KARAPATAN welcomes JDV’s call to free all political prisoners

BY KARAPATAN
December 14, 2010

QUEZON CITY  –  Human rights group Karapatan welcomes former House Speaker Jose de Venecia's proposal for the release of all political prisoners in the country.  It also took note of the positive response from Malacanang that the executive is open to a general amnesty albeit subject to a “thorough review” of the cases.

“We truly welcome Speaker de Venecia’s call for a non-discriminatory and all-inclusive release of political prisoners.  He correctly pointed to this step as a major confidence-building measure for the upcoming resumption of peace talks between government and the National Democratic Front and moreso, as a means for hastening the peace process.”

JDV’s appeal comes in the wake of the order of President Aquino to withdraw the charges filed against the Morong 43 in order to effect their release from unjust detention.

Nonetheless, Clamor clarified, “Political prisoners are ‘prisoners of conscience’.  They have been imprisoned for their political beliefs and for resisting against social injustice and oppression.

As such they are not asking for forgiveness for alleged crimes they committed; their cry is for justice for being wrongfully arrested, detained and prosecuted.”

The release of all political prisoners is the first of many steps the Aquino administration will need to take to stamp out the scourge of impunity for violations of human rights perpetrated by state security forces. In due time, those from the military and police as well as state prosecutors and judges who are complicit in perpetrating injustice and wrongdoings  should be held accountable and in turn prosecuted,” Clamor clarified.

There are now 374 political prisoners languishing in various camps and detention centers throughout the country according to Karapatan.

Relatives and supporters of the Morong 43 trooped to the Department of Justice Monday morning to ensure the withdrawal of charges against the illegally detained health workers.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is hellbent on demonizing the Morong 43. We have to guard against additional trumped-up charges that they may file to prevent their actual release from prison,” Clamor said.