‘Tagaytay 5′ Freed, ‘Trumped-Up’ Charges Dropped
Dismissal of trumped-up charges and release of Tagaytay 5, a victory for human rights – KARAPATAN
The human rights alliance KARAPATAN expressed elation over the release of Tagaytay 5 and the dismissal of the trumped-up rebellion raps filed against them.
“The dismissal of trumped-up charges and release of Tagaytay 5 is a victory for human rights,” said Ruth Cervantes, KARAPATAN Public Information Officer.
Aris Sarmiento, Axel Pinpin, Riel Custodio, Michael Masayes and Rico Ybañez, collectively known as the Tagaytay 5 were released from prison at 4PM today, August 28 (Thursday).
Cervantes said of the decision to dismiss the case and free the five, “The stroke of the judge’s pen is a vindication of our conviction that those who work for a better society must not be criminalized and must be set free.”
“We congratulate those who have worked for the freedom of Tagaytay 5 and those who continue to fight the Arroyo regime’s sinister moves to foist false cases against social activists who fight for people’s rights,” Cervantes said.
KARAPATAN welcomes Tagaytay 5 to their new-found freedom and urged them to file criminal charges against state security forces that abducted them, kept them incommunicado and detained them despite their innocence.
“Human rights violations continue to be committed under this regime and it is justified to fight back and combat impunity,” Cervantes said.
KARAPATAN also reiterated their call to implement UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston’s recommendations to abolish the Inter-Agency Legal Action Group (IALAG) that is orchestrating the fabrication of criminal charges against activists and critics of the Arroyo regime.###
A Day Without Food Is a Lot Better Than a Year Without Freedom
Reds seek activation of NPA hit squads in cities After Ampatuan Massacre, 2009 a Record Year for Journalist Killings Worldwide CHR to military: Respect and protect human rights during martial law in Maguindanao Maguindanao, its political elite and a culture subservient to corruption U.S. Must Improve Responsiveness to Mass Atrocities; Absent UN Action, Make Clear Willingness to Act on Its Own, Says New CFR Report Martial law dilutes the Philippines’s human rights and democratic gains Martial law in Maguindanao sets ‘most dangerous precedent’ Lawyers will wear black armbands, ribbons in courts Law group shall file plunder cases against President Arroyo et al. UN Experts: Maguindanao massacre must be the start of a major reform process
Arroyo’s oil-price control a publicity stunt, cries Ibon Political Bloodbath Continues: Widow of Slain Activist Shot Dead New Wave of Protests Against Charter Change Set in April Comelec’s Automation to Worsen Election Fraud — Watchdog 2008: Another Bad Year for the Philippine Press ‘Unemployment Figures Wrong; Number of Jobless Higher’ ‘Nicole Is Not the Enemy’ ‘Nicole’: ‘My Conscience Bothers Me’ Is the Call Center Industry a Bright Spot for New Graduates? 6 Great Ways to Vent Your Frustrations Eating Dirt Is Actually Good For Children Australia Offers 150 Scholarship Slots for Philippines, Asia-Pacific mamert dolera: The horrible maguindanao massacre displays the “crueltiest 221; act of political warlordism... Don Untalan: I am also interested to buy (AROD) and the tall hybreed variety. Pls advice where to buy from Manila,... scott: Sports and politics do not mix. But the economy of the Philippines relies on Pacqiao. How much money would a... Bernadine Ebo: nov.11,2009 4:45 my husband and i wants to adopt