A total of thirty Puerto Rican prisoners refused to participate in the U.S. court system because of their belief that the U.S. government was the colonial and enemy power. They requested a war court trial and were denied. Some of these thirty have served their sentences; others were let go because no valid case could be brought against them.
The United Nations' resolutions on decolonization have clearly established that colonialism is a crime and recognize a colonized people's right to end colonialism. The United Nations also recognizes that these resolutions and laws apply to Puerto Rico. For many years, the United Nations Decolonization Committee has approved resolutions recognizing the inalienable right of Puerto Rico's people to independence and self-determination. The injustice suffered under Puerto Rico's colonial reality cannot be overlooked. President Bush admitted that the people of Puerto Rico have never been consulted as equals on their political status.
The call for the release of these prisoners enjoys wide support in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and internationally. Many civic, religious, and international organizations have also joined in the effort.
We, as Christians, have been called to identify with the prisoners and their needs. We have been called to bring justice to them when injustice has taken place (Luke 4:18; Matthew 25:36).
Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference of The United Methodist Church advocate for justice and freedom for the Puerto Rican political prisoners; that a letter from the General Conference secretary be sent to the President of the United States asking him to grant pardon to all Puerto Rican political prisoners that are presently found in federal and state prisons; and that a copy of the letter be forwarded to Dr. Luis Nieves Falcon, coordinator of the effort to free the Puerto Rican political prisoners.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22713-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference