Vol.62/No.44 December 7, 1998
Protests: Free Puerto Rican Political Prisoners
Nearly 40 people protested outside the Federal Penitentiary
in Leavenworth, Kansas, November 21, demanding freedom for
Puerto Rican political prisoners and independence for the U.S.
colony. One of the 15 prisoners, Luis Rosa, is held at
Leavenworth. Protesters traveled from Chicago, Des Moines, and
Lawrence, Kansas. The National Committee to Free Puerto Rican
Prisoners of War and Political Prisoners along with the Leonard
Peltier Defense Committee organized the action. Peltier, a
fighter for Native American rights, is currently serving two
life sentences in Leavenworth on framed-up charges. Above, sign
reads: "Let them out now!" Another action took place in
Danbury, Connecticut, the same day. About 30 protesters marched
down Main Street there demanding the unconditional release of
Alejandrina Torres, who is jailed at the federal penitentiary
in Danbury. Manuel González, a worker from Southington,
Connecticut, said he came to express outrage at the "hypocrisy
of the U.S. government, which marches around the world
preaching freedom of expression while denying Puerto Ricans
those rights for 100 years." A vigil at the United Nations
December 10 will publicize the demand that Washington free the
prisoners.
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