Rights Groups Hold ‘Sympathy Fast’ to Press for Release of All Political Prisoners Published on September 18, 2010

Rights Groups Hold ‘Sympathy Fast’ to Press for Release of All Political Prisoners
 

There are at least 388 political prisoners in the country, 317 were arrested during the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Under the new administration, activists continue to be slapped with “trumped-up” criminal charges. 

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — At least 148 political prisoners in 20 detention centers in the country staged a fast, Sept. 17, to protest their continued incarceration and to pressure President Benigno S. Aquino III to release them.

Political detainees in the National Capital Region, Ifugao, Isabela, Tuguegarao City, Bohol, Danao City, Cebu City, Bacolod City, Tacloban City, Leyte Provincial Jail, Compostela Valley, Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro participated in the protest. In Metro Manila, the 43 health workers in Camp Bagong Diwa and the high profile detainees from Camp Crame led the protest fast.

“Until now we could not understand what crime we have committed to deserve this injustice. Is it a crime to impart health knowledge and skills to community health workers in order to help deprived communities?” the Morong 43 detainees said in a statement released to the media. .... MORE

Source: 
Bulatlat.com



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