Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Carlos Alberto Torres to be Relased July

Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Wins Release on Parole

May 21, 2010

The National Boricua Human Rights Network and the
Human Rights Committee of Puerto Rico have the
great and historic pleasure of announcing that
Puerto Rican political prisoner Carlos Alberto
Torres, after serving 30 years in U.S. prisons
for his commitment to the independence of his
nation, will be released on parole in July of
this year, to reside in Puerto Rico.

This historic release is due to Carlos Alberto’s
maintaining his integrity and commitment
throughout three decades behind bars, and to the
support of the people of Puerto Rico, Puerto
Rican communities in the U.S., as well as those
who support human rights throughout the world.
This broad support was key in winning his
release, and he is looking forward to expressing
his gratitude in person.

For no legitimate reason, he was made to serve
almost 11 years more than his compatriots who
were released in 1999, when president Clinton
deemed their sentences to be disproportionately
lengthy. The United States stands out as the
country whose political prisoners serve among the
longest sentences in the world.

Two Puerto Rican political prisoners remain in
U.S. custody. Oscar López Rivera, who this month
will mark his 29th year in prison, is not
scheduled for release until 2023; and Avelino
González Claudio, who this month will be
sentenced to a term not to exceed 7 years. While
planning the celebration of Carlos Alberto’s
release, the National Boricua Human Rights
Network and the Human Rights Committee of Puerto
Rico will continue to work for the release of
both remaining political prisoners.

Contacts:
in the U.S.: Alejandro Molina 312/296-7210
in Puerto Rico: Eduardo Villanueva 787/612-7840