[APWSLMembers 326] The people's movement will release Ka Bel "End Beltran's six months illegal imprisonment, jail Arroyo instead for her crimes against Filipinos"

[Kilusang Mayo Uno]

FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT
An alliance for the immediate release of Anakpawis Representative
Crispin B. Beltran, true leader of the Filipino people

PRESS RELEASE
August 25, 2006

The people's movement will release Ka Bel
"End Beltran's six months illegal imprisonment, jail Arroyo instead
for her crimes against Filipinos"

Marking the sixth month of Rep. Crispin Beltran's illegal detention,
the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) together with Anakpawis Party List led
a protest rally of labor unions, progressive organizations and
thousands of Beltran's supporters to demand the legislator's immediate
release. "We demand an end to Beltran's six months illegal
imprisonment. We want Arroyo out Malacanang and thrown into jail for
her crimes against Filipinos, said FKBM Spokesperson Dennis Maga."

The activity started with vigil and solidarity night yesterday outside
the Philippine Heart Center (PHC). This morning, the groups gathered
at the Quezon City Hall and marched along the Elliptical Road and back
to the PHC where a protest program was held. "Even in incarceration,
Ka Bel is in high spirits. He is overwhelmed with the outpour of
support for his cause. He is with us all along in our struggles
against the continuing political repression and Arroyo's martial
rule."

"We are relying on the strength, capacity and determination of the
people's mass movement to release Ka Bel. The legal system is failing
us like it failed the Filipino people with the Congress' dismissal of
a citizen-backed impeachment of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Even if
Arroyo treats Ka Bel as her 'trophy catch' and insists on keeping him
behind bars, we will not stop working for his release."

"For the past six months, the long hands of the Department of Justice
and Malacanang somehow made its way through the Makati Regional Trial
Court and imposed their will upon the course of the case of Ka Bel and
the Batasan 5 solons. There is no basis for Ka Bel's illegal arrest
and continued detention but the Court continues to issue alibis to
delay the legal process and prolong Ka Bel's imprisonment."

Maga said that the protest today is also an expression of their strong
resistance and opposition to the unabated political killings, various
forms of human rights violations and state-sponsored terrorism done
against the Filipino people. "Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a killer on
the loose. Her repressive, dictatorial leadership is indeed revolting
and a legitimate cause for major social unrest. She will pay dearly
for all the crimes that her government committed against the people.
The time for settling of scores will come soon."

The group said international support demanding for Beltran's release
constantly gains massive response from many unions, organizations and
international parliamentarians. "Ka Bel is a prominent figure in the
International League of People's Struggle (ILPS) and the worldwide
anti-imperialist movement. Activities like indignation protests,
petition campaign and massive information drive for Ka Bel's release
continue in more than 20 countries worldwide." ###

Reference: Dennis Maga, FKBM Spokesperson - 09068004484



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