Lawmakers seek pardon of terrorists
April 1, 1999
Chicago Sun Times
By Ana Mendieta, Staff Reporter

Información enviada al Director de Tlahui. Puerto Rico April 1, 1999.

Three House Democrats are asking President Clinton to pardon 15 imprisoned Puerto Rican members of a terrorist group that killed five people and injured dozens in the late 1970s in order to claim Puerto Rico's independence.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), Rep. José Serrano (D-New York) and Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-New York), all of Puerto Rican descent, signed the letter and requested a meeting with Charles Ruff, counsel to President Clinton. The prisoners were members of the Armed Forces of National Liberation, known by its Spanish acronym FALN.

``Most of these prisoners have served more than 18 years in prison,'' the three wrote in a March 11 letter to Ruff. ``Studies show that this time is excessive given the crimes they were convicted of committing.'' The issue is uniting political leaders who can't agree on other issues, like the status of Puerto Rico, said Billy Weinberg, press secretary for Gutierrez.

Jim Kennedy, a spokesman for Ruff in the White House, said he received the letter but no meeting has been scheduled.

Former President Jimmy Carter supports the release of the prisoners because they have served long sentences, said Harry Barnes, chair of the human rights commission at the Carter Center in Atlanta. ``My impression is the matter is being treated very seriously in the Justice Department,'' Barnes said.

The Justice Department will submit its recommendation on the presidential pardon to the White House. No deadline has been set.

From: National Committee to Free Puerto Rican Prisoners prpowpp@aol.com
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