Date


U. S. Representative
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear U.S. Representative:

I ask you to join ex-President Carter, U.S. House of Representatives Velazquez, Serrano, Gutierrez, Rangel, Eliot, Dellums and Mink, and 11 Nobel Laureates by writing to President Clinton in support of amnesty for all the Puerto Rican Political Prisoners, (PRPP).

The PRPPs' sentences of 35 to 90 years and life imprisonment were excessive and a violation of the Eight Amendment of the U.S. Constitution barring disproportionate sentencing. None of these prisoners had prior convictions. There was no evidence linking any of them to any specific act(s) which caused physical harm or property damage. Yet they were given grossly disproportionate sentences for exercising their international rights in opposing U.S. colonialism over Puerto Rico. These 5 women and ten men have already served between 15 and 18 years, virtual life sentences. These unfair sentences, a blatant violation of human rights and justice, can only be redressed by full and unconditional amnesty.

As the centennial of U.S. colonialism over Puerto Rico approaches, July 25, and as Congress recognizes the need to end this colonial status by debating bill HR 856/S472, the president must release those imprisoned for opposing this colonialism, the Puerto Rican political prisoners.

Please ask President Clinton to practice at home what he is preaching abroad, namely peace and reconciliation, and the freeing of political prisoners in Cuba, South Korea, Ireland, China and South Africa, by freeing the Puerto Rican political prisoners here in U.S. jails.

I believe your support on this issue would be invaluable. I thank you for your attention.

Sincerely