First Published: People’s Tribune, Vol. 3, No. 1, January 1, 1976.
Transcription, Editing and Markup: Paul Saba
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Almost two years ago, the colonial Supreme Court of Puerto Rico dropped fabricated charges against various leaders and militants of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (PSR-ML) and others, as the result of a courageous decision by Superior Judge Francisco Rebollo Lopez. These charges have recently been reinstituted.
The reinstitution of charges is clearly a fascist act, part of a long history of fascist repression against workers and progressives. Militant unions have been declared illegal; union leaders are framed and fined hundreds of thou-sands of dollars; anti-labor legislation is freely passed. The fascist nature of the colonial oppression of Puerto Rico is daily intensified.
The government is now attempting to portray these communists dedicated to the destruction of the capitalist system as “habitual criminals,” in order to isolate them from society. The reinstitution of charges, irrespective of the fact that a Supreme Court Judge already ruled that the evidence was insufficient and lacking in credibility, represents a further attack against the working class.
In a statement received by the People’s Tribune the falsely accused have stated:
(The charges against us) are the most lewd and shameless fabrication recorded in the history of our country. The events are such that initially the accusations didn’t even get to first base. However, now, one year and eight months later, after the cases were filed away, they are brought up and are used against us.
But we are on the side of truth and the government is on the side of lies. With the repressive action they are attempting to freeze our political activities by forcing us to defend ourselves against 158 serious, but fabricated charges, leaving us no time for political work. But they will fail now as they failed before.
We are appealing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will cost $10,000. We are counting on the help of all the patriotic, democratic and anti-fascist people. We urge you to let us know about any help of whatever type that can be offered.
Please send it to:
Comite Anti-Represivo
APDO 22411 Estacion UPR
Puerto Rico 00931