puerto Rico, events on September 29, 2009
Internationally acclaimed artists to perform in El Barrio
for Freedom CD Release Party
Yomo Toro, Roy Brown, Zon del Barrio, Siete Nueve
& The Welfare Poets take a musical stand
for the Puerto Rican Political Prisoners
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Julia de Burgos Cultural Center
1680 Lexington Avenue (between 105 & 106 St)
Taller Boricua’s Multi Arts Space on the first floor.
Doors open @ 8 pm with a $20 admission. The Freedom Album will be on sale that evening.
New York, NY – On October 1, 2009, in an effort to raise funds for the remaining Puerto Rican Political Prisoners, The Puerto Rican Freedom Project celebrates the release of “The Freedom Album,” a musical compilation featuring Boricua artists from the Island to the Diaspora. One of the Island’s foremost political folk singers, Roy Brown, will be on hand alongside the Fania music legend, Yomo Toro, who will be joining East Harlem’s own Zon del Barrio. The concert will bring old and new school performers together with the strength of the politically conscious Hip Hop artists from P.R., Siete Nueve and New York’s own The Welfare Poets, the socio-political hip hop fusion band spearheading this project.
The Puerto Rican Freedom Project is a coalition of artists, activists and organizations that have come together to put out this project. It is co-sponsored by Aurora Communications and Taller Boricua, with additional support from the Prolibertad Freedom Campaign, Cemi Underground and The Zol Lab. To find out more information about the overall project and to purchase advance tickets log onto www.prfreedomproject.org and www.myspace.com/ thewelfarepoets for advance tickets, link directly below:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi- bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick& hosted_button_id=8215829
The Freedom Album is a musical CD/compilation dedicated to the welfare of the Puerto Rican political prisoners and their families. The struggle for Puerto Rico’s independence stems back to the late 15th century, when Christopher Columbus under the auspices of the Spanish Crown first invaded the Caribbean island. The modern struggle for Puerto Rican sovereignty, clutched in the grasp of the United States, has also been waged by Puerto Ricans from the island to the states who yearn freedom. Since July 25, 1898, Puerto Ricans have moved against America’s hegemonic wishes to liberate their island. This fight has lead to various generations of Puerto Rican political prisoners. In September of 1999, then US president Bill Clinton granted clemency to eleven Puerto Rican patriots, who had up to that point been incarcerated for close to twenty years. The Puerto Rican political prisoners who were not granted clemency Oscar Lopez Rivera and Carlos Alberto Torres, remain confined, in addition to Avelino Gonzalez Claudio, the third of the current Puerto Rican Political Prisoners, who was captured in February of 2008. To learn more about the Puerto Rican political prisoners, go to www.myspace.com/ freeourpoliticalprisoners, and www.prfreedomproject.org
Buy Tickets Here – https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8215829
Artists appearing on the album: The Welfare Poets with Alkebulan (Hip Hop – NYC), Roy Brown (Folk – Puerto Rico), Siete Nueve (Hip Hop – Puerto Rico),Zon Del Barrio with Yomo Toro y Sammy Ayala (Bomba, Plena and Salsa – NYC), Division X (Hip Hop – NYC), Intifada (Hip Hop – Puerto Rico), Ilu Aye (Orisha/Afro-Caribbean tradition -NYC), X-Vandals (Hip Hop – NYC), Rebel Diaz with Divino of The D.E.Y. (Hip Hop Chicago/NYC), Ricanstruction (Hardcore/Punk/Hip Hop – NYC), Quique Cruz (Hip Hop – California), Foundation Movement (Boston – Hip Hop), Lourdez Perez (Decima – Puerto Rico), Homeboy Sandman (Hip Hop – NYC), Babalu Machete (Hip Hop – Puerto Rico), Segunda Quimbamba (Bomba – NJ), El David (Hip Hop – NJ), Dr. Loco (Hip Hop NYC), Fernando Ferrer (Salsa/Acoustic), Maria-Isa (Hip Hop Twin Cities), Velcro y Ikol Santiago (Hip Hop – Puerto Rico), Ray Concepcion y Cafe Con Leche (Salsa – the Bronx), M-Team (Hip Hop – Pittsburgh/ Brooklyn), Bryan Vargas Y Ya Esta (Latin, Nu-Jazz and Afro-beat – NYC), La Bruja (Hip Hop/Reggaeton NYC), MC Natra Y Lady M (Hip Hop – Vieques), Carlos Jimenez (Latin Jazz – NYC), Fallen Angelz (Hip Hop – NY and Florida), Nino Blanco (Hip Hop – NYC) and Angel Rodriguez (Guaguanco – NYC).
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En estado delicado Lolita Lebrón
Posted by APOC-Philly in General, News, Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners, Puerto Rico on September 29, 2009
La ex-presa nacionalista se encuentra en intensivo debido a una afección cardio respiratoria
Por: Maritza Cañizares – 21/9/09 8:25 PM
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Demonstrations Around the World Demand: “Free the Cuban Five!”
Posted by APOC-Philly in Action, General, Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners on September 22, 2009
Actions around the world demand freedom for the Five
Sept. 14, 2009
On and around Sept. 12, 2009, actions all around the world on the occasion of the eleventh anniversary of the unjust imprisonment of five Cuban heroes have had one demand: Free the Five! Among others, actions were held in:
| San Francisco, CA Los Angeles, CA Long Beach, CA Santa Ana, CA Riverside, CA Seattle, WA Miami, FL New York, NY Buffalo, NY New Paltz, NY Baraboo, WI Boston, MA Toronto, CANADA Calgary, CANADA |
Mexico City, MEXICO Juarez, MEXICO Vancouver, CANADA La Paz, BOLIVIA Havana, CUBA Bogota, COLOMBIA Georgetown, GUYANABuenos Aires, ARGENTINA London, UK Manchester, UK Edinburgh, SCOTLAND Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC D?sseldorf, GERMANY Berlin, GERMANY |
Vienna, AUSTRIA Brussels, BELGIUM Limburg, BELGIUM LUXEMBOURG Bern, SWITZERLAND Basel, SWITZERLAND Fribourg, SWITZERLAND Perugia, ITALY Stockholm, SWEDEN Eskilstuna, SWEDEN Beirut, LEBANON Lagos, NIGERIA Manila, PHILIPPINES |
This is a brief summary of some of them.
Please send short reports and pictures to add to this page to webmaster@freethefive.org.
Caracas, Venezuela, Havana, Cuba, and Montevideo, Uruguay
Tomado de CubaDebate
Video report from Telesur:
Varios países del mundo marcharon este sábado a favor de los Cinco luchadores antiterroristas cubanos que se encuentran detenidos en cárceles estadounidenses desde hace más de una década, para exigirle a Washington su inmediata liberación.
Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González, Ramón Labañino y René González, fueron arrestados hace 11 años.
La Organización Movimiento de Solidaridad con Cuba en los países latinoamericanos, caribeños y europeos organizaron diferentes actividades sociales y culturales por la excarcelación de los Cinco luchadores.
En la capital de Venezuela, Caracas, miles de ciudadanos, entre ellos dirigentes políticos, sociales y estudiantes se movilizaron en el centro de la ciudad (Parque Carabobo hasta la Plaza Bolívar), así como en otros puntos del país, para apoyar a los ciudadanos caribeños.
El representante del Movimiento de Amistad y Solidaridad Mutua Venezuela-Cuba, Basem Tajeldine, recordó este sábado los 11 años de prisión a que fueron sometidos los Cinco cubanos.
LOS JOVENES SE MOVILIZAN
Por su parte, la Unión de Jóvenes Comunistas y el Comité Internacional por la Libertad de los Cinco, convocaron a distintas organizaciones juveniles, asociaciones y personas con sentido de justicia del mundo, a luchar por la verdad y así terminar con el silencio que envolvió este caso.
Asimismo, los embajadores en Rusia de los países de la Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América (Alba) emitieron una declaración para la prensa, en la cual exigieron la inmediata liberación de los Cinco.
“Los embajadores del Alba en la Federación Rusa manifiestan su enérgica denuncia al injusto confinamiento de cinco ciudadanos cubanos que lucharon contra la organización de actividades terroristas desde el territorio de Estados Unidos”, señaló la declaración.
Por otro lado, el Comité Internacional por la Libertad de los Cinco, con sede en Estados Unidos, convocó a una jornada global de solidaridad.
Igualmente, el Comité Argentino por la Libertad de Los Cinco y el Movimiento Argentino de Solidaridad con Cuba, realizaron una velada frente a la embajada de Estados Unidos en ese país, por la libertad de los condenados en Miami.
URUGUAY
En la ciudad de Montevideo, Uruguay se realizó una marcha en la principal avenida de la capital, para expresar su rechazo a la injusta prisión de estos hombres. Esta movilización estuvo organizada por la Coordinadora Uruguay por la Libertad de los Cinco.
“Nosotros estamos leyendo aquí la proclama en la Plaza Liobertad que es un lugar simbólico y el día lunes estaremos presentando esta proclama que se está leyendo, dirigida a Barack Obama y que entregaremos en la Embajada de Estados Unidos para exigir la inmediata liberación de estos compañeros”, leyó uno de los manifestantes.
Asimismo, mostraron su agradecimiento al pueblo cubano y dijeron que Cuba es uno de los países que los ayudó en momentos difíciles.
“Lo menos que tenemos que hacer como integrantes del colectivo es dar un aporte a estos compañeros y más a los Cinco cubanos que están presos injustamente en la cárcel yanqui”, expresaron.
Conocidos como “los Cinco”, fueron apresados por proveer información no confidencial al gobierno de La Habana sobre las actividades terroristas de grupos anticubanos al sur de Florida, luego de que Cuba informara a Washington sobre estas actividades, razón por la el Gobierno de EE.UU. decidió arrestarlos.
MÁS PAÍSES
Este sábado también se realizaron acciones solidarias en Bolivia, Suecia, Ucrania, Perú, Italia, Guinea Ecuatorial, Estados Unidos, Bélgica, Líbano y España.
Luego de un fallo de la Corte de Apelaciones de Atlanta, quedó claro que los Cinco no cometieron el supuesto delito de conspiración para cometer espionaje del cual se les acusó, ni se apropiaron ni entregaron secretos del gobierno de Estados Unidos.
No obstante, la determinación judicial, sólo le eliminó ese cargo a Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González, René González, tras admitir que fue un error sancionar en función de un delito que no cometieron.
Al comprobarse la inocencia, La Corte ordenó al Tribunal Distrital de Miami dictarles una nueva sentencia, pero indicó que no se aplica la misma decisión para Gerardo Hernández y Ramón Labañino.
El 13 de octubre de 2009 serán resentenciados tres de los Cinco, según se conoció en informaciones difundidas en el programa cubano, Mesa Redonda.
Al respecto, Thomas Goldstein, del equipo de abogados defensores, explicó que el grupo ya se prepara para el proceso
Kiev, UKRAINE
Más de 50 activistas del Comité Nacional Ucraniano “Por la libertad de Los Cinco Héroes Cubanos” se dieron cita hoy desde tempranas horas de la mañana, frente a la sede diplomática del gobierno de Estados Unidos en este país, para manisfestar su protesta por los 11 años de injusto encarcelamiento de Los Cinco.
La actividad se desarrolló en una ferviente combinación de conocidas canciones cubanas, combativos discursos pronunciados por 8 de los activistas presentes, y consignas de Libertad para Los 5, en ruso, ucraniano e inglés.
Paralelamente se distribuyeron octavillas entre los transeuntes con información sobre el caso de Los Cinco y reflexiones del compañero Fidel.
Todos los presentes firmaron la carta de exigencia remitida al presidente de EU, la cual fue leida públicamente y seguidamente entregada a los funcionarios de la embajada norteamericana.
El mitin finalizó oyendo a todo volumen las notas del Himno Nacional Cubano, y la resuelta convicción de todos los amigos de la Revolución Cubana en Ucrania no cesarán de manifestar su protesta, hasta tanto los Cinco antiterroristas cubanos no sean puestos en libertad.
Caracas, VENEZUELA
Actividad convocada por el Movimiento de Amistad y Solidaridad Mutua Venezuela-Cuba, conjuntamente con otras instituciones. Realizada el 12 de septiembre de 2009, con concentración en la Plaza Carabobo, siguió la ruta por la Av. Universidad del centro de Caracas y finalizó en la Plaza Bolívar, con una Tribuna Antiimperialista.
Boston, MA
On September 13th, one day after the 11th anniversary of the Cuban Five’s unlawful imprisonment, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition activists and members of the PSL in Boston attended the Cambridge Caribbean Festival in an effort to raise awareness about the case of the Five. A day of
outreach and visibility for the Five was canceled the previous day due to the weather.
An informational table was set up alongside other vendors at the Festival with variety of literature on the Five, including information the recent Freedom of Information lawsuit filed by the Partnership for Civil Justice and the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five, as
well as a leaflet on U.S-C.I.A. terrorist Luis Posada Carriles. Over a thousand leaflets were handed out over the course of a couple of hours and many people signed the petition to President Obama demanding the immediate release of the Five
Activists encountered people from all over the greater Boston area excited to sign the petition and interested in learning more on the case – many of whom becoming quickly enraged with the U.S. government after hearing what had occurred and continue to occur to these courageous men and the Cuban people. A significant percentage of the crowd, which numbered well over several thousand, left with a flyer and a greater understanding of the legal case. It was a very successful outing in getting the word out on the injustices that have taken place against the Cuban Five, and efforts will continue in the Boston area to increase awareness and support for the five heroes.
Free the Five Now!
Jennifer Zaldana
Rome, ITALY
Wien (Vienna), AUSTRIA
Rome, ITALY
En los días sucesivos al desfile de carros que ha manifestado por el centro histórico de la ciudad de Roma para pedir la liberación de los Cinco cubanos prisioneros desde hace 11 años en las cárceles estadounidenses, los militares de la Asociación Italia-Cuba del Lazio han distribuido folletos en varios lugares de la ciudad eterna y en particular en las zonas de mayor flujo de personas como las estaciones del metro y la universidad de La Sapienza de Roma. Al lado del camión vela que ha circulado en toda la ciudad, han sido distribuidos miles de folletos cuyo texto recordaba la injusta detención de los Cinco ciudadanos cubanos en las prisiones EE.UU.
Dusseldörf and Berlin, GERMANY
Dusseldörf
Berlin
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WURD Radio interviews MOVE 9 Political Prisoners
Posted by APOC-Philly in General, Interview, Prisoners of War/Political Prisoners on September 22, 2009
WURD Radio in Philadelphia interviewed MOVE 9 members Delbert and Phil Africa, during the week of August 8, 2009 — the 31st ‘anniversary’ of the Aug. 8, 1978 police assault on MOVE’s home in Powelton Village, West Philadelphia.
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