DATE=9/7/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PUERTO RICANS - CLEMENCY (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253577
BYLINE=MICHAEL LELAND
DATELINE=CHICAGO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A dozen jailed Puerto Rican nationalists have
accepted U-S president Bill Clinton's offer of
clemency, while two have rejected the offer. A total
of 16 nationalists have been in prison since the early
1980's, when they were convicted of seditious
conspiracy in connection with the activities of a
Puerto Rican pro-independence organization. VOA's
Michael Leland has more.
Text: The 16 prisoners were all members of the Armed
Forces of National Liberation, which is better known
by its Spanish initials F-A-L-N. The group carried
out more than 130 bombing attacks in the United States
in the 1970's and 80's, in its effort to win
independence for Puerto Rico. Twenty-eight of the
bombings took place in Chicago; many were also
committed in New York.
None of the 16 was convicted in cases involving death
or injury, but they were convicted of seditious
conspiracy. Some were also found guilty of
interfering with interstate commerce by threats or
violence.
On August 11th, President Clinton offered the 16
clemency if they renounced the use of violence. They
are also barred from associating with anyone who has a
criminal record, must accept travel restrictions and
may not take part in political movements advocating
Puerto Rican independence.
Only eleven of the nationalists would be freed under
the offer. Two others were offered reduced prison
terms and the remaining three would have their fines
reduced.
In Chicago Tuesday, the attorney for the Puerto
Ricans, Jan Susler, said two of the 16 found the terms
unacceptable and had rejected them. She says a long-
running campaign for their release, which includes
church, human rights and political leaders, will
continue.
// Susler Act //
That campaign has vowed to continue its efforts
until all of these men and women are free, on
the streets, and without conditions.
// End Act //
The Clinton administration had given the nationalists
until Friday to accept the offer, or it would be
withdrawn. The administration's critics have been
calling the clemency offer a strategy to help first
lady Hillary Rodham Clinton win votes in the state of
New York, which has a large Puerto Rican population.
Mrs. Clinton is considering running for the U-S Senate
in New York after the president leaves office. In
recent days, Mrs. Clinton had urged the president to
rescind the clemency offer. (Signed)
NEB/MJL/TVM/PT
07-Sep-1999 19:08 PM LOC (07-Sep-1999 2308 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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