[mgj-discuss] SOA Watch Activists Sentenced to Prison and Probation, Trials Continue

[Hendrik Voss]

Retired NY Firefighter, Three-time Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and 20 Others
Sentenced to Prison and Probation for Actions to Close the SOA/WHISC -
Trials in Georgia Continue.



** TAKE ACTION: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MEDIA AND ASK THEM TO PUBLISH THE
ASSOCIATED PRESS ARTICLE FROM THE TRIAL AFTER EVERYONE HAS BEEN SENTENCED
(later today) **



For updates from the trial, the names, trial statements, photos and
sentences of the defendants visit the SOA Watch webpage at
http://www.SOAW.org



Twenty-two of the 27 courageous human rights activists who are standing
trial for "crossing the line" during the November 2003 vigil to close the
SOA/WHISC have so far been sentenced. The defendants received sentences
ranging from twelve months probation to six months in prison and a $1500
fine for their courageous witness.



In a statement about their action of conscience, several defendants state
that “[Latin American military forces] do not exist primarily to defend one
nation against another, but rather to protect an unjust and inequitable
distribution of resources within each country against movements of social
and political change.”



Over the past decade, 190 SOA Watch activists have been sentenced to more
than 80 years (collectively) in federal prisons and jails across the United
States.  Since 2000, not a single day has passed when there hasn't been a
human rights defender imprisoned for speaking out against SOA violence.
Forty-seven activists have served or are currently serving terms of
probation for actions to close the School of the Americas.  "Those who speak
out for justice are being prosecuted while SOA-trained torturers and
assassins are operating with impunity," said SOA Watch founder Fr. Roy
Bourgeois.



New legislation to close the school was introduced by Rep. Jim McGovern
(D-Mass) and has been co-sponsored by 105 Members of Congress. SOA Watch
activists around the country are preparing for a large-scale Spring
Mobilization and Lobby Day from March 27-30, 2004 in Washington, DC.  Stand
up for Justice!  Hold your Representative and Senators accountable.  Contact
SOA Watch at (202) 234 3440 or info at soaw.org to receive an Organizing
Packet.  Close the School of Assassins!




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