I
, A Call to Conscience and Action for the Release of Puerto Rican Poltical Prisoners
~ B!J the Interfaith Prisoners ofConscience Prtjed 3rd &{ifion The Interfaith Prisoners of Conscience Project (IPOC) is an interfaith ministry w~h prisoners of conscience held in U.S. prisons. We seek to provide pastoral care and support for these prisoners, and to advocate for their fair treatment and release, especially in light of the extremely harsh prison conditions and long sentences they have endured.
Executive Director: Rev. Dr. S. Michael Yasutake 2120 Lincoln St. Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 328-1543 phonelfax [email protected]
I I I ~ I
Additional copies of this resource are available from the Interfaith Prisoners of Conscience Project and from the organizations listed on the inside back cover.
© 1997 Interfa~h Prisoners of Conscience Project Interfaith Prisoners of Conscience Project Preface
Charity projects, providing direct cuted for challenging systemic sacrifice to themselves and their loved services to the needy, are worthy and injustice. In many cases, laws have ones. The Interfa~h Prisoners of valuable. But we also need systemic been used illegally to convict them. Conscience Project (IPOC) and other change which eliminates poverty and More frightening, laws are made and supporting organizations extend this the need for char~y work altogether. enforced to benem those in power at call to all people to join in the common the expense of the powerless. struggle for justice. Prisoners of conscience, more commonly known as "pol~ical prison The Puerto Rican prisoners of The Rev. Dr. S. Michael Yasutake ers," have sided with the powerless conscience are among those who Executive Director and the poor. They are being perse- have worked for a just society, at great
Although work with l'political prisoners" was among the sentences seem harsh in the abstract expectations when I began my ministry at the United Church form of the printed page, they are simply horrifying for those who have Board for Homeland Ministries, it took me over a year to been privileged to meet the actual summon the courage to find out how to visit a political pris people who are enduring them. A oner. Driving up to a compound surrounded by razor wire peculiar form of outrage seeps into and stepping through a gate which clangs behind one is not one's bones, calling forth a comm~ ment to do all one can to secure their an easy thing to do. Frankly, I wasn 't sure what to expect. release. What I found changed my life. These prisoners' friends, families, and My first vis~ was w~h four Puerto Adolfo Matos at the USP in Lompoc, community have mounted an ener Rican women at the Federal Correc California; Ricardo Jimenez and getic campaign for their freedom. They tionallnstrrution (FCI) in Dublin, Alberto Rodriguez at USP Lewisburg have sent thousands of letters and California - Dylcia Pagan, Lucy in Pennsylvania; Antonio Camacho faxes to the President, urging him to Rodriguez, Carmen Valentin, and Negron at FCI Allenwood in Pennsyl grant them amnesty, and have been Un~ed Church of Christ member vania; Alicia Rodriguez at Dwight joined in this appeal by legislators, Alejandrina Torres (who is now at FCI Correctional Center in Illinois (now at artists and religious leaders, including, Danbury, Connecticut). These were FCI Dublin); and Luis Rosa at most recently, Coretta Scott King and profoundly impressive women of Stateville Prison in Illinois (now at USP Desmond Tutu. With all their hearts, gentle courage, strength, and integr~y. Leavenworth in Kansas). In each they - and I - urge you to join in the My visit w~h them moved me to meet case, I encountered men and women effort to free these remarkable men some of their compatriots - Edwin vibrant with life and love, whose eyes and women. Cortes at the United States Peniten sparkle w~h vision and hope despite tiary (USP) in Terre Haute, Indiana; all they have already suffered and the The Rev. C. Nozomi Ikuta Oscar Lopez Rivera at the super terribly long sentences - as long as Chair maximum prison in Florence, Colorado 105 years for Luis - which they are (now at the USP in Marion, Illinois); continuing to serve. Although these The Spirit ofthe Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bril1!J !Jood news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and rwve'!f ofsi!Jht to the blind, to let the oppressed!JO fee, to proclaim the !fear ofthe Lord's favor. - Luke 4.'18-19 For over seventeen years, Puerto Rican men and women have been imprisoned throughout the U.S. because of their beliefs and actions in support of Puerto Rican independence. They are serving ex tremely long sentences (35-105 years) - far longer than the 1 sentences meted out to others for heinous activities - and many of them have suffered unusually harsh treatment while in prison, including physical assault and extended periods of HOW HAVE THE CHURCHES RESPONDED? solitary confinement - conditions condemned by Amnesty THE GENERAL SYNOD OF THE International. Puerto Ricans throughout the US and Puerto Rico UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, from all political sectors have called for their release. Now these THE BAPTIST PEACE FELLOWSHIP, prisoners - and the families and communities they have left THE GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY OF THE behind - appeal to us, as Christians, to join in the growing UNITED METHODIST CHURCH , AND THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF PUERTO RICO effort to "proclaim release to the captives. II HAVE ALL CALLED FOR In 1991 , the Eighteenth General THE RELEASE OF THESE PRISONERS. Synod of the United Church of Christ the Congress undertake a said : process for Puerto Ricans to achieve self-determination and, The Scriptures commit us to bring as a gesture of good will, take the to your attention the cry for justice following steps, which are part of and mercy from our Puerto Rican any legitimate process of self prisoners who are subjected to determination: discriminatory treatment from the prison officials. Because we are • grant immediate and uncondi called by Christ to bring the good tional amnesty to all Puerto news to the captives and to Rican prisoners of conscience preach release to the oppressed, and political prisoners ... we have a responsibility to improve the prison conditions of This resolution was the fifth of six the Puerto Rican prisoners and to statements supporting Puerto Rican eliminate the colonial condition of and other political prisoners adopted the Puerto Rican people ... by the General Synod of the United The Eighteenth General Synod Church of Christ from 1979-1995.2 demands that President Bush and
1. Their average sentence is 65.4 years - or about six times longer than the average murder sentence. The disproportionate sentencing is discussed further on page 9. 2. The full text of these resolutions is provided in Appendix E.
J In 1996, the General Conference of upon the President of the the United Methodist Church said : United States to exercise the constitutional power of pardon The United Nations' resolutions to grant immediate and on decolonization have clearly unconditional release to the established that colonialism is a many Puerto Rican women and crime and recognize a colo men in US. prisons for their nized people's right to end actions in favor of self-determi nation and independence. THESE STATEMENTS colonialism. The United Nations OF SUPPORT also recognizes that these HAVE INCREASED THE AWARENESS resolutions and laws apply to Also in 1995, the Episcopal Church of AM ONG OUR CHURCHES THAT POLITICAL Puerto Rico. For many years, Puerto Rico said : PRI SONERS DO EX IST IN THE UNITED the United Nations Whereas, political action and the STATES . TH EY HAVE BEGUN TO PROMPT Decolonization Committee has struggle for self-determination of QUESTIONS : approved resolutions recogniz the peoples responds, in our WHO ARE THESE PRI SONERS ? ing the inalienable right of national case, to an unresolved W HY AR E THEY IN PRI SON ? Puerto Rico's people to problem ... How CAN THEIR ACTI ONS BE EX PLAIN ED? WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "PRI SONERS OF independence and self CONSCIENCE"? " determination. The injustice Therefore, be it resolved that the WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP? suffered under Puerto Rico's 88th Ann!1al Diocesan Assembly TH IS RESOURCE IS INTE NDED TO ANSWER colonial reality cannot be of the Episcopal Church of Puerto SOME OF THESE QUESTI ONS. overlooked. President Bush Rico, the Sixteenth as an Autono admitted that the people of mous Church, Puerto Rico have never been consulted as equals on their Ask the Honorable William political status .. . Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States of North America, to Therefore, be it resolved, that grant unconditional and immedi the General Conference of the ate amnesty to the Puerto Rican United Methodist Church patriots imprisoned in the United advocate for justice and States ... freedom for the Puerto Rican political prisoners, Furthermore, In the January-February, 1995 issue of that a letter from the General The Witness, an independent journal Conference Secretary be sent owned by the Episcopal Church to the President of the United Publishing Company, Editor/publisher States asking him to grant Jeanie Wylie-Kellerman wrote: pardon, because they have more than sufficiently served In this issue, we raise the names their sentence. of several political prisoners. We raise them as icons into the In 1995, the Baptist Peace injustice and cruelty that are Fellowship said : woven through our American way of life. We raise them as people In the spirit of reconciliation willing to move past liberalism to throughout the world we call activism with cost.
2 Who are these prisoners? Their names are Antonio Camacho Negr6n, Edwin Cortes, Elizam Escobar, Ricardo Jimenez, Oscar L6pez Rivera, Adolfo Matos, Dylcia Pagan, Alberto Rodrfguez, Alicia Rodrfguez, Lucy Rodrfguez, Luis Rosa, Juan Segarra Palmer, Alejandrina Torres, Carlos Alberto Torres, and Carmen Valentfn.
Most are parents; some are grandpar You almost feel, after a visit like ents. Prior to their incarceration, they this, that you should speak in were workers, professionals, teachers, lower voice than you usually do. community organizers, and activists. These were three vel}' They labored in their communities for gentle people whose quality education, child care facilities, vision, even after all these health services, and against drug years of incarceration, is abuse. In prison, they have done anything but dimmed, and artwork, developed child care and that does something to AIDS awareness and prevention anybody who makes a programs, and taught literacy, high visit like this. school equivalency (GED), and - Rev. Dr. Thomas E. English as a Second Language (ESL) Dipko, classes. Executive Vice-President, United Church Board Ida Luz Rodriguez, Dylcia for Homeland Ministries, Pagan, Linda Jaramillo, Carmen Valentin, and Rev. Church leaders who have met some of United Church of Christ Dr. Thomas Dipko at the Federal Correctional them in person have said : Institution at Dublin, CA I found myself vel}' moved ... Meeting the women ... They are women of great was a profound honor. Their character and are ... in the dedication, their serenity, their midst of vel}' difficult circum compassion, their commitment, stances, holding fast to their and their humility - along with own sense of who they are and their inner and outer beauty - who they want to be. combine to make them exactly - Rev. Dr. Paul H. Sherry, what they say they are not: role President, United Church of Christ models. - Ms. Sammy Toineeta, Lakota; The personal impact that they had Associate for Racial Justice, National on me as Latina sisters is the Council of the Churches of Christ personal integrity that they demonstrate, their spirit of dignity, My visit with Alejandrina Torres and their gentleness about what and the other political prisoners in they believe in. September was my first such visit, - Ms. Linda Jaramillo, President, and I was very, vel}' impressed Council for Hispanic Ministries with what they had to say, with of the United Church of Christ 3 their integrity, with their commit members of the Armed Forces for ment, and with all the injustices National Liberation (FALN), a clandes their people have endured. I was tine group based in the United States. moved by the strength they have The FALN took responsibility for a maintained despite all the series of bombings of government, hardship and suffering they have corporate, and military sites. The endured, and by Alejandrina 's charges against these men and strong religious convictions. women included possession and - Rev. Helen Locklear, Associate, transportation of firearms, armed Racial Justice Leadership, robbery, and transportation of stolen Presbyterian Church vehicles. Invoking international law, they claimed prisoner of war status, Visiting Alejandrina was a most refused to recognize the jurisdiction of powerful experience - she is an state and U.S. courts, did not defend incredible woman of faith. She themselves, did not challenge the sets a tremendous example of the government evidence against them, willingness to confront oppres and received particularly long sen Sion, going the road to Jerusalem, tences of 35 to 105 years. as Jesus did, regardless of the cost. What Is "seditious conspiracy"? - Rev. Annie Gonzalez, Pastor, Webster's Dictionary defines sedition Northlake United Methodist Church, as "a stirring up of rebellion against Northlake, IL the government." Seditious conspiracy is the charge for which Nelson The Macheteros. Two of the fifteen Mandela was convicted and impris (Antonio Camacho Negron and Juan oned in South Africa for so many Segarra Palmer) were convicted of years. In the U.S., it has been used conspiracy and related charges as primarily against Puerto Rican members of the Macheteros, a independentistas, proponents of WHY ARE THEY IN PRISON? clandestine group based in Puerto Puerto Rican independence (from the THESE FIFTEEN MEN AND WOMEN WERE Rico . The Macheteros took responsi 1930s to the 1980s, it was used CONVI CTED AS MEMBERS OF ORGAN IZATIONS bility for a series of military actions, exclusively against them), for conspir INVOLV ED IN ARM ED ACTIONS AGAI NST including bombings, the destruction of ing to use force against the lawful CORPORATE AND MILITARY TARGETS nine National Guard planes, attacks authority of the United States of MAINTAINING THE ONGOING COLONIAL on mimary personnel based in Puerto America over Puerto Rico . It does not SITUATION OF PUERTO RIco. NONE OF THE Rico, and the taking of $7.5 million of FIFTEEN WA S EVER CHARGED WITH AN Y reflect a distinct "crime," but serves as government-insured money. The ACTION RESULTING IN BLOODSHED. an "umbrella" charge which ties charges against these two prisoners together all other charges. Like the included taking the money and charge of conspiracy, it also enables transporting it out of the U.S. the government to charge members of an organization for actions of every The Armed Forces for National one else in the organization, regard Liberation (FALN). The other thirteen less of their actual involvement in the prisoners were convicted of seditious specific action. For example, Luis conspiracy and related charges as Rosa was about twelve years old
4 when the first bombing occurred in the remains the official language of the conspiracy with which he is charged. courts, and U.S. cuttural influence continues through the official and How can their actions popular media and through the be explained? presence of U.S. corporations on the A brief history island. On November 19, 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on an island called Today, the U.S. maintains numerous Borinquen by its people, the Tainos. military installations, including 11 Most of the Tainos soon died from military bases, which cover 13% of the slavery, disease, and murder; the island. Throughout the history of Spanish brought Africans to replace Puerto Rico, there have been numer them as slaves. On November 25, ous incidents of violence against the 1897, Puerto Rico negotiated a people, including more recent times. Charter of Autonomy with Spain On July 25, 1978 - the 80th anniver requiring the consultation of the Puerto sary of the U.S. invasion of Puerto Rican people before the island 's status Rico - two independentistas, Carlos could be changed. On July 25, 1898, Soto Arrivi and Arnaldo Dario Rosado, Carmen Valentin with granddaughter Karina at the end of the Spanish American were murdered by government agents. War, the U.S. invaded Puerto Rico. In In 1982, then Governor Carlos the Treaty of Paris, Spain ceded Romero Barcel6 ordered the National Puerto Rico to the U.S. as "war booty" Guard to bulldoze Villa Sin Miedo without consutting the Puerto Rican (Village Without Fear), a squatters' people regarding their status, in village on idle government lands. In violation of the Charter of Autonomy. 1985, over 300 FBI agents and members of the U.S. Special Forces U.S. presence in Puerto Rico severely armed with automatic weapons attered every aspect of Puerto Rican invaded the homes of dozens of life. It shifted the economy, first from student activists and trade unionists, subsistence agriculture to sugar for without informing the Puerto Rican export, and then to light industries, government. The island of Vieques, a such as textiles and pharmaceuticals, fishing site, has been used for resulting in significant environmental decades for bombing practice, Alejandrina Torres with husband, degradation. The government imposed destroying the livelihood of the people. UCC Rev. Jose A. Torres U.S. citizenship, the teaching of U.S. Those who protested were imprisoned history and the English language, as "criminals." Today, new military outlawed the display of the Puerto radar facilities are being constructed, Rican flag, persecuted generating massive protests among independentistas as "subversives," the people. In short, the U.S. colonial and sterilized 40% of the women of relationship with Puerto Rico has child-bearing age.3 And although affected every aspect of Puerto Rican Spanish has been the official language life, and continues to be maintained by of instruction since 1948, English U.S. military occupation and corporate 3. Luis Nieves Falcon, "Puerto Rico: The Costs 01 influence. Colonialism,' in Puerto Rico: The Cost of Colonialism, Fellowship of Reconciliation Task Force on Latin America and the Caribbean , 1991 , 5 If we call for the release of these recognized that Puerto Rico is a prisoners, aren't we supporting a colony of the U.S., lacking pomical, particular political perspective? economic, or cultural self-determina What political status do Puerto tion. Like the American colonists, the Ricans support? Puerto Rican prisoners see them selves as part of an anti-colonial INTERNATIONAL LAW Of course, independentistas are struggle, and place their actions - MANY PEOPLE IN THE U.S., INCLUDING among those working most intensively however the US may criminalize them CHURCH MEMBERS, MAY BE SURPRISED TO to secure the release of these - in the context of this international LEARN THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY prisoners. But people of all pomical law. They argue that in the context of HAS AFFIRMED THE RIGHT OF PEOPLES TO sectors in Puerto Rico have joined the international law, the real crime, is the RESORT TO ARMS iN THEIR STRUGGLE FOR call for their release in light of how US occupation of Puerto Rico, and not 4 FREEDOM. ON OCTOBER 12, 1970, THE much time they have already served, their actions to resist it. UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY and in the recognition that the release (RESOLUTION 2621 (XXV)) AFFIRMED of political prisoners must be part of THAT: In Puerto Rico today, the pro-common any genuine resolution of conflict in a COLONIALISM IN ALL ITS FORMS AND wealth Popular Democratic Party 5 MANIFESTATIONS IS A CRIME WHICH colonial situation. (PPD) and the pro-statehood New CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF THE CHARTER Progressive Party (PNP) each usually OF THE UN ITED NATIONS, THE RESOLUTION The UN affirmations were more fully win approximately 45% of the vote, ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO spelled out in UN Resolution 3103, and the pro-independence Puerto COLONIAL NATIONS AND PEOPLES, AND (see sidebar) adopted by the General Rican Independence Party (PIP) wins ALSO VIOLATES THE PRINCIPLES OF Assembly on December 12, 1973, approximately 5% of the vote. The INTERNATIONAL LAW ... which relatively low electoral support for the AND RECOGNIZED independence position leads some THE INHERENT RIGHT OF COLONIAL PEOPLES people in the U.S. to discount the TO STRUGGLE WITH ALL MEANS AT THEIR • outlawed attempts to suppress DISPOSAL AGAINST THE COLONIAL POWER struggles against colonial and independence movement. Indepen WHICH SUPPRESSES THEIR ASPIRATIONS TO alien domination, dence advocates pOint out, however, LIBERTY AND INDEPENDENCE. • recognized anti-colonial that support for independence has conflicts as international armed been seriously weakened by conflicts, and criminalization and persecution of the • recognized prisoners captured independence movement, such as in in such conflicts as prisoners of the exclusion of independentistas from war. pUblic-sector jobs. They also say that the significance of such referenda is International law outlawing colonialism devalued by the US Congress' has been explicitly applied to the case repeated statements that the results of of Puerto Rico by the United Nations' votes concerning Puerto Rico's status Decolonization Committee. Although are not binding. Such self-perpetuating the U.S . has consistently denied it, the effects of the colonial relationship United Nations and both the pro have been recognized by the United independence and pro-statehood Nations, which provides for the political sectors in Puerto Rico have complete withdrawal of the colonial
4. The full text of these resolutions is provided in Appendix F. 5. See, for example, the open letter to President Clinton, signed by people from all political sectors, in Appendix C.
6 establishment, including the military Scholars have suggested that the two apparatus, prior to a decision regard "bandits" crucified with him were ing political status. 6 In addition, it militant revolutionaries, who, like him, should be noted that many were considered a threat to the state. independentistas boycott elections and referenda because of the failure of Jesus said to such processes to meet international "Turn the other cheek. " standards. Shouldn't Christians insist on non-violence, too? What do the Scriptures say? Throughout history, Christians have, at SINCE THE TIME OF THE The Scriptur~s show that Jesus' times, felt compelled to break the law EMPEROR CONSTANTINE, battles were ideological and spiritual in pursuit of justice. In the U.S., Henry rather than military - but they did David Thoreau, the underground CHRISTIANS HAVE BEEN MEMBERS OF THE involve profound conflict with the railroad, draft resisters, Martin Luther ARMED FORCES, AND EXCEPT FOR THE PEACE CHURCHES, MOST CHURCHES colonial ruling powers. The arrest of King and the Civil Rights movement, CONTINUE TO APPROVE OF THE PARTICIPA John the Baptist propelled Jesus to Dorothy Day, and the nuclear disarma TION OF THEIR MEMBERS IN THE MILITARY. begin his public ministry (Mk. 1: 14), ment movement are all examples of and Jesus' clearing of the temple (Mt. inspiring non-violent courage and 21 :12-17, Mk. 11 :15-19, Lk. 19:45-58, witness. But from the founding of the In. 2:13-22) dramatically challenged United States as a nation, people of the economic, political, and religious conscience have, at times, also taken control of the authorities over the up arms in the quest for freedom. The people. Like the political prisoners of American patriots, for example, were our day, Jesus was clearly considered church members and used the a threat by the state, charged with churches to prepare for armed "perverting our nation" (Lk. 23:2) and resistance against British colonialism. "stirring up the people" (Lk. 23:5). He Other examples of armed resistance endured both "state" and "federal" include slave rebellions and the trials, where he refused to defend indigenous resistance to the western himself (Mt. 27:1-2,11-14; Mk. 15:1-5; expansion of the U.S. Lk. 23 :1-12; In. 18:28-38, although John's account differs somewhat from In the same issue of The Witness the others). By his silence, he may quoted on page 2, Interfaith Prisoners have been refusing to recognize the of Conscience Project Director Rev. jurisdiction of the colonial courts over Michael Yasutake responds to the him - or he may have simply recog question of violence: nized the futility of a legal defense in courts run by the very forces whose The so-called radical movements authority he rejected. Like today's that would resort to armed political prisoners, who are repeatedly defense or resistance against strip searched, he was stripped and forces of injustice are not any humiliated, and ultimately received the more violent than any nation that harshest possible sentence - the sort resorts to armed conflict for reserved for political dissidents. national security. International laws such as of the UN maintain 6. UN Resolution 1514; see Appendix F.
1 that the oppressed may use any or not, we are called to join the means necessary tor liberation, international community in its reconcil including the use of arms. ing call for the release of these men and women. IF THEY ACCEPTED THE RISK, The prevalent view of the SHOULDN'T THEY ACCEPT THE dominant society in the US. is I thought the U.S. didn't have PUNISHMENT? that nonviolent methods are the any political prisoners; aren't THESE PRISONERS HAVE ALREADY only appropriate means of social these prisoners just common ACCEPTED A GREAT DEAL OF PUNISHMENT. change .. .[even though] many in criminals? AND ALTHOUGH, UNDERSTANDABLY, THEY the dominant society, including When the international community - WOULD LIKE TO BE REUNITED WITH THEIR religious institutions, are not including the U.S. and President FAMILIES, THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO HOLD TO THEIR PRINCIPLES. BUT THE PRISONERS' pacifists themselves - fully Clinton - has called for the release of ACCEPTANCE OF THE RISKS DOES NOT relying on armed police power for "political prisoners" as part of a recon EXCUSE CHRISTIANS AND OTHER PEOPLE OF protection or on the ... armed ciliation process, it has clearly inclu CONSCIENCE FROM OUR DUTY TO CALL OUR services in the name of national ded people imprisoned for their GOVERNMENT INTO ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE security participation in armed conflicts. In the FACE OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS case of Puerto Rico, however, the U.S. AND EXC ESSIVELY AND PUNITIVELY LONG As Lourdes Garda, United Church has resisted acknowledging that it has SENTENCES WHICH THEY HAVE SUFFERED. Board for World Ministries staff political prisoners by insisting that WE MUST CHALLENGE THE GOVERNMENTAL person, wrote more bluntly in the people who affirm the right to resort to AND JUDICIAL SYSTEMS WHICH PUNISH SUCH arms are "criminals," not "political pri MEN AND WOMEN OF CONSCIENCE. OUR Fellowship of Reconciliation's re FAITH CALLS US INTO G OD'S REIGN, IN source, Puerto Rico: the Cost of soners. " But if we apply the same WHICH THE WEAK WILL BE STRENGTHENED Colonialism: standards used in the cases of South AND THE ARROGANT BROUGHT DOWN, SO The oppressed have repeatedly Africa, Cuba, Northern Ireland, and the THAT ALL MAY DWELL IN JUSTICE AND UNITY. been told by the church that Middle East these Puerto Rican salvation lies in their capacity to women and men would indeed be passively accept their fate and considered political prisoners. turn the other cheek .. . It is not difficult to imagine, therefore, why Of course , many people will disagree a call for nonviolence put forth by with - or condemn outright - the some North American Christians activities for which these prisoners is hard to take. What challenges were convicted. But it should be noted are North American Christians that the actions for which they were prepared to confront regarding the imprisoned were motivated not (as power structures of their society with "common criminals") for personal that operate in Puerto Rico? gain, but rather, for the sake of their nation. They accepted the risk of The international community has imprisonment or death because of recognized th~t in the case of Pu~r:fQ tl)'llir commitment to independence. Rico, as in other situations of colonial conflict, the release of political Further, the U.S. government has prisoners is critical to the reconciliation treated these cases more severely process. Because as Christians we than those of common criminals. are called to be agents of justice and Government statistics show that reconciliation, whether we are pacifists common criminals receive far shorter
8 sentences than the Puerto Rican Shouldn't they have to show prisoners did. As mentioned above, remorse before they are their average sentence is 65.4 years released? - or about six times longer than the Although none of the Puerto Rican average murder sentence. And their Nationalist prisoners pardoned by sentences are far longer than those President Carter in 1979 renounced meted out to police convicted of anti the principle of the right to engage in independence activity. armed struggle, in fact none ever PROPONENTS OF engaged in it after their release. THEIR RELEASE Former Puerto Rican police colonel Neither were expressions of remorse INCLUDE THE BAPTIST PEACE Alejo Maldo!1ado, an admitted required of Nelson Mandela, Irish FELLOWSHIP, AS NOTED ABOVE , AND assassin, is soon to be paroled after nationalists, nor Palestinians prior to MEMBERS OF OTHER PACIFIST serving less time than the their release. Rather, the United ORGANIZATIONS, SUCH AS THE independentista prisoners, despite Nations regards the release of such FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION AND WAR RESISTERS' LEAGUE, AND press reports that he took part in prisoners as a part of the process of PEOP LE FROM ALL POLITI CAL SECTORS reconciliation and resolution of the police death squads involved in IN PUERTO RICO, INCLUDING THOSE kidnapping , robbery, extortion, conflicted or colonial situation. WHO DO NOT SUPPORT INDEPENDENCE. weapons trafficking, torture, and PRIOR TO THE RELEASE OF THE Specifically, what can murder. The five Puerto Rican police PUERTO RICAN NATIONALISTS IN who were convicted of the 1978 Cerro I do to help? 1979, THE CHURCHES WERE AMONG Maravilla murders of two indepen 1. Contact President Clinton at the THOSE WHO HELPED TO PRESS FOR dentistas received sentences of 10-30 White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave ., THEI R RELEASE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR years - far shorter than Luis Rosa's Washington, DC 20500, and urge him VI EWS OF THE NATIONALISTS' ACTIONS OVER TWE NTY FIVE YEARS BEFORE . sentence of 105 years - and the to grant amnesty to the Puerto Rican commander of the intelligence unit political prisoners. If possible, use your was released on parole after six years church or organization's letterhead, or in prison .7 write the letter by hand. Refer to your reasons as a Christian for supporting If we call for the release of these the release of the prisoners. If you are prisoners, aren't we condoning a Democrat, identify yourself as such. violence? Invite friends, church members, and No. In calling for their release, we are other contacts to join you in writing to not making a judgment about the use the President. of arms. We are joining people from Puerto Rico, the U.S., and around the 2. Sponsor a political prisoner. You world , who are calling for the release and/or your congregation may wish to of these prisoners in light of the 14 to sponsor a political prisoner. Sponsors 17 years most of them have already write to and visit the prisoners, provide served, and in the recognition that the financial support, and seek to educate release of political prisoners must be their congregation about the prisoner, part of any genuine resolution of political prisoners, and prison condi conflict in a colonial situation. tions. 7. Ortiz Luquis, "Ignacio Rivera: Un agente encubierto de abogado," Claridad, Nov. 29-0ec. 5, 1991, p. 3. For other articles concerning disproportionate sentencing, see: U.S. v. Moreno Morales et aI., 815F.2d 725 (1st Cir. 1987); Ortiz Luquis, 'Carta ajena desmiente a Romero involucra aI FBI ," Claridad, Nov. 29-0ec. 5, 1991 , p. 5; "Acuerdo esclareceria caso Munoz Varela," Claridad, August 4-10,1995, p. 3; Marilyn Perez Cotto, "Justicia no puede descansar en testimonio Alejo," Claridad, Aug. 11-17, 1995, p. 3. 9 Obtaining clearance for your first visit A. Getting started. Speak w~h others can be a challenge. Allow at least a in your congregation about your month to obtain clearance at the interest and form a committee to work federal prisons. See Appendix A for with you . Review the list of prisoners, more detailed information about how their locations, and biographical to visit a political prisoner. sketches and identify the prisoner to
whom you wish to relate. If you would E. Send money. Comm~ yourself and like more information about a specific your congregation to a specific amount prisoner, or need other help getting - at least $25/month if possible- to started, contact Dr. S. Michael help with the prisoner's personal Yasutake, Interfa~h Prisoners of expenses. (These include money for Conscience Project, or one of the phone calls, for which they must pay IPOC Board members listed on the under the new phone system in many inside back cover. prisons; toiletries; photocopying; and postage.) To send money to a pris B. Write to the prisoner, and indicate oner, you must send ~ to him or her in that you want to correspond with him the form of a postal money order. (Be or her. Try to wr~e at least once per sure to include hislher register number month, and respond to herlhis letters on the money order.) Your congrega w~hin a week, if you can . Invite him/ tion may also be able to help with the her to share reflections, suggestions, prisoner's family's travel expenses in needs, or a message for your congre coming to see herlhim. Additional gation. Although the mail is monitored, donations may be made to the most of it will be allowed. Interfaith Prisoners of Conscience Project. C. Hold a dedication service. After you have had enough contact with the F. Educate your congregation. Invite prisoner for you to be mutually members of your congregation to pray satisfied about the sponsoring and/or fast for the prisoner. Share with relationship, hold a ceremony cel others in your congregation and your ebrating this decision. If possible, community about your experience with invite members of other churches and the prisoner you sponsor, his or her one or more member of the prisoner's writings or art, and invite them to join family to participate. you in a visit. Share your learnings about pomical prisoners or broader D. Visit the prisoner. Depending on issues, such as about prison condi your distance from the prisoner, it may tions or colonialism. Or ask a not be possible for you to visit prisoner's family member or someone Juan Segarra Palmer and Lucy Berrios Berrios frequently. Try to visit at least once per from IPOC to speak to your group. year, and if you are within a half-day's drive, try to visit at least twice per year. Once you get to know himlher, you will probably want to vis~ more often than that!
10 APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: HOW TO VISIT A POLITICAL PRISONER
APPENDIX B: PRISONER NAMES, BIRTHDAYS, ADDRESSES, STAFF NAMES, VISITING HOURS, AND DIRECTIONS
APPENDIX C: SAMPLE LETTERS TO PRESIDENT CLINTON
APPENDIX D: MAP OF PRISONER NAMES, PHOTOS, AND LOCATIONS
APPENDIX E: CHURCH RESOLUTIONS
APPENDIX F: UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTIONS
JJ APPENDIX A: HOW TO VISIT A POLITICAL PRISONER
In the name of your religious institu- - around 8:00 a.m. local time - can bills. Most prisons have a $20 limit on tion, contact the prison chaplain for sometimes be a good time to reach cash . Many people find it convenient permission to visit. For visiting federal them.) If you have tried for two weeks to put their change in a clear, zippered prisons, check Appendix B for the and have not been able to reach them, cosmetic case. name and phone number of the chap- calilPOC (847328-1543) for support, lain. Confirm the visiting days and and we will seek assistance from the You may also take your Bible. You times, since these are subject to central office of the Federal Bureau of may be permitted a pen or pencil and
change. Prisons. wr~ing paper, but if not, you may ask ~ for these from the guard at the vis~ors' If you want help deciding whom to Before your visit, you may wish to desk. Leave everything else (except sponsor, write to IPOC or your review the prisoner's biography and your car keys) locked in your car. denominational contact. We can photograph, to help you recognize provide you w~h the prisoners' him/her and start off the conversation. Depart for the prison early to allow biographical sketches and photos. plenty of time to find the prison. Wme to the prisoner and tell him/her Dress conservatively. If you are or- Directions are available from IPOC or the day and time you would like to dained, you may wish to wear a in Appendix B. vis~. You may wish to describe your clerical collar. This can help the general physical appearance to help prisoner identify you. Many men 's Arrive early - at least fifteen to thirty him/her identify you, but this is not prisons have strict regulations against minutes before the start of the vis~ing strictly necessary. clothing with lace cut-outs, tights, or times you were told - to allow for time anything considered "suggestive" or to fill out the forms. Do not be sur- Wr~e to the chaplain on church II revealing ." prised if you are kept wa~ing, or if the letterhead and tell him/her whom you visiting times turn out to begin earlier would like to visit, and when. Use your Before you leave the house, make or later than you were told. t~le , if you have one (e.g., "Rev." or sure you have : "Dr."). Plan on several hours, or most • your driver's license or legally- You will have to go through a metal of the day, for your visit. (Pol~ical recognized photo 10 , detector. You may have to remove prisoners are interesting people; you • your clergy card (if you have one), your coat or jacket, shoes, and belt, will be surprised how quickly the time • the prisoner's name and registration but will not be asked to remove other passes, and will probably be frustrated number, clothing . You will not be able to take if you do not allow enough time for the anything inside the prison to give to • your car license plate # (you will visit.) Start following up on your letter the prisoners. If you are permitted to need to put this on the visitor's form, by calling the chaplain about a week take in papers or photos, you will not so if you forget, you will have to go after you mail it. (When you call the be able to give them to the prisoners; back to your car to check ~), prison, if you are asked whether the you will have to mail them in later. call is in reference to an "inmate," say • change (preferably quarters) for the "no" and that you are a minister, and vending machines. (The vending Enjoy yourself! You will be vis~ing with ask to speak w~h the chaplain.) machines are how you and the a person of profound moral character prisoner will eat lunch and other and spir~ual depth. Please be snacks.) Prisons usually have a Expect to try repeatedly in order to respectful of his or her spir~uamy, and change machine for changing $1 bills, reach the chaplain ; they are often do not try to force your religious but some prisons do not perm~ $5 away from their desks. (Early morning perspective on him/her.
12 APPENDIX B: PRISONER NAMES, BIRTHDAYS, ADDRESSES, STAFF NAMES, VISITING HOURS, AND DIRECTIONS
Antonio Camacho Negron Chaplain : John Johnson To USP Lompoc, CA #03587-069 8:00 am - 3:00 pm seven days per week From Los Angeles/Santa Barbara, follow Birthday: October 4 (religious visits are often denied on Rt. 101 west/north. Near Gaviota, take Rt. FCI Allenwood weekends and holidays) 1 to Lompoc. Continue west/north on Rt. White Deer, PA 17887 246. The prison is on Rt. 246. Trip time : ph : 717 547-7950 To USP Lewisburg, PA about 31/2 hoursfrom Los Angeles ;1 1/2 Chaplains: Ran Gonzalez, Tom Johnson From New York, take 1-80 to Exit 30A (Rt. hours from Santa Barbara. 8:30 am - 3:30 Thursday - Monday 15). Take Rt. 15 south about 8 miles. The prison entrance road is on the west (right) Dylcia Pagan #88971-024 To FC! Allenwood, PA side of Rt. 15. Trip time : about 3 hours Birthday: October 15 The prison is on Rt. 15, about 5 miles from New York City or Philadelphia. Alicia Rodriguez #88972-024 north of 1-80. Trip time: about 2 hours from Birthday: October 21 Harrisburg. Oscar Lopez Rivera #87651-024 Lucy Rodriguez #88973-024 Birthday: January 6 Birthday: July 7 Elizam Escobar #88969-024 USP Marion Carmen Valentin #88974-024 Birthday: May 24 PO Box 1000 Birthday: March 3 PO Box 1500, Unit 1 Marion, IL 62959 FCI Dublin FCI EI Reno phone : 618 964-1441 5701 8th St. , Camp Parks EI Reno, OK 73036 Chaplain : Jim Rivett Dublin , CA 94568 phone : 405 262-4875 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Thursday - Sunday ph : 510 833-7500 (general number) Chaplain : Keith Harrison 510833-7524 (Religious Services) 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Thursday - Monday To USP Marion Chaplains : Ron Richter, George Jackson From St. Louis, take 1-64 one hour east to 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Saturday, Sunday; To FC! E! Reno, OK I-57 south one hour; from Chicago, take 1- Thursday, Friday, 4:30-8:00 From Oklahoma City airport. 57 south 6 hours. Take exit 54B and head Meridian Avenue to Interstate 40 West. west on Old Main street about 1 mile to To FC! Dublin, CA Stay on 40W to EI Reno exit State Rte 148. Turn left (south) on Hwy. From San Francisco/Oakland, take 1-580 (Not the EI Reno exit at Diffee's Cars, but 148 and go about 6 miles. At Prison Road, East about 40 minutes to the Hopyard Rd. the next one, for Hensley's Restaurant (there is a Grange Hall on the left side of exit. (This is the second Dublin exit from and the community college.) Turn right at Rte. 148), turn left (east). Follow the the west.) At the exit, turn left (the road is the end of ramp. Follow this road until it driveway to the prison . Trip time: 2 hours called Dougherty Road to the left and ends at a T intersection (at Old Rte 66) from St. Louis, 6 hours from Chicago. Hopyard Road to the right) and cross over Go left. Prison is within 2 miles on left. the highway. After the first intersection, get Trip time : about 1/2 hour. Adolfo Matos Antongiorgi in the right lane and look for "Correctional #88968-024, Unit J Institution" sign on the right side of the Edwin Cortes #92153-024 Birthday: September 18 street. Turn right and go through the gate Birthday: March 27 USP Lompoc into Camp Parks. Immediately, turn left. Ricardo Jimenez #88967-024 3901 Klein Blvd. Follow the road to the end and turn right onto 8th Street. You will cross a couple of Birthday: April 3 Lompoc, CA 93436 streets and pass a chapel on your left. Alberto Rodriguez #92150-024 ph : 805 735-2771 (general number) Continue until you see the prison entrance Birthday: April 14 ph : 805 737-0581 (Chaplain) on your left. USP Lewisburg Chaplain : Michael Cook Trip time : approximately 45 minutes from Lewisburg, PA 17837 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Thursday - Monday ph : 717 523-1251 Oakland.
13 Luis Rosa #88975-024 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Saturday, Sunday, Birthday: August 6 Monday; USP Leavenworth 12:30 - 8:00 pm, Thursday, Friday Box 1000 Leavenworth, KS 66048 To FCI Danbury, CT ph: 913 682-8700 From New York, take 1-684 North to 1-84 Chaplain: Rev. Michael Crow East. Take Danbury Exit 5 (Department of Sunday through Saturday, Motor Vehicles sign). Follow signs to the 8:00 am - 3:30 pm prison. You will pass a shopping center with a McDonald 's. Follow the road about To USP Leavenworth, KS 2 more miles. The prison is at the top of a From the airport, take 1-29 North. Exit at hill on the right side of the road . Trip time : Rt. 92. Follow 92 West and follow the sign about 1 1/2 hours from New York. From directing you to turn left to Leavenworth. BostonlHartiord, take 1-84 West and take Cross the bridge over the river. In Exit 6 into Danbury. Leavenworth, you will be on Metropolitan. Pass Ft. Leavenworth on your right; the Technically, prisoners at FCI Danbury with USP is right after Ft. Leavenworth, also on odd fifth digit register numbers visit on odd the right side of the road. Trip time: calendar days, and prisoners with even Approximately 30 minutes from the fifth digit register numbers visit on even Kansas City airport. calendar days, but clergy may be able to have this restriction waived. Religious visits are often denied on weekends or Juan Segarra-Palmer #15357-077 holidays. Birthday: March 6 FCI Marianna PMB 7007 Carlos Alberto Torres #88976-024 Marianna, FL 32447-7007 Birthday: September 19 ph : 904 526-2313 USP Oxford Chaplain : Ron Martin Oxford , WI 53952 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Thursday - Monday ph : 608 584-5511 Chaplain: Father Kelly or Chapel Service To FCI Marianna, FL Friday through Monday From Tallahassee, take 1-10 west to 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Marianna. Turn left at Rte 90. Turn right at the second red light (71 North). After To FCI Oxford, WI about 6 miles, turn left on Caverns Road From Chicago set tripmeter to 0, take 1-90 (at Texaco Station). About 1 mile down, for approximately 170 miles to Exit 108 B turn right (at the train). Trip time: about 1 for Wausau. Follow 78N to 51 N. Divided 1/2 hours. highway ends at about 187 miles. Exit 106 W82 Oxford , at approximately 192 miles Alejandrina Torres #92152-024 and go leeft at end of ramp . Go through Birthday: June 18 town of Oxford. Go right on County G at FCI Danbury approximately 200 miles. Stay on G, go Pembroke Station through town of Brooks. Prison road at Danbury, CT 06811 mile 206, turn left. Pass the prison camp ph : 203 743-6471 and continue on to the FCI. Trip time : about 3 1/2 hours. Chaplain: Anne Marie Raftery
14 APPENDIX C: SAMPLE LETTERS TO PRESIDENT CLINTON
THE NEW YORK TIMES OP-ED FRIDAY. DECEMBER 9. 1994 S Open Letter to S PRESIDENT CLINTON: Free Puerto Rican Political Prisoners As citizens engaged in business, industry, civic activities and as Puerto Rican leaders, we call upon you to release the fifteen (15) Puerto Rican men and women imprisoned in the United States for their activities seeking independence for Puerto Rico. They are serv ing disproportionately lengthy sentences, with no hope for parole, while social prisoners routinely serve a fraction of the more than fourteen (14) years most of these women and men have already served. Regardless of what we may think about the status of Puerto Rico or efforts to gain its independence, we urge you, in the best spirit of reconciliation and the search for peace which is prevailing in the world today as reflected in your initia tives towards enhanced understanding among the people of South Africa, Haiti, the Middle East and Northern Ireland, to excercise your constitutional power of pardon, as have so many presidents before you, to free these incarcerated Puerto Ricans. Ftum Puerto Rico: Puerto Rican Federation of Labor RodoUo Cruz Contreras 1968·70 Sen. Roberto Rax.ac:h Benitez. (AFL-OO) and its Executive Noel Col6n Martfnez 19~ 15 Puerto Rican Bishops' Conference April 24th, 1996 Honorable Bill Clinton President of the United States White House Washington, DC Dear President Clinton: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19) We write to urge you to grant the pending application for the immediate and unconditional release of the fifteen Puerto Rican women and men in prison for their pro-independence activities. This expression of support comes as a result of exploring not only the theological aspect, but the historical and human rights aspects, and included a pastoral visit, conducted at the behest of one of our bishops, with one of these prisoners. This visit, along with our reflections, has led to our discernment that both justice and mercy place upon us a moral claim. The Scriptures commit us to hear the cry for justice and mercy for our imprisoned brothers and sisters, and to preach release for the oppressed. We therefore stand among the many other denominations, civic and religious groups, elected officials, and community leaders ready and willing to embrace these fifteen men and women in the spirit of reconciliation . May the God of justice and compassion guide you in making this significant moral decision. Respectfully, S.E.R. Luis Cardenal Aponte Martinez, Archbishop of San Juan Mons. Inaki Maliona, C.P. Bishop of Arecibo, President Mons. Ulises Casiano, Bishop of MayagOez, Vice President Mons. Fremiot Torres Oliver, Bishop of Ponce Mons. Enrique Hernandez, Bishop of Caguas Mons. Ricardo Surinach, Auxiliary Bishop of Ponce Mons. Hector Rivera, Auxiliary Bishop of San Juan Mons. Hermin Negr6n Santana, Auxiliary Bishop of San Juan, Secretary 16 September 20, 1996 President William Clinton The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Clinton : I write to urge you to grant amnesty to the fifteen Puerto Rican prisoners, twelve of whom I have had the privilege of visiting person ally. When I began in my present position five years ago, I had very little familiarity with the political prisoners issue. Since Alejandrina Torres is a member of the UCC, I had heard about her and her sufferings in Chicago and Lexington. But I knew none of the prisoners personally, and had never set foot inside a prison or jail. (I admit this with some embarrassment, given Jesus' clear teaching about visiting prisoners.) Since the job description explicitly called for work in this area, I felt that it was important for me to visit at least some of these prisoners before I could competently assist others to develop ministries with them. I decided to try to arrange a visit with Alejandrina and the other Puerto Rican prisoners (Dylcia Pagan, Ida Luz Rodriguez, and Carmen Valentin) at FCI Dublin while visiting the Bay Area on other business. Despite six years as a parish minister, I wasn 't sure what to expect from a visit with a group of "terrorists." But my visit with them was completely different from any pastoral visit I had ever conducted. I had never before encountered people of such impressive quality. Their intellectual acumen, their currency with political events, their deep compassion and love for people, their courage in the face of all they had suffered were simply awe-inspiring, certainly surpassing anything I had encountered in the classroom or professional life. Although I had allotted the whole day for visiting them, I had worried about how we would fill the time ; instead, the hours flew by and I found myself at the end of the day wishing that I could stay longer. That experience was subsequently replicated in my visits with Edwin Cortes, Ricardo Jimenez, Adolfo Matos, Alberto Rodriguez, Alicia Rodriguez, Oscar L6pez Rivera, Antonio Camacho Negr6n, and Luis Rosa - except that I no longer worried , of course, that we would be able to fill the time. In every case, although their particular pride in being Puerto Rican and love of their people was very evident, so was their understanding of and kinship with people of other racial and national groups. Although I am obviously not Puerto Rican, I experienced a strong bond of mutual respect and understanding with each of them. It is difficult to convey to someone who has never met them what about them makes visiting them such a tremendous privilege. But all those who have, have come away profoundly moved and convinced that these incredibly gifted women and men simply do not belong behind bars. For me as a Christian, they have tremendously deepened my understanding of the spiritual life and the willingness to sacrifice for one's beliefs. Although I can personally attest only to the character of twelve of the fifteen prisoners for whom amnesty is being requested, I hope that this will be construed in no way which will undermine the petition of the other three, whom I have not yet had the privilege of meeting. Personally and on behalf of the United Church of Christ, I urge you to recommend the release of all fifteen of these remark able men and women . May the God of justice and compassion guide you in this critical moral decision. In hope, Rev. Dr. C. Nozomi Ikuta United Church Board for Homeland Ministries 17 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1996 A25 INTERNATIONAL CALL TO CONSCIENCE To U.S. President William Clinton & U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno On the Puerto Rican Political Prisoners We join our voices with those of other people of conscience by asking for unconditional amnesty for the Pueno Rican political prisoners conftned in prisons and jails within the United States. Before their incarceration. these men and women were individuals who functioned as vital members of their community. Comprised of students. artists, lawyers. secretaries. scholars. journalists. community activists. trades people and teachers. many are also mothers and fathers who have spent over a decade in prison while their children have grown up without them. These men and women have been imprisoned. and many given virruallife sentences. for their activities on behalf of the struggle for the independence of Pueno Rico. In reaffirming the PuertO Rican people's right to self- The conditions of their conftnement have violated generally accepted human rights standards. For example. in disregard of explicit federal regulations mandating that prisoners be placed in prisons as close to their families as possible. these prisoners have been imprisoned unnecessarily far from their homes. Their disproportionately large sentences. when compared to social prisoners sentenced during the same time frame. indicate the pOlitical narure of their incarceration. Given the above considerations. we ask that you grant all of them unconditional amnesty. Adolfo Perez Esquivel Rigoberta Menchu 'fum founder. Servicio paz Y Justicia. Argentina; UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador; recipient, 1974 Nobel Peace Prize recipient. 1992 Nobel Peace Prize Tandi Luthuli Gcabashe Jose Ramos-Horta SA Director. American Friends Service Special Rep. of the Maubere (East Timor); Commiuee • (recipient, 1947 Nobel Peace Prize); recipient, 1996 Nobel Peace Prize daughter of South African Chief Alben Luthuli (recipient. 1960 Nobel Peace Prize) Dr. Victor W. Sidel Co-President. International Physicians Rev. Monsignor Bruce Kent for the Prevenuon of Nuclear War • past president. Bureau International Permanent (recipient. 1985 Nobel Peace Prize) de la Paixflnternational Peace Bureau • (recipient, 1910 Nobel Peace Prize) The Most Reverend Desmond Mpilo Tutu Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa: Mrs. Coretta Scott King recipient. 1984 Nobel Peace Prize Director. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change; Dr. George Wald widow of Martin Luther King recipient. 1967 Nobel Prize in Medicine (recipient, 1964 Nobel Peace Prize) William C. Wardlaw Mairead Corrigan Maguire Executive Director's Leadership Council. Amnesty Community of Peace People. N. Ireland; International • recipient. 1976 Nobel Peace Prize (recipient. 1977 Nobel Peace Prize) Dr. Elise Boulding, former Secretary General. International Peace Research Association; Doreeo Boyd. Deputy General Secretary. Young Women 's Christian Association; Etienne De Joogbe. International Secretary. Pax Christi International; Bisbop Federico Pagura. President. Consejo Internacional de Iglesias: Wendy Siogh. Vice President, Penal Reform International: Dr. Aaron Tolen. President. World Council of Churches. 'oreanizations listed for identification purposes sponlorcJ ~~ Ih, Lml /8 TI-rSDAI·. DECE.\lB F.R 17. 1'19<. DEAR PRESIDENT CLINTON: As rel igious leaders. we write to urge you to grant amnesty for the fifteen Puerto Rican men and women incarcerated in the United States because of their actions on behalf of the cause of Puerto Rican independence. We affirm your commi tment to human ri ghts in the intemati onal context and your role in th e reconciliati on process in conflicted are as such as No rthem Irel and and the Middle East. which has led to th e release of political pri soners there. We pray for the release of our ow n political prisoners in the US, so th at as a nation. we might practice at home what we preach abroad. As people of fai th. we are not united about the status of Puerto Ri co. nor about the means employed by these fi ftee n wo men and men in their quest fo r an independent Puerto Rico. Gi ven the long years in priso n these men and women have already served, however- years longer than time served by persons convicted of murder-we are united in our compassion and our commitment to their release. Prior to their incarceration, these women and men were teachers and students. community organizers. professionals. and acti vists. In prison they have done art wo rk. developed child care and AIDS awareness and prevention programs, and taught literacy. hig h school equivalency, and English as a Second language classes. Now we join in appeali ng to you, as a person of faith and compassion, to all ow these prisoners to retum to the families and communit ies thaI await them. In such an act. we would surely see a sign of God's mercy and grace. The RI. Rev. David A. Alvarez The Rev. Harry del Va lle Ms. Annie Milner Dr. Luther Smith Bishop. Episcopal Chu rc h of Synod Executi ve, Presbyteri an Sy nod African Meth odist Episcopal Chu rc h Candler School of Theology Pueno Rico. Sai nt Just of Boriquen Poeno Rico. Mayag,ez Atlanta Atlanta The Rt. Re v. Crai, B. Anderso n Ms. \I arie Dennis The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Newhall Dr. Bett y V Stith President and Dcan. Gl!neral Maryknoll Pme & Justice Office General Secretary. International Secretary. Women s Home and Theological Seminary. 1\t!W York City lVashington. DC Council of Communi ty Churches Overseas Missionary Society Mokena. Ill inois African Methodist Episcopa l Zioo The Re I'. Yamina Apolinaris The ReI'. Dr. Thomas E. Dipko Church. New Rochelle. New York Executive ~ 'i ms(t: r , Bapti st Chu rch of Execuuve Vice Preside nt. United The Rt. Rev. James H. Ottley PUCriO Ril.:(l . HalORe y Church Board for Home land Mi n i s ~ ie s Ang lican Observer to the Cnited The Most Re v. Walter Sull ivan United Church of Christ. Chcland :--lations. New Yo rk City Catholic Diocesc of Richmond. Bishop Ri<'hard 0 Bass. Sr. Virginia Ecu mem t:al Onita Bishop Will iam Boyd Grove The Rev. Tyrone Pitts Chri stian Method ist Episcopa l Church Ecu menical Officer. United ~1ct h odis t General Secre tary Bishop Melvin G. Talben Birmingham Churc h.. ~Ihany Progressive National Baptist Cal ifornia-Nevada Conference Conve ntion. In c.. Wash ington. DC The United Method ist Churc h Bishop Victor Bonilla The \1011 Re\,. Thomas J. Gumbleton West Sacramento ~1ethodi s t Church ot Pueno Ri co Catholic .~" hdiocese of Dwoit Sister Nilda Resto G6mez HalO ReI' Coordinator. Commu nity of The Re v. Dr. Daniel E. Weiss The ReI'. Dr. Richard Harnm Je5US Christ the Mediator General Secretary. American Baptist The Rt. R" Edmond L. Browning Ge neral .l li oister and Prc 5ident Bayamon. Pueno Rico Churc hes USA . Va lley Forge Presid ing Bish"p. Episcopal Church Christian Church tDisciples of Christl :\ew Yurk Citl lodianap!'lis The Rev. Moises Rosa Ramos Dr. Donnell Williams Executive Secretary African Methodist Episcopal Church The Re v. Dr. J,lJn Brown Campbe ll The ~ t os t Re\,. Enriq ue Hern50dez Evange lical Counci l of Churches ~onhpon . Alabama Gc n t!rJtSe c re(~ Catholic Di ocese of Caguas Rio Piedras. Pueno Ri co The ;\alional C!>un <' tl"f the Chorches Puerto Ri lll \1r. Add ison Young uf Chost. \e\\ YlIfk Citl The Rev. Dr. Paul H. SheTTl' Mrican Methodist Episcopal Churc h Bishop Ch:lflcnc Kammerer President. United Church of Christ Atlanta Bishop Claren<'e Carr Wl.! st!!m \l'nh Carolina C u nf~ren(c Cle veland Presidin g Bi shop. Western Episco pal L'nited \ 1 sponsored bv th e United Church Board for Homeland Ministries lor Ihe Uniled Church of Christ 700 Prospe<: t Arenue. Cleveland . OH 44 li S. 216 736-3280 19 APPENDIX D: RISONER NAMES, PICTURES, AND LOCATIONS (as of December 1 Alicia Rodriguez 85 years Dylcia Pagan 63 years . Antonio Camacho Negron 15 years . C . White Deer, PA Ed win ortes Alejandrina 35 years Torres Carmen Valentin Lewisburg , PA 35 years 98 years Danbury, CT Ida Luz Luis Rosa Rodriguez 105 years Jimenez 83 years ""'\/,Cln",,,,th KS 98 years Adolfo Matos Oscar Lopez Rivera ....., Lewisburg, PA 78 years 70 years , • Lompoc, CA Marion , IL • Alberto Rodriguez 35 years Lewisburg, PA - r f Elizam Escobar 68 years EI Reno, OK 20 21 APPENDIX E: CHURCH RESOLUTIONS GRAND JURY ABUSE • the United States Attorney of persons connected with the Hispanic 77-GS-77 VOTED: the Eleventh the Northern District of Chi ministries of the churches have been General Synod adopts the resolution cago. subpoenaed to testify before federal "Grand Jury Abuse" as amended. grand juries ostensibly inquiring into 3. Calls upon the appropriate national terrorist bombings, and some have WHEREAS, The following resolution church agencies to pursue this issue, gone to prison rather than divulge the was forwarded to the 11th General to prepare educational resources and names of persons they fe~ had been Synod by action of the Illinois Confer to provide support to those subpoe working with the church in good faith, ence, which arose out of concern for naed before Federal Grand Juries lest they in turn be subjected to the Puerto Rican community in who, for justifiable reasons of prin investigation. Chicago where the Federal Bureau of ciple, refuse to testify and risk jail Investigation is harassing and illegally rather than expose others to harass Congress has never given the Federal threatening with subpoenas the Rev. ment. (Specific examples of persons Bureau of Investigation subpoena Jose Torres, pastor of the First imprisoned presently on the basis (3 powers, yet agents today routinely Congregational UCC, his wife and above) are Maria Cueto and Raisa threaten uncooperative persons with members of that congregation; and Nemiken, staff of the Hispanic subpoenas from a federal grand jury, Commission of the Episcopal Church.) and often indeed serve such subpoe WHEREAS, The Resolution (adopted nas upon them. by the National Council of Churches GRAND JURY ABUSE [NCC) Governing Board) which has Adopted by the NCC Governing It is the Governing Board's firm been revised by insertion of "Federal" Board, May 5, 1977 conviction that the use of the federal before "Grand Jury" wherever "Grand grand jury's powers as an instrument Jury" appears. The Federal Grand Jury is envisioned of investigation in support of law in American law as a protector of enforcement rather than as an RESOLVED, That the 11th General citizens from unwarranted prosecu evaluator of evidence already gath Synod of the United Church of Christ tions. It is for this reason that its ered is a distortion of its quasi-judicial proceedings are secret and it has function . The use of the federal grand jury's powers to harass and pursue 1. Endorses the "Resolution on Grand compulsory process of summoning political dissidents is a departure from Jury Abuse" adopted by the NCC witnesses. its proper constitutional function, and Governing Board on May 5, 1977, as is a great threat to public order, lawful revised above. However, in recent years there is government, and true domestic evidence to indicate that its great security. 2. Directs the President of the United powers have sometimes been Church of Christ to express this misused to harass and intimidate Therefore, the Governing Board of the concern to : political dissidents, including the anti war movement, the activist student National Council of Churches, in its • the President of the United continuing concern for human rights, States movement, the Native American movement, the Black movement, the including due process of law, freedom • the Attorney General of the of association, the privilege against United States trade-union movement, the Roman Catholic peace movement, the self-incrimination, the presumption of • the Director of the Federal innocence and the free exercise of Bureau of Investigation feminist movement, and now seem to be aimed at the Chicano and Puerto religion, adopts as its own procedure • the United States Attorney of Rican movements as well. and urges upon the churches and the Southern District of New ecumenical agencies the following York, and Since the October 1976 meeting of the course of action : Governing Board of the NCC, several 22 1. That churches and ecumenical 4. That the investigators be asked to employees who for reasons of agencies support legislation designed state specifically in writing what principle refuse to testify before a to enhance the rights of due process information they want, their authority federal grand jury and risk jail rather of law, freedom of association, for seeking it, and whether it can be or than expose others to harassment - effective legal counsel, the presump has been obtained in any other way; even if some consider their refusal tion of innocence and the privilege unwise or unnecessary; against self-incrimination1* of persons 5. That the church or agency make subpoenaed to testify before federal contact with specialists in the ecu 11 . That churches and ecumenical grand juries. As well as the problem of menical community, such as the agencies make particular provision to federal grand jury abuse, there are Committee on Religious Liberty of the insure and protect the freedom of attempts by other Government National Council of Churches, and association and exercise of advocacy agencies to intervene in the internal seek advice of legal counsel familiar by members and staff in their minis affairs of the churches. A full policy with church-state law to determine tries and relationships with social statement based on careful consider what information, if any, can properly action agencies and oppressed and ation of the legal ramifications needs be given in response to the inquiry. alienated groups. to be developed . The Governing Board therefore also urges: 6. That churches and ecumenical 12. In addition the denominations are agencies not divulge names of urged to develop intemal policies 2. That each member denomination of contributors, members, constituents, appropriate to their own polity and the NCC designate one person to or any persons or groups with whom ecclesiology which will clarify their keep in touch with the developments they have been working in a relation understanding of the meaning of in this area and to represent it in ship of confidence and trust; confidentiality of communications within developing a full policy statement on the fellowship and in the ministry of the the subject of governmental interven 7. That churches and ecumenical church, so as to safeguard the relation tion in the internal affairs of churches agencies not divulge without benefit of ship of confidence and trust that is for presentation to a later session of legal counsel and consent of persons essential to the existence and function the Governing Board. concerned personnel files, correspon ing of the church. dence or other confidential and/or In the meantime, church agencies, internal documents or information; 13. Churches which adopt the above members and employees may well recommendations should be aware that find themselves in the position of 8. That churches and ecumenical they, or their members, may be faced responding to inquiries by Government agencies not divulge without benefit of with the risk of civil pena~ies, including agencies. Until the adoption of a full legal counsel and consent of persons citations for contempt of court, in their policy statement, the Governing Board concerned travel or expense records; effort to establish judicial recognition of of the NCC adopts as its own proce the churches' right not to breach the dure and urges adoption of the same 9. That the churches and ecumenical relationship of confidence and trust by the member communions: agencies inform any persons in their which is essential to the functioning of employment or membership about the religious community. 3. That, if and when any employee of whom inquiries have been made that a church or church agency is ap such investigations are in process; proached by government investigators (on matters related to that church or 10. That churches and ecumenical agency), the inquiry be handled by the agencies give moral and material 1*Though this is supposedly afforded by the senior officer available (with appropri support (including continuing salary to grant of "use" immunity, the fuller "transac ate legal advice) ; employees) for those members and tional" immunity that was formerly granted more adequately guards the privileges. 23 THE RELEASE OF FOUR its recommendations to President PUERTO RICAN Carter, who has to this present time . DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT NATIONALIST PRISONERS taken no action on this petition for the OF PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE 79-GS-87 VOTED: the Twelfth release of these nationalists; and, General Synod adopts the resolution on "The Release of Four Puerto Rican WHEREAS, the United Church of 85-GS-71 VOTED: The Fifteenth Nationalist Prisoners." Christ affirms human rights; and, General Synod adopts the Resolution "The Discriminatory Treatment of WHEREAS, more than twenty-five WHEREAS, the acts of mercy, love Prisoners of Conscience." years ago, a group of Puerto Rican and reconciliation are part of any Nationalists, among them Oscar doctrine of human rights and President THEOLOGICAL RATIONALE Collazo, Rafael Cancel Miranda, Irvin Carter is championing human rights in The New Testament Scriptures inform Flores, and Lolita Lebron concerned the world as part of the Christian us that Christ had a concern and an with the political independence of heritage of this country; and, interest for those who were in captivity Puerto Rico attacked the Blair House and imprisoned. This concern is mansion of the President of the United WHEREAS, the grace of God is reflected in the beginning of His public States, and others attacked various dispensed freely to us and an act of ministry where in Luke 4:16-20 He Congressmen on Capitol Hill, and as a Presidential pardon would be a human says that He is the One who has come result they were convicted and response of love and demonstration of to proclaim the acceptable year of the imprisoned ; and, the spirit of reconciliation exercised by Lord, and release to the captive and this nation upon former foreign foes freedom to the oppressed. WHEREAS, the Puerto Rican people while the nationalists are not part of have never favored the use of arms for the United States nation; and, Hebrews 13:3 reminds us to "Remem- political causes, yet they believe ber them that are in bonds, as bound strongly that these jail terms have WHEREAS, that act will be an act of with them ; and them which suffer inflicted enough physical, spiritual and good will to Puerto Rico and as such a adversity as being yourselves also in emotional punishment; and, bridge of love in Latin America ; the body." therefore, WHEREAS, the Puerto Rican Council Jesus clearly man~ested in Matthew of Protestant Churches, high bodies of BE IT RESOLVED, the Twelfth 25:31-40 his personal concern for the Episcopal, Methodist and Catholic General Synod directs the President of incarcerated people and emphasized Churches in Puerto Rico as well as in the United Church of Christ to petition that the relationship with those in need the United States, the National Council personally President Carter to grant is part of our Christian responsibility. of Churches, former governors of freedom to the four Puerto Rican "When did we see you, Lord?..When I Puerto Rico, both Houses of the Nationalist prisoners; and, was in prison you came to me. If you Puerto Rican legislature, labor unions, do it to the least of these, my brothers professional organizations, student BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the and sisters, you have done it unto councils, cultural groups, political Twelfth General Synod requests the me." organizations and ten U.S. Congress- Office of Church in Society and the men, have written to the United States Commission for Racial Justice to The Scriptures commit us to bring to government expressing this concern; pursue this issue, recognizing the your attention the cry for justice and and, United Church of Christ's concern for mercy for prisoners who are subjected the human rights of all prisoners and to discriminatory treatment from the WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of to encourage awareness of this prison officials. Because we are called Justice in December, 1978, presented concern. by Christ to bring the good news to the 24 captives and to preach release to the WHEREAS, constitutional rights MINISTRY TO PRISONERS OF oppressed, we have a responsibility to afforded to pre-trial detainees have CONSCIENCE improve the prison conditions of been violated; and, prisoners. 89-GS-89 VOTED : The 17th General WHEREAS, the press, television, and Synod adopts the Resolution "Ministry to WHEREAS, participants of the UCC radio have not covered the unjust Prisoners of Conscience." National Meeting of Women in July prison treatment these persons 1984 were moved by an urgent receive; and, BACKGROUND concern for the plight of incarcerated Scripture informs us that our Creator women, particularly of Alejandrina WHEREAS, all of the above findings has a concern and an interest for those Torres in the Metropolitan Correctional have been confirmed by the First who are afflicted and in captivity. This Center in Chicago, and sent to Congregational Church of Chicago, concern reflected in Isaiah 58:6-9 Norman Carlson, Director of the U.S. staff of the Chicago Metropolitan focuses our attention on the care of Bureau of Prisons, 500 letters of Association of the UCC, and the Civic others and commits us to action and protest which condemned such Religious Committee (ecumenical). faithful witness as God's people: "Is not inhuman treatment; and, this the fast that I choose : to loose the THEREFORE, the Fifteenth General bonds of wickedness, to undo the WHEREAS, the President of the UCC Synod of the United Church of Christ thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed appointed an Investigative Team which through the instrumentalities and go free ... to share bread ... to bring in the included representation from the national bodies: homeless poor .. .to cover the naked." CCW, the Executive Council, and other national bodies to look into the 1. Develops a national network of Hebrews 13:3 calls us to "Remember conditions of the imprisonment of pastoral care to ensure the humane them that are in bonds, as bound with Alejandrina Torres; and, treatment of prisoners of conscience them; and them which suffer adversity such as Alejandrina Torres, Marfa as being yourselves also in the body." WHEREAS , continued investigation by Torres, Ida Luz Rodrfguez, Dylcia Scripture in so stating clar~ies that this Church representatives has revealed Pagan, Carmen Valentin, Marfa Cueto, is not a mere mechanical act but one of treatment which violates the civil and and others. true empathy for others. human rights of prisoners who conscientiously object to a particular 2. Works to improve the treatment of In John 10:9-10 we are informed that position of their governments; prisoners through changes in the abundant I~e is only possible when policies and procedures of the Justice Christ is made known to us, in our lives. WHEREAS, women who are prisoners Department, the Bureau of Prisons, "I am the door... 1 came that they may of conscience have been subjected to the Congress, and other appropriate have I~e and have it abundantly." particular physical and mental agencies. cruetties not practiced with other Jesus teaches us that he is continually inmates such as restricted visiting and 3. Identifies and promotes educational revealing himsen in human history and correspondence privileges, frequent programs on the plight of prisoners in making himsen known to us through our prison transfers, sexual harassment, cooperation with UCC conferences, brothers and sisters who need our care. sensory deprivation and other forms of associations, and local churches. "When did we see you, Lord?..When I isolation, physical assautts, denial of was in prison you came to see me. If clergy visits, delayed medical treat 4. Incorporates this concern into UCC you do it to the least of these, my ment, and other discriminatory and ecumenical advocacy networks. brothers and sisters, you have done it to practices; and, me." 25 As Jesus clearly manifests his be developed on the plight of these Marion, Illinois and Marianna, Florida) personal concern for the incarcerated prisoners and that public lobbying be to carry out both physical and psycho people, he being himself a prisoner, carried out for the effecting of changes logical torture of prisoners, in order and teaches us that the relationship in present prison policies which that they may be made broken people with those in prison is part of our perpetuate injustices to prisoners; the and ineffective in their lives of struggle Christian responsibility; the Ministry to Ministry to Prisoners of Conscience for justice, for example, Alejandrina Prisoners of Conscience, in an attempt has joined the efforts of the Un~ed Torres (now in San Diego, CA prison), to respond fa~hfully to Christ's call, Nations Human Rights Campaign confined in various prisons since 1984 brings to your attention the cry for which will study the case of each and charged w~h sed~ious conspiracy justice and mercy for prisoners who prisoner of conscience and contact because she and her husband, Un~ed are subjected to discriminatory with Amnesty International has been Church of Christ Pastor Jose Torres, treatment from prison officials and our made; have been active in the Puerto Rican responsibil~y to improve the prison independence movement, during cond~ions of prisoners. WHEREAS, the inclusive nature of the which time this mother of five and Un~ed Church of Christ required that grandmother has been sexually TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION this ministry be a shared ecumenical assaulted by male guards and abused network of pastoral care, many in many other ways, and, WHEREAS, a Prisoner of Conscience denominations (Presbyterian, Method is a person imprisoned - awa~ing trial, ist, Episcopal and Disciples of Christ) WHEREAS, the Ministry to Prisoners serving a sentence, or incarcerated have adopted similar resolutions and of Conscience needs the help of the w~hout a trial (such as on grand jury have joined us in this ministry; United Church of Christ in order to contempt charges) - for reasons of further implement the work of this acts, associations or beliefs based on WHEREAS, United Church of Christ ministry to prisoners. a fundamental concern for social Instrumentamies (UCBHM, OCIS, justice and human rights (some of CRJ, CCW), Conferences and the THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the these concerns for self-determination Chicago Metropoman Association 17th General Synod of the Un~ed of oppressed peoples and nations are have shared in the commitment of Church of Christ: considered by authorities as in making this ministry a real~y through opposition to prevailing Un~ed States their time and financial support, the Affirms the efforts of this new ministry; foreign, domestic and mimary poli ministry today has created such a cies) ; well over 100 prisoners of network of pastoral care, mon~oring Encourages local congregations conscience have been identified by and advocacy which counts with through Conferences and Associations The Ministry to Prisoners of Con national volunteers who visit prisoners to reach out to prisoners of conscience science and other human rights representative of various social in local area prisons, to their families, organizations; movements; a director; a central office and volunteers as they effect visits; in Evanston, III. ; and an ecumenical WHEREAS, the 15th General Synod board composed of the Midwest Requests that the appropriate division Regional National Council of Churches comm~ed ~self to creating a Ministry of the Un~ed Church of Christ of Prisoners of Conscience which Racial Justice Working Group repre Commission for Racial Justice in sentatives, Illinois Conference staff, would monitor the treatment of cooperation w~h the National Council prisoners w~hin the U.S. prison attorneys as well as lay and commu of Churches Racial Justice Working system, provide pastoral care and nity persons; Group and the Ministry to Prisoners of advocate on their behalf; Conscience actively develop and WHEREAS, behavior modification disseminate information on the plight WHEREAS, the General Synod found un~s also known as control units, have of Prisoners of Conscience which can ~ important that educational materials been constructed (such as those in 26 fight discrimination towards these The Scriptures inform us that Christ WHEREAS, the United States is one prisoners; had a concern and an interest for of the few who refuse to recognize that those who were in captivity and Puerto Rico is its colony; Calls upon the United Church of Christ imprisoned. This concern is reflected Office for Church in Society in in the beginning of His public ministry WHEREAS, the Puerto Rican people cooperation with the Ministry to where in Luke 4:16-20 He says that have never been consulted as to their Prisoners of Conscience and United He is the One who has come to status since the 1898 invasion of Church of Christ United Nations proclaim the acceptable year of the Puerto Rico by the United States; observers to actively participate in the Lord, and release to the captive and lobbying efforts of the United Nations freedom to the oppressed. WHEREAS, the Puerto Rican people Human Rights Campaign which have suffered under colonization for through its attention to prisoners of The Scriptures commit us to bring to 498 years; conscience can bring about change in your attention the cry for justice and their present discriminatory treatment, mercy from our Puerto Rican prisoners WHEREAS, 17 Puerto Rican women and who are subjected to discriminatory and men, whose only crime has been treatment from the prison officials. to advocate the cause of Puerto Rico's Calls upon the United Church Board independence, have been tried for Homeland Ministries to coordinate Because we are called by Christ to unjustly, sentenced, jailed, and denied the efforts of the Commission for bring the good news to the captives the basic human rights afforded Racial Justice, Coordinating Center for and to preach release to the op common prisoners; Women, Office for Church in Society pressed, we have a responsibility to and the appropriate divisions of the improve the prison conditions of the WHEREAS, 18 of the Puerto Ricans United Church Board for Homeland Puerto Rican prisoners and to have invoked the international law Ministries as advocates for this eliminate the colonial condition of the status of Prisoners of War taking ministry to prisoners of conscience Puerto Rican people. refuge in the Geneva Convention of and to report annually to the Executive 1949 and resulting Protocols adopted Council on the progress and needs of WHEREAS, we as Christians are by the United Nations; this ministry. This is to be financed called to follow the mandates of through existing available resources in Scripture and to work for justice WHEREAS, the "Freedom Now!" the budgets of the above named wherever injustice is found; campaign is working toward the instrumentalities. freedom of the prisoners of con WHEREAS, the Decolonization SELF DETERMINATION OF science; Committee of the United Nations has PUERTO RICO AND AMNESTY since 1972 recognized that Puerto FOR PRISONERS OF WHEREAS, the colonial situation of Rico is a colony of the United States; CONSCIENCE Puerto Rico is dehumanizing and immoral. WHEREAS, the United Nations has 91-GS-85 VOTED: the Eighteenth declared this the decade to end BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, the General Synod adopts the resolution colonialism; Eighteenth General Synod demands "Self Determination of Puerto Rican that President Bush and the Congress and Amnesty for Prisoners of Con WHEREAS, Puerto Rico is one of the undertake a process for Puerto Ricans science." last remaining colonial possessions in to achieve self-determination and, as a the world ; gesture of good will, take the following THEOLOGICAL RATIONALE steps, which are part of any legitimate process of self-determination: 27 IN RECOGNITION OF 100 YEARS Hawaiians and Puerto Ricans to • grant immediate and uncondi OF U.S. COLONIALISM IN SIX tional amnesty to all Puerto self-determination ; ISLAND NATIONS Rican prisoners of conscience (as defined by Amnesty 95-GS-63 VOTED: The Twentieth THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that International) and political General Synod adopts the Resolution the Twentieth General Synod declares prisoners; "In Recognition of 100 Years of U.S. its solidarity with the peoples of Guam, • grant amnesty to those Colonialism in Six Island Nations." Eastern (American) Samoa, Hawai'i, advocates of independence in the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico , exile; WHEREAS the prophet Isaiah and also declares its perception of • cease pros,ecution and perse announced the pardon of sin (40:1-2), 1998 as a kairos moment, a time to cution of advocates of indepen saw Cyrus as Yahweh's anointed join the United Nations in bringing an dence. instrument of liberation (45 :1-5), end to colonialism in this millennium ; interpreted suffering as redemptive, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, and called the people of Israel to bring BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the the Eighteenth General Synod calls good news to the poor, release to the Twentieth General Synod calls on all upon the United Church of Christ to be captives and liberty to the oppressed settings of the United Church of Christ, involved in the justice work in the (61 :1-2); in collaboration, where possible, with following areas: ecumenical, interfaith and secular WHEREAS Jesus proclaimed that the partners: time (kairos) had come for God's reign • support the "Freedom Now!" campaign through the use of of justice and liberation to be fulfilled 1) To engage in an intensive process petitions and presence and (Mark 1: 15 and Luke 4:16-19) ; of study and reflection about various support during trials of advo aspects of colonialism, including the cates of independence; WHEREAS the year 1998 will be the history of sugar, environmental and • engage in an educational 100th anniversary of the U.S. acquisi cultural destruction, the role of the campaign on issues of Puerto tion of the lands of Guam, Hawai'i, church and its missionaries, tourism, Rico; Eastern (American) Samoa, the and the political status of the various • urge local churches to adopt a Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico ; colonies of the United States of prisoner of conscience ; America; • encourage local church WHEREAS the United Nations, in members to write to their recognition of the violent and destructive 2) To accompany, support, and national representatives; nature of colonialism, has declared this advocate for colonized peoples in their the Decade of Decolonization, so that • request the President of the struggles to overcome mental spiritual, United Church of Christ to there will be no colonies at the close of and physical colonization, and in their make pastoral visits to prison this millennium; struggles to assert their rights for land, ers of conscience to offer the culture, language, and other aspects support of the church . WHEREAS the United Church of of self-determination; and Christ, as a Just Peace Church, is AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, called to oppose the sins of racism, 3) In accordance with the U.N., to the Eighteenth General Synod colonialism and greed ; and support the release of prisoners of reaffirms the Seventeenth General conscience in the United States Synod Resolution "Ministry of Prison WHEREAS the Eighteenth General incarcerated because of their actions ers of Conscience." Synod affirmed the rights of Native to resist U.S. colonialism. 28 BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that and laws apply to Puerto Rico . For PUERTO RICAN POLITICAL in the spirit of reconciliation throughout many years the United Nations' PRISONERS the world we call upon the President of Decolonization Committee has Approved by the Board of Directors, the United States to exercise the approved resolutions recognizing the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North constitutional power of pardon to grant inalienable right of Puerto Rico's America, Dallas, Texas, February 10, immediate and unconditional release people to independence and self 1995. to the many Puerto Rican women and determination. The injustice suffered men in U.S. prisons for their actions in under Puerto Rico's colonial reality WHEREAS, one of the foundations of favor of self-determination and cannot be overlooked. President Bush Christian faith is pardon and reconcili independence. admitted that the people of Puerto ation ; Rico have never been consulted as FREE THE PUERTO RICAN equals on their political status. POLITICAL PRISONERS WHEREAS, our Lord Jesus Christ has called us to care for those in prison General Conference of the United The call for the release of these and those who are outcasts, Methodist Church, 1996 prisoners enjoys wide support in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and internationally. WHEREAS, the United States has Today, we have fourteen Puerto Rican Many civic, religious, and international consistently denied the Puerto Rican political prisoners in the U.S. prison organizations have also joined in the people the right of self-determination system. These men and women have effort. according to established United received sentences that are excessive Nations' decolonialization procedures; and geared towards punishing political We, as Christians, have been called to activity more than the stated crimes identify with the prisoners and their WHEREAS , in United States prisons and for refusing to participate in the needs. We have been called to bring today fifteen Puerto Rican women and US judicial system process based on justice to them when injustice has men, political prisoners, are serving their own conscientious objection. The taken place (Luke 4:18; Matthew the equivalent of life sentences for average sentence among this group is 25 :36). their activities in favor of indepen 71.6 years for the men, and 72.8 years dence and self-determination of for the women . Therefore, be it resolved, that the Puerto Rico ; General Conference of the United A total of thirty Puerto Rican prisoners Methodist Church advocate for justice WHEREAS, precedent existed when refused to participate in the U.S. court and freedom for the Puerto Rican President Jimmy Carter exercised the system because of their belief that the political prisoners, Furthermore, that a constitutional power of pardon to US government was a colonial and letter from the General Conference release Puerto Rican Nationalists; enemy power. They requested a war Secretary be sent to the President of court trial and were denied. Some of the United States asking him to grant WHEREAS, throughout the world one these thirty have served their sen pardon, because they have more than of the initial steps toward reconciliation tences; others were let go because no sufficiently served their sentence, to all and peaceful coexistence is histori valid case could be brought against 14 Puerto Rican political prisoners that cally the release of political prisoners; them. are presently found in federal and state prisons. In addition, that a copy of the letter be forwarded to Dr. Luis WHEREAS, their sentences are The United Nations' resolutions on Nieves Falcon, coordinator of the disproportionately lengthy compared decolonization have clearly estab effort to free the Puerto Rican political to sentences given to people who lished that colonialism is a crime, and prisoners. have committed heinous anti-social recognize a colonized people's right to acts; end colonialism. The United Nations also recognizes that these resolutions 29 PUERTO RICAN 2. Urge the Department of Justice discarded by society: "the blind POLITICAL PRISONERS of the Un~ed States and ~s receive their sight, the lame walk, the Bureau of Prisons to respect the lepers are cleansed ... " (Matt. 11 :5a) Episcopal Church of Puerto Rico full human rights and dignity of NRSV 88nd Annual Diocesan Assembly, these men and women; and 16th as an Autonomous Church Whereas: The Church, in affirming October 22, 1995 3. Recommend to our Diocese the itself as bearer of Good News, is naming of one or more clergy or inher~or of the prophetic tradition that WHEREAS, the evangelical mandate lay people to represent our church establishes that the cultic practice ordains us to be agents of reconcilia in the efforts organized by other agreeable to the Lord consists in tion, peace, pardon, and justice, and churches and organizations in "Ioosen(ing) the chains of injustice, to favor of this cause ; and undo(ing) the thongs of the yoke, WHEREAS, our Episcopal Church of let(ting) the oppressed go free ... " (Is. Puerto Rico has faithfully carried out 4. Suggest to our Diocese the 58:6) this mandate; and writing of a pastoral letter of Advent and Christmas, express Whereas: The previous affirmations WHEREAS, the political action and the ing our prayers, accompaniment, commit the Church to be a promoter of struggle for self-determination of the and solidarity to the imprisoned justice and mercy through concrete peoples responds, in our national patriots, enclosing a copy of this expressions and actions, in its social case, to an unresolved problem; and resolution ; and context. WHEREAS, that situation is the real 5. Send a copy of this resolution Whereas: The rights of these sisters motivation of our political prisoners in and the pastoral letter to the and brothers are continually violated in the United States and is NEVER a press, radio, and television of the the following ways: sentencing social crime against our people, and; country. without possibil~ for parole, solitary confinement of 23 hours daily, refusal WHEREAS, it has been proved that IN CHRISTIAN SOLIDARITY FOR of regular visits by family and mem the sentences imposed in these cases THE EXCARCERATION OF THE bers of the community, refusal to are exaggerated and disproportionate PUERTO RICAN POLITICAL congregate in chapel to give expres in comparison w~h the grave crimes PRISONERS sion to their fa~h , and violations to committed by other citizens of this their physical and psychological country; General Assembly of the United integr~. Evangelical Church of Puerto Rico THEREFORE, the 88th Annual January 26-28, 1996 Whereas: The sentences meted out to Diocesan Assembly of the Episcopal the Puerto Rican Political Prisoners Church of Puerto Rico, the 16th as an Whereas: Our lord Jesus Christ are disproportionate and do not Autonomous Church, resolves to : identified himself with the underprivi compare with similar sentences given leged in affirming : "Truly I tell you, just to common prisoners. For example, 1. Ask the Honorable William as you did ~ to one of the least of the average amount of years served in Jefferson Clinton, President of the these who are members of my family, jail by a person accused of homicide in United States of North America, to you did ~ to me." (Matt. 25 :40b) the Un~ed States is eight. These grant unconditional and immedi NRSV polITical prisoners, without being ate amnesty to the Puerto Rican accused of homicide, have already, in patriots imprisoned in the Un~ed Whereas: The Good News had a almost all cases, served twice this States; and social dimension, since Jesus' actions amount. I directly impacted those persons 30 Alejandrina Torres, sentenced to 35 Therefore, let it be resolved : families, including those who are years, Edwin Cortes, sentenced to 35 separated for diverse reasons. years, Alberto Rodriguez, sentenced to 1. That this assembly condemns 35 years, Antonio Camacho Negr6n, all human rights violations to wh ich our 2. WHEREAS : The mission impels us sentenced to 35 years, Juan Segarra sisters and brothers have been to go to the marginalized, the hungry, Palmer, sentenced to 55 years, Dylcia subjected . thirsty, sick, imprisoned , to extend Pagan, sentenced to 63 years, Elizam them our solidarity, our compassion , Escobar, sentenced to 68 years, Oscar 2. That we join our voices with a and mercy. (Mt. 25) L6pez Rivera, sentenced 70 years, wide sector of our communrty solicrting 3. WHEREAS : In the United States, Carlos Alberto Torres, sentenced to 78 clemency and the expedient liberation years, Adolfo Matos, sentenced to 78 of these prisoners. there are 15 men and women prison years, Lucy Rodriguez, sentenced to ers, separated from their families, for defending an issue of conscience, 83 years, Alicia Rodriguez, sentenced 3. That the officers of this denomi which is to believe in the indepen to 85 years, Carmen Valentin, sen nation-the United Evangelical Church dence of Puerto Rico. tenced to 98 years, Ricardo Jimenez, of Puerto Rico-write a letter of sentenced to 98 years, Luis Rosa, pastoral care to each political prisoner sentenced to 105 years. on behalf of the our church. 4. WHEREAS : The sentences of these persons will keep them perma nently separated from their families, Whereas: The human rights violation 4. That our sentiment expressed in without having committed violent acts here mentioned are injustices of the this resolution be communicated to the that caused death to anyone. They judicial system of the United States. President of the United States, the have been sentenced to life in prison Secretary of the Department of and given sentences which are totally Whereas : On December 9th of 1994, Justice, and all other pertinent secular disproportionate to the acts they the New York Times (p. A19) published or religious authorrties. an open letter to President Clinton committed . which was Signed by a wide segment of the Puerto Rican government IN RELATION TO THE 5. WHEREAS : A broad sector of including : Sen. Roberto Rexach REMEMBERING IN PRAYER OF Puerto Rican society, including Benitez, Senate President; Rep. Zaida THE FAMILIES OF THE PUERTO churches, the Bar Association, Hernandez Torres, Representative to RICAN POLITICAL PRISONERS Congressional representatives in the the House of Representatives; and AND PRISONERS OF Unrted States and noted personalrties Sen. Miguel Hernandez Agosto , CONSCIENCE IN THE PRISONS in Puerto Rico have advocated for the Minority Leader for the PPD in the OF THE UNITED STATES liberation of these prisoners. Senate, who urged the President "in the best spirit of reconciliation and the 6. WHEREAS : It is in the Church Assembly of the Christian Church search for peace which is prevailing in where the mercy and compassion of (Disciples of Christ) of Puerto Rico, the world today as reflected in your God in Jesus Christ is manifest, even February, 1996 inrtiatives towards enhanced under for the imprisoned. standing among the people of South 1. WHEREAS : The Church has Africa, Haiti, the Middle East and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that: chosen the theme of the Family, Northern Ireland, to exercise your Consecration and Mission for ample constrtutional power of pardon, as 1. The Christian Church (Disciples of discussion by this Assembly, and the have so many presidents before you, Christ in Puerto Rico) remembers and aspect of mission extends to all to free these incarcerated Puerto prays for the polrtical prisoners and Ricans." 31 prisoners of conscience imprisoned in completed in prison in the Unned the United States. States for a person convicted of homicide is 8 years. 2. That it send a delegation, which in some moment of this year visn some WHEREAS: These prisoners, without of these prisoners as a sign of our having been accused of homicide, in presence and solidarity and that n the majority have served twice that remain alert regarding their situation sentence: Alejandrina Torres, 35 and that of their families. years; Edwin Cortes, 35 years; Alberto Rodriguez, 35 years; Juan Segarra PRESIDENTIAL PARDON FOR Palmer, 55 years; Antonio Camacho THE PUERTO RICAN POLITICAL Negron, 58 years; Dylcia Pagan, 63 PRISONERS years; Elizam Escobar, 68 years; Baptist Church of Puerto Rico, 1996 Oscar Lopez Rivera, 70 years; Carlos Alberto Torres, 78 years ; Adolfo Matos, 78 years; Lucy Rodriguez, 83 WHEREAS : Pardon and reconciliation years; Alicia Rodriguez, 85 years; are essential foundations of Christian Carmen Valentin, 98 years; Ricardo ny. (2 Cor. 5:18) Jimenez, 98 years; and Luis Rosa, 105 years. WHEREAS : Jesus invites us to care for those who are prisoners and the WHEREAS : The rights of these marginalized. (Isaiah 58) brothers and sisters are continually violated: sentences wnhout the WHEREAS : The defense of human possibilny of freedom of speech, rights constitutes an essential aspect solitary confinement for 23 hours per of the Christian ethic. day, denial of regular visits by relatives and members of the community, WHEREAS: The above affirmations prevention of gathering in the chapel commit the Church to promote justice to give expression to their fanh, and and mercy through concrete actions violations of their physical and and expressions in its social context. psychological integrity. WHEREAS: In US prisons there are WHEREAS : One of the essential fifteen Puerto Rican women and men, ways towards reconciliation and completing sentences equivalent to life peaceful living together of all the in prison for their actions in favor of peoples historically has been the the right of self-determination of the liberation of polnical prisoners. Puerto Rican people. WHEREAS: The New York limes, in WHEREAS : The sentences imposed ns December 19, 1994 issue (page are disproportionate in comparison A19) published an open letter to wnh the sentences commonly imposed President Clinton signed by a broad for crimes which represent far greater sector of the Puerto Rican govern gravrty for society, such as homicide. ment, such as: Sen. Rexach Benitez, For example, the average of years President of the Senate; Rep. Zaida 32 Hernandez Torres, President of the 4. The Board of Directors, or a person House of Representatives; Sen. of their selection, write in the name of Miguel Hernandez Agosto, leader of our denomination a pastoral letter the minority of the Democratic Popular directed to each of the prisoners. Party; who, along with others, urge "that in the best spir~ of reconciliation 5. This resolution be sent to the and the search for peace which is Press, through press release and a prevailing in the world today as press conference, to the Governor of reflected in your initiatives towards Puerto Rico, the President of the enhanced understanding among the Senate of Puerto Rico, the President people of South Africa, Haiti, the of the House of Representatives of Middle East and Northern Ireland, to Puerto Rico, the President and exercise your constitutional power of General Secretary of the American pardon, as have so many presidents Baptist Churches and the Evangelical before you, to free these incarcerated Council of Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans." WHEREAS : The Episcopal Church in Puerto Rico, the United Evangelical Church of Puerto Rico, and the Disciples of Christ of Puerto Rico have approved similar resolutions. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by this Assembly: 1. A vote of support for the liberty of these 15 Puerto Ricans in North American prisons. 2. In the spirit of reconciliation which characterizes the world, to solicit the President of the Un~ed States of North America that he exercise his constitu tional power and grant a presidential pardon which guarantees the immedi ate and uncondttionalliberation of the political prisoners in prisons in the United States of North America. 3. We un~e wtth the demand of a great part of the communITy solic~ing Oscar Lopez Rivera, USP Marion, IL clemency and the prompt liberation of these brothers and sisters. JJ APPENDIX F: UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTIONS DECLARATION ON THE movement for independence in trust Declares that: GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE and non-self-governing terr~ories, 1. The subjection of peoples to TO COLONIAL COUNTRIES Recognizing that the peoples of the alien subjugation, domination and AND PEOPLES world ardently desire the end of exploitation constnutes a denial of colonialism in all its manifestations, fundamental human rights, is Convinced that the continued exist Resolution 1514 contrary to the Charter of the ence of colonialism prevents the Un~ed Nations and is an impedi Adopted by the General Assembly development of international economic ment to the promotion of world December 14, '1960 cooperation, impedes the social, peace and cooperation. cultural and economic development of 2. All peoples have the right to The General Assembly, dependent peoples and mimates self-determination; by virtue of Mindful of the determination pro against the Un~ed Nations ideal of that right they freely determine claimed by the peoples of the world in universal peace, their political status and freely the Charter of the Un~ed Nations to Affirming that peoples may, for their pursue their economic, social and reaffirm faith in fundamental human own ends, freely dispose of their cultural development. rights, in the dign~y and worth of the natural wealth and resources without 3. Inadequacy of pol~ical, econo human person, in the equal rights of prejudice to any obligations arising out mic, social or educational pre men and women and of nations large of international economic cooperation, paredness should never serve as a and small and to promote social based upon the principle of mutual pretext for delaying independence. progress and better standards of life in benefIT, and international law, 4. All armed action or repressive larger freedom, Believing that the process of liberation measures of all kinds directed Conscious of the need for the creation is irresistible and irreversible and that, against dependent peoples shall of conditions of stabil~ and well-being in order to avoid serious crises, an end cease in order to enable them to and peaceful and friendly relations must be put to colonialism and all exercise peacefully and freely their based on respect for the principles of practices of segregation and discrimi right to complete independence, equal rights and self-determination of nation associated therew~h, and the integr~ of their national all peoples, and of universal respect Welcoming the emergence in recent terr~ory shall be respected. for, and observance of, human rights years of a large number of dependent 5. Immediate steps shall be taken, and fundamental freedoms for all terr~ories into freedom and indepen in trust and non-self-governing w~hout distinction as to race, sex, dence, and recognizing the increas territories or all other territories language or religion, ingly powerful trends towards freedom which have not yet attained Recognizing the passionate yearning in such territories which have not yet independence, to transfer all for freedom in all dependent peoples attained independence, powers to the peoples of those and the decisive role of such peoples Convinced that all peoples have an terr~ories , w~hout any cond~ions in the attainment of their indepen inalienable right to complete freedom, or reservations, in accordance dence, the exercise of their sovereignty and w~h their freely expressed will Aware of the increasing conflicts the integrity of their national terr~ory, and desire, w~hout any distinction resulting from the denial of or impedi Solemnly proclaims the necessity of as to race, creed or color, in order ments in the way of the freedom of bringing to a speedy and uncond~ional to enable them to enjoy complete such peoples, which constitute a end colonialism in all ~s forms and independence and freedom. serious threat to world peace, manifestations; 6. Any attempt aimed at the partial Considering the important role of the And to this end or total disruption of the national Un~ed Nations in assisting the I 34 unrty and the terrrtorial integrrty of struggle for freedom and indepen- Governing Terrrtories and other a country is incompatible wrth the dence, colonial Terrrtories, large and purposes and principles of the Conscious of the fact that, although small, including the adoption by charter of the United Nations. many colonial countries and peoples the Security Council of effective 7. All states shall observe have achieved freedom and indepen- measures against Governments faithfully and strictly the provi- dence in the last ten years, the system and regimes which engage in any sions of the Charter of the Unrted of colonialism continues to exist in form of repression of colonial Nations, the Universal Declaration many areas of the world, peoples, which would seriously of Human Rights and the present Reaffirming that all peoples have the impede the maintenance of Declaration on the basis of right to self-determination and international peace and security. equality, non-interference in the independence and that the subjection (2) Member States shall render all internal affairs of all states and of the peoples to alien domination necessary moral and material respect for the sovereign rights of constitutes a serious impediment to assistance to the peoples of all peoples and their territorial the maintenance of international colonial Territories in their struggle integrity. peace and security and the develop- to attain freedom and indepen- ment of peaceful relations among dence. PROGRAMME OF ACTION nations, (3) (a) Member States shall FOR THE FULL 1. Declares the further continuation of intensify their efforts to promote IMPLEMENTATION colonialism in all rts forms and the implementation of the OF THE DECLARATION ON THE manifestations a crime which consti- resolutions of the General GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE tutes a violation of the Charter of the Assembly and the Security TO COLONIAL COUNTRIES AND Unrted Nations, the Declaration on the Council relating to Terrrtories PEOPLES Granting of Independence to Colonial under colonial domination. Countries and Peoples and the (b) In this connection, the General Resolution 2621 (XXV) principles of international law; Assembly draws the attention of Adopted by the General Assembly 2. Reaffirms the inherent right of the Security Council to the need 1862nd plenary meeting colonial peoples to struggle by all to continue to give special 12 October 1970 necessary means at their disposal attention to the problems of against colonial Powers which southern Africa by adopting The General Assembly, suppress their aspiration for freedom measures to ensure the full Having decided to hold a special and independence; implementation of General commemorative session on the 3. Adopts the following programme of Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of occasion of the tenth anniversary of action to assist in the full implementa- 14 December 1960 and rts own the Declaration on the Granting of tion of the Declaration on the Granting resolutions, and in particular: Independence to Colonial Countries of Independence to Colonial Countries (i) To widen the scope of the and Peoples, and Peoples: sanctions against the illegal Considering that, by arousing world (1) Member States shall do their regime of Southern Rhodesia public opinion and promoting practical utmost to promote, in the United by declaring mandatory all action for the speedy liquidation of Nations and the international the measures laid down in colonialism in all rts forms and instrtutions and organizations Article 41 of the Charter of manifestations, the Declaration has wrthin the Unrted Nations system, the United Nations; played and will continue to play an effective measures for the full (ii) To give careful consider- important role in assisting the peoples implementation of the Declaration ation to the question of under colonial domination in their on the Granting of Independence imposing sanctions upon to Colonial Countries and Peoples South Africa and Portugal, in in all Trust Territories, Non-Self- view of their refusal to carry 35 out the relevant decisions of achievement of the goals embod- (d) Efforts shall be intensified to the Security Council; ied in resolution 1514 (XV). provide increased educational (iii) To give urgent consider- Member States shall consider the opportunities for the inhabitants of ation, with a view to promot- adoption of necessary steps to Non-Self-Governing Territories. All ing the speedy elimination of have their nationals and compa- States shall render greater colonialism, to the question nies under their jurisdiction assistance in this field , both of imposing fully and uncon- discontinue such activities and individually through programmes ditionally, under international practices; these steps should also in the countries concerned and supervision, an embargo on aim at preventing the systematic collectively by contributions arms of all kinds to the influx of foreign immigrants into through the United Nations. Government of South Africa colonial Territories, which disrupts (7) All States shall undertake and the illegal regime of the integrity and social, political measures aimed at enhancing Southern Rhodesia ; and cultural unity of the peoples public awareness of the need for (iv) To consider urgently the under colonial domination. active assistance in the achieve- adoption of measures to (5) Member States shall carry out ment of complete decolonization prevent the supply of arms of a sustained and vigorous cam- and, in particular, creating all kinds to Portugal, as such paign against all military activities satisfactory conditions or activities arms enable that country to and arrangements by colonial by national and international non- deny the right of self- Powers in Territories under their governmental organizations in determination and indepen- administration , as such activities support of the peoples under dence to the peoples of the and arrangements constitute an colonial domination. Territories under its domina- obstacle to the full implementation (8) The United Nations as well as tion. of resolution 1514 (XV). all States shall intensify their (c) Member States shall also (6) (a) All freedom fighters under efforts in the field of public intensify their efforts to oppose detention shall be treated in information in the area of collaboration between the accordance with the relevant decolonization through all media, regimes of South Africa and provisions of the Geneva Conven- including publications, radio and Portugal and the illegal racist tion relative to the Treatment of television. Of special importance regime of Southern Rhodesia Prisoners of War, of 12 August will be programmes relating to for the preservation of colonial- 1949.2 United Nations activities on ism in southern Africa and to (b) The specialized agencies decolonization, the situation in end the political, military, and international institutions colonial Territories and the economic and other forms of associated with the United struggle being waged by colonial aid received by the above- Nations shall intensify their peoples and the national libera- mentioned regimes, which activities related to the imp lemen- tion movements. enables them to persist in their tation of resolution 1514 (XV). (9) The Special Committee on the policy of colonial domination. (c) Representatives of liberation Situation with regard to the (4) Member States shall wage a movements shall be invited, Implementation of the Declaration vigorous and sustained campaign whenever necessary, by the on the Granting of Independence against activities and practices of United Nations and other interna- to Colonial Countries and Peoples foreign economic, financial and tional organizations within the shall continue to examine the full other interests operating in United Nations system to partici- compliance of all States with the colonial Territories for the benefit pate in an appropriate capacity in Declaration and with other and on behalf of colonial Powers the proceedings of those organs and their allies, as these consti- relating to their countries. 2. United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75 tute a major obstacle to the (1950), No. 972. 36 relevant resolutions on the measures for the implementa colonial peoples have the inherent question of decolonization. The tion of the Declaration and to right to struggle by all necessary question of territorial size, observe the final stages of the means at their disposal against geographical isolation and limited process of decolonization in the colonial Powers and alien domination resources should in no way delay Territories; in exercise of their right of self the implementation of the (e) To prepare draft rules and determination recognized in the Declaration. Where resolution regulations for visiting missions Charter of the United Nations and the 1514 (XV) has not been fully for approval by the General Declaration on Principles of Interna implemented with regard to a Assembly. tional Law concerning Friendly given Territory, the General Relations and Co-operation among Assembly shall continue to bear BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE States in accordance with the Charter responsibility ~or that Territory LEGAL STATUS OF THE of the United Nations,18 until such time as the people COMBATANTS Stressing that the policy of apartheid concerned has had an opportunity STRUGGLING AGAINST and racial oppression has been to exercise freely its right to self COLONIAL AND ALIEN condemned by all countries and determination and independence DOMINATION AND RACIST peoples, and that the pursuing of such in accordance with the Declara REGIMES a policy has been recognized as an tion. The Special Committee is international crime , hereby directed : Resolution 3103 (XXVII) Reaffirming the declarations made in (a) To continue to assist the Adopted by the General Assembly General Assembly resolutions 2548 General Assembly in finding the 2197th plenary meeting (XXIV) of 11 December 1969 and 2708 best ways and means for the 12 December 1973 (XXV) of 14 December 1970 that the final liquidation of colonialism ; practice of using mercenaries against (b) To continue to give special national liberation movements in the The General Assembly, consideration to the views colonial Territories constitutes a Recalling that the Charter of the expressed orally or in written criminal act, United Nations reaffirms faith in the communications by representa Recalling the numerous appeals of the dignity and worth of the human tives of the peoples in the General Assembly to the colonial person, colonial Territories; Powers and those occupying foreign Recalling resolution 2444 (XXIII) of 19 (c) To continue to send visiting territories as well as to the racist December 1968 in which the General missions to the colonial regimes set forth , inter alia, in resolu Assembly, inter alia, recognized the Territories and to hold meetings tions 2383 (XXIIII) of 7 November need for applying basic humanitarian at places where it can best 1968, 2508 (XXIV) of 21 November principles in armed conflicts, obtain first-hand information on 1969,2547 (XXIV) of 11 December Recognizing further the importance of the situation in colonial Terri 1969, 2652 (XXV) of 3 December respecting the Hague Convention of tories, as well as to continue to 1970, 2678 (XXV) of 9 December 1907,15 the Geneva Protocol of 1925,16 hold meetings away from 1970, 2707 (XXV) of 14 December the Geneva Conventions of 1949,17 Headquarters as appropriate ; 1970, 2795 (XXVI) and 2796 (XXVI) of and other universally recognized (d) To assist the General 10 December 1971 and 2871 (XXVI) norms of modern international law for Assembly in making arrange of 20 December 1971 , to ensure the the protection of human rights in ments, in co-operation with the application to the fighters for freedom armed conflicts, administering Powers, for and self-determination of the provi Reaffirming that the continuation of securing a United Nations sions of the Geneva Convention colonialism in all its forms and presence in the colonial relative to the Treatment of Prisoners manifestations, as noted in General Territories to participate in the of War, of 12 August 1949,19and the Assembly resolution 2621 (XXV) of 12 elaboration of the procedural Geneva Convention relative to the October 1970, is a crime and that 37 Protection of Civilian Persons in lime Law concerning Friendly Rela 6. The violation of the legal status of War, of 12 August 1949,20 tions and Co-operation among of the combatants struggling Deeply concerned at the fact that, States in accordance with the against colonial and alien desp~e the numerous appeals of the Charter of the Un~ed Nations, the domination and racist regimes in General Assembly, compliance w~h Universal Declaration of Human the course of armed conflicts the provisions of the said Conventions Rights and the Declaration on the entails full responsibil~y in has not yet been ensured, Granting of Independence to accordance with the norms of Noting that the treatment of the Colonial Countries and Peoples21 international law. combatants struggling against colonial and constitutes a threat to and alien domination and racist international peace and security. 15. Carnegie Endowment for International regimes captured as prisoners still 3. The armed conflicts involving Peace, The Hague Conventions and Declara remains inhuman, the struggle of peoples against tions of 1899 and 1907 (New York, Oxford Recalling its resolutions 2674 (XXV) of colonial and alien domination and University Press, 1915). 9 December 1970 and 2852 (XXVI) of racist regimes are to be regarded 16. League of Nations, Treaty Series, voL XCIV, No. 2138, p. 65. as international armed conflicts in 20 December 1971, in which ~ pointed 17. United Nations, Treaty Series, voL 75, Nos. out the need for the elaboration of the sense of the 1949 Geneva 970-973. add~ional international instruments Conventions, and the legal status 18. Resolution 2625 (XXV) , annex. and norms envisioning, inter alia, the envisaged to apply to the combat 19. United Nations, Treaty Series, voL 75, No. 1. increase of the protection of persons ants in the 1949 Geneva Conven 20. Ibid., No. 973, p. 287. struggling for freedom against colonial tions and other international 21 . Resolution 1514 (XIV). and alien domination and racist instruments is to apply to the regimes, persons engaged in armed Solemnly proclaims the following basic struggle against colonial and alien principles of the legal status of the domination and racist regimes. combatants struggling against colonial 4. The combatants struggling and alien domination and racist against colonial and alien regimes w~hout prejudice to their domination and racist regimes elaboration in future within the captured as prisoners are to be framework of the development of accorded the status of prisoners international law applying to the of war and their treatment should protection of human rights in armed be in accordance with the conflicts: provisions of the Geneva Conven 1. The struggle of peoples under tion relative to the Treatment of colonial and alien domination and Prisoners of War, of 12 August racist regimes for the implementa 1949. tion of their right to self-determi 5. The use of mercenaries by nation and independence is colonial and racist regimes legitimate and in full accordance against the national liberation with the principles of international movements struggling for their law. freedom and independence from 2. Any attempt to suppress the the yoke of colonialism and alien struggle against colonial and alien domination is considered to be a domination and racist regimes is criminal act and the mercenaries incompatible w~h the Charter of should accordingly be punished the United Nations, the Declara as criminals. tion on Principles of International 38 PROTECTION OF PERSONS determination and their liberation from independence and social DETAINED OR IMPRISONED colonialism and racism, progress for their people; AS A RESULT OF THEIR Recalling that the Security Council, in 4. Insists that Israel and the racist STRUGGLE AGAINST its resolution 392 (1976) of 19 June minority regimes in southern APARTHEID, RACISM AND 1976, once again strongly condemned Africa should immediately and RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, the policy of apartheid as a crime uncond~ionally release all COLONIALISM, AGGRESSION against the conscience and dignity of individuals detained or imprisoned AND FOREIGN OCCUPATION mankind and a serious breach of because of their struggle for self AND FOR SELF international peace and security and determination and national DETERMINATION, emphasized the leg~imacy of the independence against apartheid, INDEPENDENCE AND SOCIAL struggle of the people of South Africa all forms of racism and racial PROGRESS·FOR THEIR PEOPLE for the elimination of apartheid and discrimination, colonialism and racial discrimination, foreign occupation; Resolution 321122 Emphasizing the necessity of respect 5. Calls upon Member States to Adopted by the General Assembly for human rights and fundamental provide support and assistance in 105th plenary meeting freedoms for all, w~hout distinction as all fields to the peoples fighting for 16 December 1977 to race, sex, language or religion, their liberation from colonialism, Recalling its resolution 3103 (XXVIII) foreign occupation, racism and The General Assembly, of 12 December 1973, in which it racial discrimination; solemnly proclaimed the basic 6. Requests the Commission on Recalling its resolutions 3246 (XXIX) of 29 November 1974, 3382 (XXX) of principles of the legal status of the Human Rights to continue to give 10 November 1975, 31/34 of Novem combatants struggling against colonial particular attention to the question ber 1976 and 32114 of 7 November and alien domination and racist of the release of individuals 1977 in which it reaffirmed the regimes, detained or imprisoned as a result legitimacy of the struggle of peoples 1. Expresses its solidarity with the of their participation in the for liberation from colonial and foreign fighters for national independence struggle against apartheid, racism domination by all available means, and social progress of their and racial discrimination, colonial including armed struggle, and de people, against colonialism, ism, aggression and foreign manded full respect for the basic apartheid, racism and foreign occupation and for self-determina human rights of all individuals de occupation ; tion, independence and social tained or imprisoned as a result of 2. Emphasizes again that any progress for their people; their struggle for self-determination attempts to suppress the struggle 7. Requests the Commission on and independence, and their immedi against colonial domination and Human Rights to submit, through ate release, racist regimes are incompatible the Economic and Social Council, a Noting with appreciation the progress with the Charter of the United report on the implementation of the achieved in the elimination of colonial Nations and the Universal present resolution to the General ism and the realization of the right of Declaration of Human Rights; Assembly at its thirty-third session. peoples to self-determination, 3. Demands the release of all individuals detained or imprisoned Expressing ~s serious concern regarding the continuing denial of the as a resutt of their struggle right to self-determination of the against apartheid, racism and peoples of Namibia, Zimbabwe and racial discrimination, colonialism, Palestine and other peoples fighting aggression and foreign occupa for the realization of their right to self- tion and for self-determination , 39 IMPORTANCE OF THE documents of the Conference of dence, un~y, and national sovereignty UNIVERSAL REALIZATION OF Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Non- and has the effect of perpetuating the THE RIGHT OF PEOPLES TO Aligned Countries, power of the wh~e minority and the SELF-DETERMINATION AND OF Recalling the Mapute Declaration in racist system of apartheid in South THE SPEEDY GRANTING OF Support of the Peoples of Zimbabwe Africa, INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL and Namibia and the Programme of Reaffirming the obligation of all COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES FOR Action for the liberation of Zimbabwe Member States to comply w~h the THE EFFECTIVE GUARANTEE and Namibia, adopted by the Interna- principles of the Charter and the AND OBSERVANCE OF HUMAN tional Conference in Support of the resolutions of the United Nations RIGHTS Peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia,4 regarding the exercise of the right to held at Mapute from 16 to 21 May self-determination by peoples under Resolution 33/24 1977, and the declaration adopted by colonial and alien domination, Adopted by the General Assembly the World Conference for Action Welcoming the independence of 63rd plenary meeting against Apartheid ,S held at Lagos from Solomon Islands, 29 November 1978 22 to 26 August 1977, Reaffirming the national unity and Taking note of the Pomical Declara- terr~orial integr~y of the Comoros, 6 The General Assembly, tion adopted by the First Conference Indignant at the continued violations of of Heads of State and Government of Recalling ~s resolutions 2649 (XXV) of the human rights of the peoples still November 30 1970, 2055 (XXVII) of the Organization of African Unity and under colonial and foreign domination 12 December 1972, 3070 (XXVIII) of the League of Arab States, held at and alien subjugation, the continuation 30 November 1973, 3246 (XXIX) of 29 Cairo from 7 to 9 March 1977, of the illegal occupation of Namibia November 1974, 3382 (XXX) of 10 Considering that the activities of Israel, and South Africa's attempts to November 1975, 31/34 of 30 Novem- in particular the denial to the Palestin- dismember ~s territory, the perpetua- ber 1976 and 32114 of 7 November ian people of their right to self- tion of the racist minority regimes in determination and independence, 1977, and Secur~ Council resolutions Zimbabwe and South Africa and the 418 (1977) of 4 November 1977 and const~ute a serious and increasing denial to the Palestinian people of 437 (1978) of 10 October 1978, threat to international peace and their inalienable national rights, secur~, Recalling also ~s resolutions 2465 1. Calls upon all States to (XXIII) of 20 December 1968, 2548 Reaffirming ~s faith in General implement fully and faithfully the (XXIV) of 11 December 1969, 2708 Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 resolutions of the Un~ed Nations (XXV) of 14 December 1970, 3103 December 1960, containing the regarding the exercise of the right (XXVIII) of 12 December 1973 and Declaration on the Granting of to self-determination by peoples 3314 (XXIX) of 14 December 1974 on Independence to Colonial Countries under colonial and alien domina- the use and recru~ment of mercenar- and Peoples, and the importance of ~s tion ; ies against national liberation move- implementation, 2. Reaffirms the leg~imacy of the ments and sovereign States, Reaffirming the importance of the struggle of peoples for indepen- Taking note of the report of the universal realization of the right of dence, terr~orial integrity, national Secretary-GeneraP of the letter dated peoples to self-determination, national un~y and liberation from colonial 14 June 1978 from the representative sovereignty and territorial integrity and and foreign domination and of Senegai2 transmming the text of the of the speedy granting of indepen- foreign occupation by all available resolutions adopted by the Ninth dence to colonial countries and means, particularly armed Islamic Conference of Foreign peoples as imperatives for the full struggle ; Ministers, and of the letter dated 6 enjoyment of all human rights, 3. Reaffirms the inalienable right September 1978 from the representa- Affirming that "bantustanization" is of the peoples of Namibia and tive of Yugoslavia3 transmming the incompatible w~h genuine indepen- Zimbabwe, of the Palestinian l 40 people and of all peoples under 8. Condemns the policies of those which constttutes a serious alien and colonial domination to members of the North Atlantic obstacle to the realization of the self-determination, national Treaty Organization and of other self-determination and indepen- independence, terrttorial integrtty, countries whose poittical, eco- dence of the Palestinian people; national unity and sovereignty nomic, miittary, nuclear, strategic, 13. Demands the immediate wtthout external interference ; cu~ural and sporting relations wtth release of all persons detained or 4. Demands the immediate and the racist regimes in southern imprisoned as a resu~ of their uncondttional wtthdrawal of Africa and elsewhere encourage struggle for self-determination and France from the Comorian island these regimes to persist in their independence, full respect for of Mayotte, which is an integral suppression of the aspirations of their fundamental individual rights part of the Federal and Islamic the peoples for self-determination and the observance of article 5 of Republic of the Comoros; and independence; the Universal Declaration of 5. Condemns the policy of 9. Again demands the immediate Human Rights, under which no "bantustanization" and retterates application of the mandatory arms one shall be subjected to torture its support for the oppressed embargo against South Africa or to cruel, inhuman or degrading people of South Africa in their just imposed under Security Council treatment ;7 and legitimate struggle against resolution 418 (1977), by all 14. Notes with appreciation the the racist minority regime in countries and particularly by those material and other forms of Pretoria; countries that maintain military co- assistance that peoples under 6. Condemns the violations of the operation with the racist Pretoria colonial and foreign rule continue sanctions ordered by the Security regime; to receive from Governments, Council against the illegal rebel 10. Strongly condemns all United Nations agencies and regime in Southern Rhodesia and Governments which do not intergovernmental and non- accordingly deplores the decision recognize the right to self- governmental organizations, and of the Government of the United determination and independence calls for a maximization of their States of America to allow Ian of all peoples still under colonial assistance; Smith to enter the United States; and foreign domination and alien 15. Takes note of the studies by 7. Reaffirms that the practice of subjugation, notably the peoples the Sub-Commission on Preven- using mercenaries against of Africa and the Palestinian tion of Discrimination and national liberation movements people ; Protection of Minortties, dealing and sovereign States constitutes 11 . Strongly condemns the ever with the following subjects: a criminal act and that the increasing massacres of innocent (a) Historical and current mercenaries themselves are and defenceless people, including development of the right to self- criminals, and calls upon the women and children, by the racist determination on the basis of Governments of all countries to minortty regimes of southern the Charter of the Untted enact legislation declaring the Africa in their desperate attempt Nations and other instruments recruttment, financing and training to thwart the legitimate demands adopted by Untted Nations of mercenaries in their territory of the people; organs, with particular refer- and the transit of mercenaries 12. Further condemns the ence to the promotion and through their terrttory to be expansionist activities of Israel in protection of human rights and punishable offences and prohiM- the Middle East, as well as the fundamental freedoms;B ing their nationals from serving as continuous bombing of civilian (b) Implementation of Untted mercenaries, and to report on Arab and, in particular, Palestinian Nations resolutions relating to such legislation to the Secretary- populations and the destruction of the right of peoples under General; their villages and encampments, 41 colonial and foreign domination to self-determination ;9 and expresses its thanks to their authors ; 16. Requests the Secretary-General to give maximum publicity to the Declaration of the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and to give the widest possible publicity to the struggle being waged by oppressed peoples for the realization of their self-determination and national independence; 17. Decides to consider this item again at its thirty-fourth session on the basis of the reports that Governments, United Nations agencies and intergovernmental and non-governmen tal organizations have been requested to submit concerning the strengthening of assistance to colonial Territories and peoples under foreign domination and control. 1. AJ33/199 and Add. 1 and 2. 2. AJ33/151. 3. A/33/206 4. A/3211 09/Rev.1-S/12344/Rev 1, annex V. For the printed text, see Official - :.. . - records of the Security CounCil, Thirty-second Year, Supplement for July, August, L..-______....I and September 1977. Adolfo Matos Antongiorgi, USP Lompoc 5. A/CONF9119 (United Nations publication. Sales No. E.77. XIV.2 and corrigendum), sect K. 6. A/32161 , annex I. 7. General Assembly resolution 217 A (III). B. E/CNA/Sub.2I404 (Vol. I-III ). 9. E/CN.4ISub.2I405 (Vol. I and II). 42 BOARD OF DIRECTORS National Representatives The Rev. Gerald Cunningham The Rev. C. Nozomi Ikuta·:· Director, Human Rights and Criminal Justice Division of the American Missionary Association Christian Church/Disciples of Christ United Church Board for Homeland Ministries 130 E. Washington S1. 700 Prospect Ave. , Cleveland , Ohio 44115 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 216736-3280 phone/216 736-3263 fax 317635-3113 x373 IkutaN @UCC.org The Rev. Eliezer Valentin-Castanon·," Ms. Sammy Toineeta" General Board of Church and Society Racial Justice Program 'of the United Methodist Church National Council of Churches 100 Maryland Ave ., NE 475 Riverside Drive, 5th Floor Washington, DC 20002 New York, NY 10115 202 488-5657 phone 212 870-2387 phone 202 488-5663 fax 212 870-2265 fax Regional Representatives: Ms. Dora Garcia Ms. Maureen Flynn-Hart Ms. Mitsuye Yamada 4320 W. Henderson S1. Ministry of Social Justice and Outreach 6151 Sierra Bravo Rd . Chicago, IL 60641 S1. Mark's Church Irvine, California 92715 773 283-6398 1101 Euclid 714854-8699 phone Kansas City, MO 64127 714 854-2570 fax 816455-3014 phone/816 842-3247 fax Ms. Selisse Berry Ms. Ana L6pez·· Ms. Muhjah Shakir Interfaith Prisoners of Conscience/Bay Area PO Box 1106 National Plebiscite Education Campaign Ecumenical Peace Institute New York, NY 10035 PO Box 3585 PO Box 9334 212 427-3874 phone/fax Oakland , CA 94609 Berkeley, CA 94709 510 635-7933 510 550-7796 Consultants: Mr. Alejandro Molina" Atty. Jan Susler" National Committee to Free People's Law Office Puerto Rican POWs & PPs 1180 North Milwaukee Ave. 2607 W. Division , Chicago, Illinois 60622 Chicago, Illinois 60622 773 278-0885 phone 773 235-0070 phone 773 278-1633 fax 773 235-6699 fax PRPOWPP @aol.com [email protected] All organizations listed for identification purposes. ·Persons from whom additional copies of this resource are available. " Persons from whom additional information about the Puerto Rican prisoners is available. This publication was prepared by Rev. C. Nozomi Ikuta with staff time provided by the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries and financial support from the Division of the American Missionary Association of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries of the United Church of Christ.