 Before and After the Subpoenas
By Ismael Nuñez
Special to Virtual Boricua, January 15, 2008
On Friday January 11 at the Federal Court Cadman Plaza East, in Brooklyn, NY grand jury repression was implemented against the Puerto Rican community. That day three Puerto Ricans had been subpoenaed to appear before a Grand Jury.
The FBI/NYPD Anti-Terrorism Task Force had previsouly visited the homes and workplace of the three and issued them subpoenas. The scheduled to appear are: Tania Frontera, a graphic design artist who participated in the Vieques struggle. Social worker/activist Christopher Torres, and Filmmaker Julio Pabon Jr. January 11 is also the day that Puerto Ricans celebrate the birth of the admired/respected educator, philosopher, and advocate for independence Eugenio Maria de Hostos. Who was also known as the “Citizen of the America’s.
Several activists in New York City and in Puerto Rico maintain that the subpoenas are part of a larger, systematic campaign to repress the independence movement in Puerto Rico and instill fear and discord among its allies and supporters. Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito stated at the Jan 10 press conference “These recent subpoenas issued to cultural workers and activists raises concerns and alarm. The convening of this grand jury should be of concern not only to the Puerto Rican community but to all communities of conscience that engage in activism as a means of holding our government accountable.” Rosie Mendez Councilwoman in the lower east side added, “For the last two and half years activists from the Puerto Rican Community have been under attack here and on the island. It’s no confidence that this intense attack has gotten more intense since the War in Iraq began. Anyone who has spoken out against the war, their whole civil liberties been targeted! People who believe in independence have been targeted as being a threat to society why! When they have done nothing whatsoever!"
Peter Boyle long-time Civil Rights Attorney and currently a member of the National Lawyers Guild, representing the New York City Chapter made a statement in regards to the opposing Grand Jury Abuse. “The Federal Grand Jury has long been recognized as an investigatory tool of the U.S.A Justice Department and evolved into a mechanism of repression and abuse. Participation in, or even knowledge of, criminal activity is not necessary.
A grand jury meets in secret, with only the grand jurors, the prosecutor and law enforcement present. Federal grand juries have long been used to gather information on legitimate political activities , including, since the 1930’s the Puerto Rican independence movement. Changes in the grand jury secrecy laws after 9/11 permit in many circumstances, disclosure of information gathered by a grand jury to federal law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for use in their own intelligence gathering!
He adds: “As far back in the 1970’s and 1980’s this agency had a decades-long program, known as the counterintelligence program, that was designed to “neutralize” the Puerto Rican Independence Movement and it’s supporters!
The Reverend Luis Barrios added his five cents “The head of the FBI in Puerto Rico Luis Fraticelli has stated in a press conference that the actions performed by the FBI it’s aim to hurt the independence movement of Puerto Rico.” He added: “Congressman Jose Serrano contacted the head of the FBI spoke to him to talk about these subpoenas towards these four individuals."
The head of the FBI stated “We are not aware of any subpoenas towards these young people." How can they something like that when they were the ones who issued the subpoenas!
On January 11 the three appeared in front of the grand jury, as the crowd of supporters stood by at the Brooklyn Federal Court at 225 Cadman Plaza East at Tillary St, Brooklyn, NY. The good news attorneys for three activist their attorneys have successfully motions to postpone their clients Friday court dates.
Bad news is for many in attendance at the rally feel, the harassment will continue to take place. Many supporters from other movements led by people of color see no difference. Ashanti from the Black Power Movement and former political prisoner stated, “This is a continuation starting from the 1960’s until today. Every movement: Animal Rights, Civil Rights, Human Rights, and people of color organizations who believed in self-determination continue to be a target of the U.S Government.”
Julio Pabon is founder/CEO of Latino Sports a store which promotes the positive of Latin American Athletes in the United States.(Their website www.latinosports.com) When the authorities visited his place of business, he immediately thought they were coming for him. “I have been involved with social movements in the past and I serious thought they came looking for me. When they said they looking for Junior I caught a fit! My son is filmmaker, not a terrorist! Why would the FBI/NYPD Terrorism Task Force want to talk to a filmmaker, social worker, graphic artist, and artist?"
Li-Yin Alvarado is an artist, was not afraid to voice her opinion on what is taking place. “Artists, everyday workers, teachers, human service workers obviously in the eyes of this government are considered a threat. Pabon Junior was subpoenaed why just because he invited some respectful poets from the Latin Community read at the college that means he’s a threat!"
Ana Lopez professor at Hostos Community College said it best. “They say stalking is against the law, this is stalking!"
A representative from the group “Pro-Libertad” an organization which has advocated the release of Puerto Rican Political Prisoners for years added, “There are Puerto Ricans in prison who have been subject to physical/mental abuse something that this government never tell no one, now this which has been going on for years!"
Very True! A chapter U.S/PR relations the government never talks about! |
