Resolution calling for release of Puerto Rican political prisoners approved
Written by W. Evan Golder July 5, 2011
General Synod delegates get down to business on Tuesday, July 5 in Tampa, Fla., considering a resolution calling for the release of Puerto Rican political prisoners. (photo Dan Hazard)
Following
similar resolutions by General Synods in 1977, 1979, 1985, 1989 and 1991,
General Synod 28 voted to approve the resolution “In Support of the Release of Puerto Rican Political Prisoners.” Only one delegate spoke against the resolution
during the plenary debate.
The
committee discussing the resolution before bringing it to the plenary had recommended
two changes.
The
first change was to add specifically the names of two prisoners: Oscar López
Rivera, held in U.S. federal prison for 30
years; and Avelino González Claudio, suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The
resolution calls for releasing López Rivera on humanitarian grounds and
González Claudio on compassionate grounds.
The
second change was to decry inhumane conditions in U.S. prisons, including long
sentences, lack of compassion and lack of adequate medical care.
The
resolution passed by approximately a three-to-one vote.
