April 14, 2010
Press Release

As the unlawfully detained health workers spend more than sixty days in military prison, families and supporters take a more aggressive form of protest for the immediate transfer of the 43 health workers to a civilian detention facility like Camp Crame.

FREE THE 43 HEALTH WORKERS NOW! announced its support for the fasting of the detained health workers. Through volunteers that were previously screened and deemed medically fit to fast, the group will express its rage on the AFP and PNP reneging on their responsibility and accountability on the unlawful arrests, detention and human rights violations on the 43.

The group is enraged with Malacañang’s pronouncement early this week that they “have nothing to hide about the case of the Morong 43.” “If indeed her military generals are not hiding anything, she should compel them to recognize the CHR’s mandate and cooperate in the investigative hearings of the Commission. Instead, just like the culture of impunity that characterizes her term of office, she tolerates the AFP’s continued defiance of CHR’s orders including the production of the 43 detainees. Mrs. Arroyo does not lift a finger to hasten the delivery of justice for the 43 health workers,” said Dr. Jara.

According to the group, the fasting of the health workers commenced yesterday, April 13 and will continue until they are transferred to a civilian detention facility. On April 17, Saturday, political prisoners detained in different jails nationwide as well as families and supporters will also fast in support of the plight of the 43 health workers and the continuing struggle to free all political prisoners.

“Free the 43 health workers! Free all political prisoners!” Dr. Jara called. (Bulatlat.com)

Reference: Eleanor A. Jara, M.D.

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