Karawane für die Rechte der Flüchtlinge und MigrantInnen
Sektion Nord / Koordinationskreis Hamburg	Tel: 0049-(0)40-43 18 90 37
c/o Brigittenstraße 5	Fax: 0049-(0)40-43 18 90 38
20359 Hamburg	Mail: free2move@nadir.org /www.thecaravan.org

 

Immediate Release of Jose Maria Sison

We denounce the arrest by the Dutch authorities of Jose Maria Sison, the temporary political advisor of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).  We denounce both the attack on Prof. Sison and others affiliated with the NDFP as well as the robbery of computers and office materials.  The Dutch state is openly participating in the oppression of the anti-colonial and democratic struggle of the Filipino people.

The persecution and defamation of the NDFP and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) have the historical background that the United States has seen itself as the ruler of the island state since the U.S. replaced the Spanish Colonizers.   U.S. dominance was interrupted only during the period of Japanese fascist occupation. Changing U.S. governments have helped bring repressive governments into power, while the rural and urban population has made great sacrifices to throw such presidents out of power. The current government under President Macapagal Arroyo is under extreme pressure and the U.S. government has assured its loyal subjects its unlimited support in the fight against the democratic opposition. 

The is the background in which the New People’s Army (NPA), the CCP, and CCP cofounder Jose Maria Sison were placed on the European so-called terror list.  After years of imprisonment during the Marcos Dictatorship, Professor Sison has now lived in the Netherlands as a recognized refugee for over 20 years. 

Just two months ago the European Court in Luxembourg decided in the first instance that the listing of Prof. Sison on the so-called terror list is illegal.

We protest against the politically motivated persecution of Professor Sison and the NDFP and demand his immediate release, an official apology, and the return of the confiscated objects!

We demand the end to the lies about the Filipino national democratic liberation movement and the open mass organizations.  We demand the en of the support of the Arroyo Regime, under which more members of grassroots organizations have been murdered than under the Marcos Dictatorship!

We demand the end to the U.S. Military intervention in the Philippines!

We call for the solidarity of all progressive, democratic forces with Professor Sison and the NDFP!

Campaign Website: http://www.defendsison.be/ 

General Information: http://www.bulatlat.com

Caravan for the rights of refugees and migrants       Germany, August 31, 2007