21 December 2016
ACHRE has written to US President Barack Obama asking for the immediate release of Oscar Lopez Rivera, who has served 35 years in prison for his commitment to the independence of Puerto Rico.
Oscar Lopez sentence of 70 years is completely disproportionate, taking into consideration that he was never convicted of hurting or killing anyone. Now, at 73 years old, he has spent almost half his life in prison; his co-defendants, released long ago, are productive, law-abiding citizens. Oscar Lopez is a decorated Vietnam veteran.
Oscar Lopez Rivera’s incarceration violates basic principles of justice, democracy, and respect for human rights, all of which are cornerstones of the rule of law.
For the letter to President Obama see 2016-12-21 Ltr to Obama re Oscar López Rivera