Julio 2 de 2011
Carta Abierta de Solidaridad con huelga de hambre en la cárcel de Valledupar en Colombia Tramacúa de Noam Chomsky, Benjamin Medea, el reverendo John Fife, e Isabel García entre los 136 académicos, defensores de los derechos humanos y activistas comunitarios para llamar a la cárcel de EE.UU. financió a ser cerrado!
Líderes de los derechos humanos, académicos, sindicalistas y activistas de la comunidad han emitido una Carta Abierta de Solidaridad con huelga de hambre en la Penitenciaría de Alta Seguridad de Valledupar, Colombia, "La Tramacúa". La carta abierta tiene 136 signatarios, entre ellos académicos y el autor Noam Chomsky, Benjamin Medea, Co-fundadora de Code Pink, y el reverendo John Fife, co-fundador del Movimiento Santuario y No Más Muertes.
El 19 de junio 2011, una huelga de hambre fue anunciado en La Tramacúa con la participación de 54 inmakes y 22 de junio, ocho de los prisioneros cosió sus labios cerrados, negándose a tomar algo en sus cuerpos, pero el agua. A pesar de una prisión moderna, las condiciones en La Tramacúa son odiosas y en la tortura y la violencia muy común - especialmente hacia los presos políticos. Acceso a agua corriente se limita a diez minutos al día, con temperaturas que con frecuencia el aumento por encima de 100 grados. Baño insalubres y zonas de preparación de alimentos son la norma. Esta carta abierta compatible con las exigencias que la Tramacúa estar cerradas y los presos trasladados a lugares cercanos a sus familias. La Tramacúa es la prisión más famosa de Colombia. Concluyó en noviembre de 2000, La Tramacúa fue construido como parte de una de los Estados Unidos y Colombia acuerdo denominado "Programa para la Mejora del Sistema Penitenciario de Colombia". Financiación y asesoría de la prisión fueron proporcionados por USAID (Agencia de EE.UU. para el Desarrollo Internacional) y los EE.UU. Oficina de Prisiones.
El 19 de junio 2011, una huelga de hambre fue anunciado en La Tramacúa con la participación de 54 inmakes y 22 de junio, ocho de los prisioneros cosió sus labios cerrados, negándose a tomar algo en sus cuerpos, pero el agua. A pesar de una prisión moderna, las condiciones en La Tramacúa son odiosas y en la tortura y la violencia muy común - especialmente hacia los presos políticos. Acceso a agua corriente se limita a diez minutos al día, con temperaturas que con frecuencia el aumento por encima de 100 grados. Baño insalubres y zonas de preparación de alimentos son la norma. Esta carta abierta compatible con las exigencias que la Tramacúa estar cerradas y los presos trasladados a lugares cercanos a sus familias. La Tramacúa es la prisión más famosa de Colombia. Concluyó en noviembre de 2000, La Tramacúa fue construido como parte de una de los Estados Unidos y Colombia acuerdo denominado "Programa para la Mejora del Sistema Penitenciario de Colombia". Financiación y asesoría de la prisión fueron proporcionados por USAID (Agencia de EE.UU. para el Desarrollo Internacional) y los EE.UU. Oficina de Prisiones.
Copias de esta carta será enviada al presidente de Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, Ministro del Interior y de Justicia alemán Lleras, el general de brigada Gustavo Adolfo Ricaurte Tapia y los miembros del Congreso colombiano, los EE.UU. El presidente Barack Obama, la secretaria de Estado Hillary Clinton y los EE.UU. Congreso, y de la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos en Colombia y la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos.
TEXTO DE LA CARTA, CON LA LISTA DE FIRMANTES:
Una carta abierta en solidaridad con los huelguistas de hambre en la Penitenciaría de Alta Seguridad de Valledupar, Colombia, "La Tramacúa"
Estamos profundamente preocupados por los informes * sobre las condiciones en la Penitenciaría de Alta Seguridad de Valledupar, departamento del César, Colombia, comúnmente conocida como La Tramacúa. Nos unimos a un creciente coro de voces que piden la Tramacúa que ser cerrado. Estos incluyen los propios prisioneros, miembros y ex miembros del Congreso colombiano, el alcalde de Valledupar, la Defensoría Pública, César, y los defensores de derechos humanos nacionales e internacionales. Para aquellos de nosotros en los Estados Unidos, estamos particularmente preocupados saber que La Tramacúa fue construido con fondos de EE.UU. y asesoramiento.
La situación se ha convertido en una crisis que 54 presos iniciaron una huelga de hambre el 19 de junio y el 22 de junio, ocho de ellas cosió su propia boca cerrada, negándose a tomar algo en sus cuerpos, pero el agua. Estas acciones fueron precedidas por una huelga de hambre 44 días por Félix Sanabria, que comenzó en septiembre de 2010, una huelga de hambre 24 días por Hernán Rodríguez en mayo de 2011, y una huelga violenta en general por 60 prisioneros de mayo 14 a junio 12. Si bien estas medidas son drásticas, que reflejan una situación desesperada, la falta de recursos disponibles y la determinación de los internos para aferrarse a la esperanza de que su lucha para ganar a un cierto grado de trato digno. Somos conscientes de que al menos en parte, el acto extremo de la costura cerrada la boca es una llamada silenciosa que abrir la boca en señal de protesta relativa a las condiciones terribles en La Tramacúa.
La construcción en Tramacúa se terminó en noviembre de 2000 y la institución fue aclamado como un modelo de "nueva cultura penitenciaria". Sin embargo, esta prisión moderna se ha vuelto famosa por sus malas condiciones, entre ellas:
• Restricción severa de acceso al agua - Los presos tienen una media de diez minutos el acceso diario a agua corriente en un lugar donde las temperaturas suelen subir a 100 grados (38 Celsius). Acceso a agua potable ha sido suspendido por completo durante varios días a la vez como una forma de castigos colectivos. El agua fue cortada del 29 de abril hasta el 02 de junio 2011, lo que provocó una huelga general y la prisión no violenta.
• La contaminación fecal de los alimentos - Los funcionarios de las Naciones Unidas, el Departamento de Salud de César y de diversos organismos gubernamentales y ONG han verificado este en diferentes ocasiones. Una delegación internacional visitó el 13 de junio, la presentación de informes de cocina sucios y áreas de preparación de alimentos enjambre de moscas.
• baños insalubres - Debido a las restricciones de agua, instalaciones sanitarias son por lo general no funciona. Las aguas residuales son con frecuencia copias de seguridad, que llegan a las células y áreas de cocina.
• reiteradas denuncias de torturas, palizas y ataques armados - Informes de la violencia en La Tramacúa son frecuentes y terribles a menudo. En fecha tan reciente como el 11 y 12 de junio, los guardias atacaron a cinco unidades con el fin de poner fin a la huelga de prisión pacífica. Testigos dijeron que los guardias de hecho que algunos prisioneros a caer hasta cuatro y cinco pisos. Otros guardias fueron reportados pelar los presos y el despido "armas no letales" en sus genitales. En especial víctimas de la violencia son los presos políticos en La Tramacúa, una de las varias prisiones duras, donde más de 7.500 presos políticos en Colombia se concentran.
• El aislamiento extremo de familiares y amigos - Una de las quejas más frecuentes de los presos en La Tramacúa es que se están llevando a cabo lejos de sus hogares y no pueden recibir visitas de sus familiares, porque los costos son tan prohibitivos.
Como personas de conciencia, apoyar a los presos en sus dos demandas que el gobierno de Colombia cerca de La Tramacúa y la transferencia de presos a las instituciones cerca de sus familias.
Pedimos también a la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos en Colombia y la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos para investigar la situación en
La Tramacúa, así como el tratamiento de los presos políticos de Colombia a través del sistema penal.
Hacemos un llamado a Pres. Obama y Clinton Secretaria de Estado de añadir sus voces a las que piden la Tramacúa que ser cerrado.
Hacemos un llamado al Congreso de los Estados Unidos para investigar el papel desempeñado por la Agencia de EE.UU. para el Desarrollo Internacional y la Oficina de Prisiones de EE.UU. en permitir que estas condiciones se desarrollan en La Tramacúa.
También insistimos en que el Congreso rechace los intentos para aprobar el Acuerdo entre EE.UU. y Colombia de Libre Comercio.
No hay ninguna razón justificable para aprobar este acuerdo de libre comercio, en especial, mientras que Colombia, con el apoyo de EE.UU., permite que el trato inhumano que ocurran tales en sus cárceles y al tiempo que sigue a encerrar a 7.500 prisioneros-la mayoría de los políticos de los cuales son campesinos, sindicalistas y estudiantes que fueron participan en las movilizaciones no violentas.
* Estos informes fueron recibidos por primera vez de la organización colombiana de defensa política prisioneros Lazos de Dignidad.
Lista de los firmantes (lista de afiliaciones a organizaciones con fines de identificación solamente):
Noam Chomsky, profesor emérito de Lingüística, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, EE.UU.
Medea Benjamín, cofundadora de Code Pink, Washington, DC, EE.UU.
Isabel García-fundador de la Coalición de Derechos Humanos y el receptor de la Nacional de Derechos Humanos de México Premio Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Dan Kovali-Senior Counsel, Trabajadores Unidos del Acero, Pittsburgh, PA, EE.UU.
El reverendo John Fife, Co-Fundador del Movimiento de Santuario, No Más Muertes y ex moderador de la Iglesia Presbiteriana de EE.UU., en Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Prof. Marjorie Cohn-profesor de Derecho en la Escuela Thomas Jefferson de la ley, Ex-Presidente del Gremio Nacional de Abogados, San Diego, California, EE.UU.
Prof. James Petras, profesor emérito de Bartle, la Universidad de Binghamton, Nueva York, EE.UU.
Margaret Prescod-Mujeres de Color en la Huelga Mundial de Mujeres, el anfitrión de radio KPFA, Los Ángeles, California, EE.UU.
David Bacon-laboral de EE.UU. periodista y fotógrafo, San Francisco, California, EE.UU.
Raquel Mogollón, Presidente de la Alianza para la Justicia Global Colombia Comité y el Presidente,
Pan Left vídeo colectiva, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Chuck Kaufman, co-coordinador de la Alianza para la Justicia Global, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
James Jordan, co-coordinador de la Alianza para la Justicia Global, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Bob británico-Red Internacional de Solidaridad con los Presos Políticos (de Colombia), Adelaide, Australia
Susan A. Scott - co-presidente, Asociación Nacional de Abogados del Comité Internacional, Inverness, California, EE.UU.
Cecilia Zárate-Lavandería-Director del Programa, Colombia Support Network, Madison, WI, EE.UU.
Dale Sorensen-Inter Grupo de Trabajo sobre América Central, Inverness, California, EE.UU.
Selma James, fundador, Huelga Mundial de Mujeres, Londres, Reino Unido
Nico Udu-gama-Field Organizador de la Escuela de las Americas Watch, Washington, DC
Dr. Julian Kunnie-profesor de Estudios Africanos de la Universidad de Arizona, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Dr. Peter Mott-Editor de interconexión, Rochester, NY, EE.UU.
Gail Mott-Editor de interconexión, Rochester, NY, EE.UU.
Mary Ann Tenuto-Coordinador del Comité de Apoyo a Chiapas, California, EE.UU.
Blase Bonpane Ph.D, Director de la Oficina de las Américas, Los Angeles, California, EE.UU.
Partido Popular Bob Brown-Organizador, Panafricana Revolucionario (GC)
Mark Burton-ley Oficinas de Mark Burton y Gremio Nacional de Abogados, Denver, CO, EE.UU. Andaiye-Mujeres de Color en la Huelga Mundial de Mujeres Georgetown, Guyana
Jerry Pendergrast, Estados Unidos y El Salvador Proyecto de Ciudades Hermanas, Chicago, IL, EE.UU.
Arnold Matlin-MD del Comité Ejecutivo de Nicaragua Network, Rochester Comité de América Latina del Comité de Dirección, Linwood, Nueva York, EE.UU.
David L. Wilson - Co-Editor, actualización de las noticias semanales en las Américas, Nueva York, NY, EE.UU.
José "Tex Refugios" Callahan-humorista político, Trabajos con Justicia, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Karl Tetzlaff-Gremio Nacional de Abogados Alexandria, VA, EE.UU.
Huelga Maggie Ronayne-Global de las Mujeres, Galway, Irlanda
Eric Gjertsen-día de pago los hombres de la Red de Philadelphia, PA, EE.UU.
Michael Kalmanovit-z Los hombres del día de paga de la Red de Reino Unido
Phoebe Jones-Huelga Mundial de Mujeres de Filadelfia, PA, EE.UU. Corey E. Olsen - Órganos CEO Pipe / Granja estanques de oro, Delafield, WI, EE.UU.
Gar Smith, Co-Fundador, los ecologistas contra la guerra de Berkeley, California, EE.UU.
Peter Bohmer, Facultad de Economía, el Evergreen State College en Olympia Movimiento para la Justicia y la Paz, Olympia, WA, EE.UU.
El Dr. Oliver Villar-Profesor de Política, Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Charles Sturt, Australia
María Charlotte Thurtle-Director de las producciones de Pan Left, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Kenneth Trauger-Lancaster Intereclesiástica Paz testigo, Lancaster, PA, EE.UU.
Joe Bernick-Director de la sal del Colegio Tierra del Trabajo, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Robert Roth-Retirado Abogados de Interés Público, Eugene, OR, EE.UU.
Todd Davies-simbólico Programa de Sistemas de la Universidad de Stanford, Stanford, CA
Kevin Neish-activista de derechos humanos de Victoria, Columbia Británica, Canadá
Jeff Strain-Cumberland Countians para la Paz y la Justicia, agradable, Hill, TN, EE.UU.
Donald B. Clark - Red para la Responsabilidad Ambiental y Económica, la Iglesia Unida de Cristo, Pleasant Hill, TN, EE.UU.
Banbose Shango-Red Nacional sobre Cuba, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, EE.UU.
Antony C. Negro - Profesor, periodista político, Hamilton, Ontario Canadá
El Dr. Stanley Kaster-Alianza para la Justicia Global, Brooklyn, NY, EE.UU.
Nina López-Huelga Mundial de Mujeres de Londres, Reino Unido
Lori Nairne-Acción Legal para Mujeres, San Francisco, California, EE.UU.
Robert Roth-Haití Action Committee, San Francisco, CA, EE.UU. Niki Adams-Acción Legal para la Mujer, Centro de Mujeres Crossroads, Londres, Ontario, Canadá
Michael Bass-Comité de Dirección de la Escuela de las Americas Watch, San Francisco, CA, USAQ
Felice Cohen-Jope-Editor, Nuclear Opositor a Tucson, Arizona, EE.UU.
Jack Cohen-Jope, Ediotr, Nuclear Opositor a Tucson, AZ EE.UU.
Rufus Wanning-Master Arborist, miembro de Alianza de Pueblos de Maine, Orland, ME, EE.UU.
Jamie Way-Editor de la Justicia Global Monitor, la Alianza para la Justicia Global, Denver, CO, EE.UU.
Kathy Hoyt-Coordinador Nacional de la Red de Nicaragua, Imperial Beach, California, EE.UU.
Isabel Hulm de la Comunidad y del Sector Público de la Unión de Australia
Isabel Lozano, profesor asociado de Comunicación, Universidad de Loyola, Chicago, IL. EE.UU.
El Dr. William T. Whitney - Veteranos por la Paz, Red Internacional de Solidaridad con los Presos Políticos (de Colombia) South Paris, Maine, EE.UU.
Alison Whitne-Mujeres de Negro, sur de París, Maine
Pedro Arbeláez-Red Internacional de Solidaridad con los Presos Políticos (de Colombia), Ontario, Canadá
Peggy Powell Dobbins, PhD mujer en tiempos de cambiar la historia Indianola m, Texas, EE.UU.
Pablo Teitelbaum-Tucson 01 de mayo la Coalición pro Derechos de Inmigrantes y Trabajadores, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Rev. Dick Preston-Lansing, Michigan, EE.UU.
La Dra. Barbara Larcom-Casa Baltimore / Limay, Baltimore, MD, EE.UU.
Gloria Osborne-Rochester Comité de América Latina, de vertiente NY, EE.UU.
Renate Bridentha-profesional del personal del Congreso de la City University de Nueva York (PSC-CUNY), Nueva York, NY, EE.UU.
Susan Bower seguro-Alternativas para nuestra Environement Bosque, Hayfork, EE.UU.
Juan Carlos Segura, The New School for Social Research, de Sunnyside, NY, EE.UU.
Rachel Greenwood, de la Fundación Amanecer, de Williamsburg, MA, EE.UU.
Natalie Alfaro-Monterey Institute of International Studies, candidato MPA, Carmel Valley, CA
Luise Levy-trabajadora social clínica, Liga Internacional de Mujeres por la Paz, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
JoAnn Wypijewski-New York, NY, Periodista
Fred Highton-Tucson Moveon.org, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Timoteo Jeffries-Bend-Condega EE.UU. Amistad proyecto, la Junta de la Alianza para la Justicia Global, Bend, Oregón
Scott McDaniel, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, California, EE.UU.
Jenaro Rodriguez-Pax Christi, Hastings, PA, EE.UU.
Scott Woods-Testigos por la Paz del Suroeste, Phoenix capítulo, Chandler, AZ
Jeff Imig-Co-fundador de Pan Left vídeo colectiva, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Tom Baker-Comité de Solidaridad con Nicaragua, Chicago, IL, EE.UU.
Shelly Scribner-Modesto Paz Centro, Consejo de Administración de la Alianza para la Justicia Global y Nicaragua Network, Modesto, California, EE.UU.
Peter Robbins-Que Cuba en vivo Comité, Sedgwick, ME, EE.UU. y la Península de la Paz y la Justicia, Blue Hill, ME, EE.UU.
Judy Robbins-Que Cuba en vivo Comité, Sedgwick, ME, EE.UU. y la Península de la Paz y la Justicia, Blue Hill, ME, EE.UU.
Antony Schofield-Unison, Manchester, Inglaterra, Reino Unido
Lelia Mattingly la Red contra la Tortura, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Ann Wootton-Libertad Paseos por la Justicia en la Educación, Nueva Orleans, EE.UU.
Lee Siu Hin-National Immigrant Solidarity Network, Los Angeles, California, EE.UU.
John Keevert-Tesorero, Impacto Interreligioso de Nueva York, Rochester, NY, EE.UU.
Lois activista Putzier-Trabajo, fundador de la protesta desierto de Testigos Contra la Tortura en el Fuerte Huachuca
Cuartel General del Ejército de inteligencia, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Jerry Wharton-Trabajo y activista por la paz, Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Dawn Paley, periodista, California, EE.UU.
Herbert J. Hoffman - Veteranos por la Paz Maine, Maine, EE.UU.
Ollie Jefferson-Licenciado en Derecho, Arlington, TX, EE.UU.
Dave King-unionista, Seattle, WA, EE.UU.
Stephen Benson, Ph.D Paz-Península y de Justicia, Blue Hill, ME, EE.UU.
Grace Braley-Acción por la Paz Maine, Portland, ME, EE.UU.
Lee Robinson-All-Africa Pueblos del Partido Revolucionario (GC), Richmond, VA, EE.UU.
William H. Slavick - Pax Christi Maine, Portland, ME, EE.UU.
Se Hodges-City High School, en Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Dr. Bott Dana Whitefish Bay, WI, EE.UU.
La señora Bott Dana Whitefish Bay, WI, EE.UU.
Barbara Zilles Iowa City, IA, EE.UU.
Enoc Israel Bey Brooklyn, NY, EE.UU.
Katya Peterson Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Pierre Landau Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Jerold Bloque Santa Monica, California, EE.UU.
Leonardo Maturana Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Karen Kampwirth Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, EE.UU.
Kevin Young Stony Brook, NY, EE.UU.
John Bergen North Newton, KS, EE.UU.
Michael Adler Gainesville, Florida, EE.UU.
Ross S. Heckman Arcadia, CA, EE.UU.
Kimberly Cook, Haslett, MI, EE.UU.
Caroline Herzenberg Chicago, Illinois, EE.UU.
Elena Día de Charlottesville, VA, EE.UU.
Larry Siegel Plainsboro, Nueva York, EE.UU.
Don McKelvey Glendale, California, EE.UU.
Stephen Coats Chicago, Illinois, EE.UU.
Jo Maguire Cochabamba, Bolivia
Andrea Sexton Lansing, Michigan, EE.UU.
Carole Edelsky Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Lynn Biddle Cambridge, MA, EE.UU.
Rachel Deierling Tucson, AZ, EE.UU.
Sheila Malone Waterville, ME, EE.UU.
Harold Hodes Ithaca, NY, EE.UU.
Leonard Yannielli Naugatuck, CT, EE.UU.
Carolyn Coe Maine, EE.UU.
L. Chris Hager EE.UU.
Paul Meyers EE.UU.
Steve Nutter EE.UU.
Sue Newlin EE.UU.
Pablo Newlin EE.UU.
Traducción PacoCol
Original
Open Letter in Solidarity with Hunger Strikers at La Tramacúa Prison in Valledupar Colombia
Noam Chomsky, Medea Benjamin, Rev. John Fife, and Isabel Garcia among 136 Academics, Human Rights Defenders and Community Activists Calling for the US Funded Prison to be Shut Down!
Noam Chomsky, Medea Benjamin, Rev. John Fife, and Isabel Garcia among 136 Academics, Human Rights Defenders and Community Activists Calling for the US Funded Prison to be Shut Down!
Human rights leaders, academics, unionists and community activists have issued an an Open Letter in Solidarity with Hunger Strikers at the High Security Penitentiary of Valledupar, Colombia, "La Tramacúa". The open letter has 136 signatories, including academic and author Noam Chomsky, Medea Benjamin, Co-founder of Code Pink, and Rev. John Fife, Co-Founder of the Sanctuary Movement and No More Deaths.
On Jun 19th, 2011, a hunger strike was announced at La Tramacúa with the participation of 54 inmakes and June 22nd, eight of the prisoners sewed their own lips shut, refusing to take anything into their bodies but water. Although a modern prison, conditions at La Tramacúa are abhorrent and torture and violence all too common--especially toward political prisoners. Access to running water is restricted to ten minutes a day, with temperatures frequently rising above 100 degrees. Unsanitary toilet and food preparation areas are the norm. This open letter supports the demands that La Tramacúa be closed and prisoners transferred to locations near their families. La Tramacúa is Colombia's most infamous prison. Completed in November, 2000, La Tramacúa was built as part of a United States-Colombian accord called the "Program for the Improvement of the Colombian Prison System". Funding and advice for the prison were provided by USAID (US Agency for International Development) and the US Bureau of Prisons.
Copies of this letter will be sent to Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos, Minister of the Interior and Justice German Lleras, Brigadier General Gustavo Adolfo Ricuarte Tapia and members of the Colombian Congress; the US President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the US Congress; and to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights in Colombia and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
On Jun 19th, 2011, a hunger strike was announced at La Tramacúa with the participation of 54 inmakes and June 22nd, eight of the prisoners sewed their own lips shut, refusing to take anything into their bodies but water. Although a modern prison, conditions at La Tramacúa are abhorrent and torture and violence all too common--especially toward political prisoners. Access to running water is restricted to ten minutes a day, with temperatures frequently rising above 100 degrees. Unsanitary toilet and food preparation areas are the norm. This open letter supports the demands that La Tramacúa be closed and prisoners transferred to locations near their families. La Tramacúa is Colombia's most infamous prison. Completed in November, 2000, La Tramacúa was built as part of a United States-Colombian accord called the "Program for the Improvement of the Colombian Prison System". Funding and advice for the prison were provided by USAID (US Agency for International Development) and the US Bureau of Prisons.
Copies of this letter will be sent to Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos, Minister of the Interior and Justice German Lleras, Brigadier General Gustavo Adolfo Ricuarte Tapia and members of the Colombian Congress; the US President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the US Congress; and to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights in Colombia and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
TEXT OF THE LETTER, WITH LIST OF SIGNERS:
An Open Letter in Solidarity with Hunger Strikers at the High Security Penitentiary of Valledupar, Colombia, "La Tramacúa"
We are deeply concerned over reports* about conditions at the High Security Penitentiary at Valledupar, Department of César, Colombia, commonly known as La Tramacúa. We join a growing chorus of voices calling for La Tramacúa to be closed. These include the prisoners themselves, current and former members of the Colombian Congress, the mayor of Valledupar, the César Public Defender, and national and international human rights defenders. For those of us in the United States, we are particularly troubled knowing that La Tramacúa was built with US funding and advice.
An Open Letter in Solidarity with Hunger Strikers at the High Security Penitentiary of Valledupar, Colombia, "La Tramacúa"
We are deeply concerned over reports* about conditions at the High Security Penitentiary at Valledupar, Department of César, Colombia, commonly known as La Tramacúa. We join a growing chorus of voices calling for La Tramacúa to be closed. These include the prisoners themselves, current and former members of the Colombian Congress, the mayor of Valledupar, the César Public Defender, and national and international human rights defenders. For those of us in the United States, we are particularly troubled knowing that La Tramacúa was built with US funding and advice.
The situation has become such a crisis that 54 inmates started a hunger strike on June 19th and on June 22nd, eight of them sewed their own mouths shut, refusing to take anything into their bodies but water. These actions were preceded by a 44 day hunger strike by Felix Sanabria which began in September, 2010, a 24 day hunger strike by Hernan Rodriguez in May, 2011, and a nonviolent general strike by 60 prisoners from May 14-June 12th. While these actions are drastic, they reflect desperate conditions, the lack of recourse available and the determination of the inmates to hold onto the hope that their struggle might win some degree of dignified treatment. We recognize that at least in part, the extreme act of sewing one's mouth shut is a silent call that we open our mouths in protest concerning the terrible conditions in La Tramacúa.
Construction at La Tramacúa was finished in November, 2000 and the institution was hailed as a model of a "New Penitentiary Culture". However, this modern prison has become notorious for its bad conditions, including:
• Severe Restriction of Access to Water--Inmates have an average ten minutes daily access to running water in a place where temperatures regularly climb to 100 degrees (38 Celsius). Access to running water has been suspended altogether for days at a time as a form of collective punishment. Water was shut off from April 29th until June 2nd, 2011, sparking a widespread and nonviolent prison strike.
• Fecal Contamination of Food--Officials from the United Nations, the César Department of Health and various other government agencies and NGOs have verified this on different occasions. An international delegation visited on June 13th, reporting filthy kitchen and food preparation areas swarming with flies.
• Unsanitary toilets--Because of water restrictions, toilet facilities are usually non-functioning. Sewage is frequently backed up, running into cells and kitchen areas.
• Repeated Reports of Torture, Beatings and Armed Attacks--Reports of violence in La Tramacúa are frequent and often horrifying. As recently as June 11th and 12th, guards attacked five units in order to end the peaceful prison strike. Witnesses said guards caused some prisoners to fall as far as four and five floors. Other guards were reported stripping prisoners and firing "non-lethal weapons" at their genitals. Especially targeted for violence are political prisoners at La Tramacúa, one of several harsh prisons where Colombia's more than 7,500 political prisoners are concentrated.
• Extreme Isolation from Family and Friends-- One of the most frequent complaints of prisoners at La Tramacúa is that they are being held far from their homes and are unable to receive visits from family members because costs are so prohibitive.
• Severe Restriction of Access to Water--Inmates have an average ten minutes daily access to running water in a place where temperatures regularly climb to 100 degrees (38 Celsius). Access to running water has been suspended altogether for days at a time as a form of collective punishment. Water was shut off from April 29th until June 2nd, 2011, sparking a widespread and nonviolent prison strike.
• Fecal Contamination of Food--Officials from the United Nations, the César Department of Health and various other government agencies and NGOs have verified this on different occasions. An international delegation visited on June 13th, reporting filthy kitchen and food preparation areas swarming with flies.
• Unsanitary toilets--Because of water restrictions, toilet facilities are usually non-functioning. Sewage is frequently backed up, running into cells and kitchen areas.
• Repeated Reports of Torture, Beatings and Armed Attacks--Reports of violence in La Tramacúa are frequent and often horrifying. As recently as June 11th and 12th, guards attacked five units in order to end the peaceful prison strike. Witnesses said guards caused some prisoners to fall as far as four and five floors. Other guards were reported stripping prisoners and firing "non-lethal weapons" at their genitals. Especially targeted for violence are political prisoners at La Tramacúa, one of several harsh prisons where Colombia's more than 7,500 political prisoners are concentrated.
• Extreme Isolation from Family and Friends-- One of the most frequent complaints of prisoners at La Tramacúa is that they are being held far from their homes and are unable to receive visits from family members because costs are so prohibitive.
As people of conscience, we support the prisoners in their two demands that the Colombian government close La Tramacúa and transfer inmates to institutions near their families.
We also call on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights in Colombia and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to investigate the situation at
La Tramacúa as well as the treatment of Colombia's political prisoners throughout the penal system.
We also call on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights in Colombia and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to investigate the situation at
La Tramacúa as well as the treatment of Colombia's political prisoners throughout the penal system.
We call on Pres. Obama and Secretary of State Clinton to add their voices to those calling for La Tramacúa to be closed. We call on the United States Congress to investigate the roles played by the US Agency for International Development and the US Bureau of Prisons in allowing these conditions to develop at La Tramacúa.
We also insist that Congress reject attempts to pass the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.
There is no justifiable reason to pass this FTA, especially while Colombia, with US support, allows such inhumane treatment to occur in its jails and while it continues to lock up 7,500 political prisoners-most of whom are peasant farmers, unionists and students who were engaged in nonviolent mobilizations.
* These reports were first received from the Colombian political prisoners advocacy organization, Lazos de Dignidad.
List of Signers (Organizational affiliations listed for identification purposes only):
Noam Chomsky- Professor Emeritus of Linguistics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, USA
Medea Benjamin- Co-founder of Code Pink, Washington, DC, USA
Isabel Garcia- Founder of the Coalición de Derechos Humanos and recipient of Mexico's National Human Rights Prize Tucson, AZ, USA
Isabel Garcia- Founder of the Coalición de Derechos Humanos and recipient of Mexico's National Human Rights Prize Tucson, AZ, USA
Dan Kovali- Senior Counsel, United Steel Workers, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Rev. John Fife- Co-Founder of the Sanctuary Movement, No More Deaths and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA, Tucson, AZ, USA
Prof. Marjorie- Cohn Professor of Law at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Former President of the National Lawyers Guild, San Diego, CA, USA
Prof. James Petras- Bartle Professor Emeritus, Binghamton University , New York, USA
Margaret Prescod- Women of Color in the Global Women's Strike, KPFA Radio host, Los Angeles, CA, USA
David Bacon- US labor journalist and photographer, San Francisco, CA, USA
Raquel Mogollón- Chair of the Alliance for Global Justice Colombia Committee and President,
Pan Left Video Collective, Tucson, AZ, USA
Chuck Kaufman- Co-Coordinator for the Alliance for Global Justice, Tucson, AZ, USA
James Jordan- Co-Coordinator for the Alliance for Global Justice, Tucson, AZ, USA
Bob Briton- International Network in Solidarity with the Political Prisoners (of Colombia), Adelaide, Australia
Susan A. Scott- CoChair, National Lawyers Guild International Committee, Inverness, CA, USA
Cecilia Zárate-Laun- Program Director, Colombia Support Network, Madison, WI, USA
Dale Sorensen- Interfaith Task Force on Central America, Inverness, CA, USA
Selma James- Founder, Global Women's Strike, London, UK
Nico Udu-gama- Field Organizer, School of the Americas Watch, Washington, DC
Dr. Julian Kunnie- Professor of Africana Studies, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
Dr. Peter Mott- Editor Interconnect, Rochester, NY, USA
Gail Mott- Editor INterconnect, Rochester, NY USA
Mary Ann Tenuto- Coordinator for the Chiapas Support Committee, California, USA
Blase Bonpane Ph.D- Director, Office of the Americas, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Bob Brown- Organizer, All-African People's Revolutionary Party (GC)
Mark Burton- Law Offices of Mark Burton and National Lawyers Guild, Denver, CO, USA Andaiye- Women of Color in the Global Women's Strike Georgetown, Guyana
Jerry Pendergrast- US-El Salvador Sister Cities Project, Chicago, IL, USA
Arnold Matlin- M.D. Executive Committee of Nicaragua Network, Rochester Committee on Latin America Steering Committee, Linwood, NY, USA
David L. Wilson- Co-Editor, Weekly News Update on the Americas, New York, NY, USA
Joseph "Tex Shelters" Callahan- Political humorist, Jobs with Justice, Tucson, AZ, USA
Karl Tetzlaff- National Lawyers Guild Alexandria, VA, USA
Maggie Ronayne- Global Women's Strike, Galway, Ireland
Eric Gjertsen- Payday Men's Network Philadelphia, PA, USA
Michael Kalmanovit-z Payday Men's Network United Kingdom
Phoebe Jones- Global Women's Strike Philadelphia, PA, USA Corey E. Olsen- CEO Pipe Organs/Golden Ponds Farm, Delafield, WI, USA
Gar Smith- Co-Founder, Environmentalists Against War Berkeley, CA, USA
Peter Bohmer- Faculty in Economics, Evergreen State College, Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace, Olympia, WA, USA
Dr. Oliver Villar- Lecturer in Politics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Australia
Mary Charlotte Thurtle- Director of Pan Left Productions, Tucson, AZ, USA
Kenneth Trauger- Lancaster Interchurch Peace Witness, Lancaster, PA, USA
Joe Bernick- Director of Salt of the Earth Labor College, Tucson, AZ, USA
Robert Roth- Retired Public Interest Lawyer, Eugene, OR, USA
Todd Davies- Symbolic Systems Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Kevin Neish- Human Rights Activist Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Jeff Strain- Cumberland Countians for Peace & Justice, Pleasant, Hill, TN, USA
Donald B. Clark- Network for Environmental & Economic Responsibility, United Church of Christ, Pleasant Hill, TN, USA
Banbose Shango-National Network on Cuba, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Antony C. Black- Teacher, Political Journalist, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Dr. Stanley Kaster- Alliance for Global Justice, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Gar Smith- Co-Founder, Environmentalists Against War Berkeley, CA, USA
Peter Bohmer- Faculty in Economics, Evergreen State College, Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace, Olympia, WA, USA
Dr. Oliver Villar- Lecturer in Politics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Australia
Mary Charlotte Thurtle- Director of Pan Left Productions, Tucson, AZ, USA
Kenneth Trauger- Lancaster Interchurch Peace Witness, Lancaster, PA, USA
Joe Bernick- Director of Salt of the Earth Labor College, Tucson, AZ, USA
Robert Roth- Retired Public Interest Lawyer, Eugene, OR, USA
Todd Davies- Symbolic Systems Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Kevin Neish- Human Rights Activist Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Jeff Strain- Cumberland Countians for Peace & Justice, Pleasant, Hill, TN, USA
Donald B. Clark- Network for Environmental & Economic Responsibility, United Church of Christ, Pleasant Hill, TN, USA
Banbose Shango-National Network on Cuba, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Antony C. Black- Teacher, Political Journalist, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Dr. Stanley Kaster- Alliance for Global Justice, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Nina Lopez- Global Women's Strike London, UK
Lori Nairne- Legal Action for Women , San Francisco, CA, USA
Robert Roth- Haiti Action Committee , San Francisco, CA, USA Niki Adams- Legal Action for Women, Crossroads Women's Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
Michael Bass- Steering Committee, School of the Americas Watch, San Francisco, CA, USAQ
Felice Cohen-Joppa- Editor, Nuclear Resister Tucson, AZ, USA
Jack Cohen-Joppa- Ediotr, Nuclear Resister Tucson, AZ USA
Rufus Wanning- Master Arborist, member Maine Peoples Alliance, Orland, ME, USA
Jamie Way- Editor Global Justice Monitor, Alliance for Global Justice, Denver, CO, USA
Kathy Hoyt- National Coordinator of the Nicaragua Network, Imperial Beach, CA, USA
Elizabeth Hulm- Community and Public Sector Union of Australia
Elizabeth Lozano- Associate Professor of Communications, Loyola University, Chicago, IL. USA
Dr. William T. Whitney- Veterans for Peace, International Network in Solidarity with the Political Prisoners (of Colombia) South Paris, Maine, USA
Alison Whitne- Women in Black, South Paris, Maine
Pedro Arbelaez- International Network in Solidarity with the Political Prisoners (of Colombia), Ontario, Canada
Peggy Powell Dobbins- PhD Women in Time Change History m Indianola, TX, USA
Paul Teitelbaum- Tucson May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Workers Rights, Tucson, AZ, USA
Rev. Dick Preston- Lansing, MI, USA
Dr. Barbara Larcom- Casa Baltimore/Limay, Baltimore, MD, USA
Gloria Osborne- Rochester Committee on Latin America, Springwater NY, USA
Renate Bridentha- Professional Staff Congress of the City University of New York (PSC-CUNY), New York, NY, USA
Susan Bower- Safe Alternatives for our Forest Environement, Hayfork, USA
Juan Carlos Segura- The New School for Social Research, Sunnyside, NY, USA
Rachel Greenwood- The Sunrise Foundation, Williamsburg, MA, USA
Natalie Alfaro- Monterey Institute of International Studies, MPA candidate, Carmel Valley, CA
Luise Levy- Clinical Social Worker, Womens International League for Peace, Tucson, AZ, USA
JoAnn Wypijewski- New York, NY, Journalist
Fred Highton- Tucson Moveon.org, Tucson, AZ, USA
Timoteo Jeffries- USA Bend-Condega Friendship Project, Board, Alliance for Global Justice, Bend, OR
Scott McDaniel- Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, CA, USA
Jenaro Rodriguez- Pax Christi, Hastings, PA, USA
Scott Woods- Witness for Peace Southwest, Phoenix Chapter, Chandler, AZ
Jeff Imig- Co-Founder, Pan Left Video Collective, Tucson, AZ, USA
Tom Baker- Nicaragua Solidarity Committee, Chicago, IL, USA
Shelly Scribner- Modesto Peace Center, Board of Directors for Alliance for Global Justice and Nicaragua Network, Modesto, CA, USA
Peter Robbins- Let Cuba Live Committee, Sedgwick, ME, USA and Peninsula Peace and Justice, Blue Hill, ME, USA
Judy Robbins- Let Cuba Live Committee, Sedgwick, ME, USA and Peninsula Peace and Justice, Blue Hill, ME, USA
Antony Schofield- Unison, Manchester, England, UK
Lelia Mattingly- Network against Torture, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Ann Wootton- Freedom Rides for Justice in Education, New Orleans, LA, USA
Lee Siu Hin- National Immigrant Solidarity Network, Los Angeles, CA, USA
John Keevert- Treasurer, Interfaith Impact of New York State, Rochester, NY, USA
Lois Putzier- Labor Activist, Founder of Desert Witness Protest Against Torture at Fort Huachuca
Army Intelligence Headquarters, Tucson, AZ, USA
Jerry Wharton- Labor and Peace Activist, Tucson, AZ, USA
Dawn Paley- Journalist, California, USA
Herbert J. Hoffman- Maine Veterans for Peace, Maine, USA
Ollie Jefferson- Attorney at Law , Arlington, TX, USA
Dave King- Unionist, Seattle, WA, USA
Stephen Benson, Ph.D- Peninsula Peace and Justice, Blue Hill, ME, USA
Grace Braley- Peace Action Maine, Portland, ME, USA
Lee Robinson- All-African Peoples Revolutionary Party (GC), Richmond, VA, USA
William H. Slavick- Pax Christi Maine, Portland, ME, USA
Will Hodges- City High School, Tucson, AZ, USA
Dr. Dana Bott Whitefish Bay, WI, USA
Mrs. Dana Bott Whitefish Bay, WI, USA
Barbara Zilles Iowa City, IA, USA
Enoch Yisrael Bey Brooklyn, NY, USA
Katya Peterson Tucson, AZ, USA
Pierre Landau Tucson, AZ, USA
Jerold Block Santa Monica, CA, USA
Leonardo Maturana Tucson, AZ, USA
Karen Kampwirth Knox College, Galesburg, IL, USA
Kevin Young Stony Brook, NY, USA
John Bergen North Newton, KS, USA
Michael Bass- Steering Committee, School of the Americas Watch, San Francisco, CA, USAQ
Felice Cohen-Joppa- Editor, Nuclear Resister Tucson, AZ, USA
Jack Cohen-Joppa- Ediotr, Nuclear Resister Tucson, AZ USA
Rufus Wanning- Master Arborist, member Maine Peoples Alliance, Orland, ME, USA
Jamie Way- Editor Global Justice Monitor, Alliance for Global Justice, Denver, CO, USA
Kathy Hoyt- National Coordinator of the Nicaragua Network, Imperial Beach, CA, USA
Elizabeth Hulm- Community and Public Sector Union of Australia
Elizabeth Lozano- Associate Professor of Communications, Loyola University, Chicago, IL. USA
Dr. William T. Whitney- Veterans for Peace, International Network in Solidarity with the Political Prisoners (of Colombia) South Paris, Maine, USA
Alison Whitne- Women in Black, South Paris, Maine
Pedro Arbelaez- International Network in Solidarity with the Political Prisoners (of Colombia), Ontario, Canada
Peggy Powell Dobbins- PhD Women in Time Change History m Indianola, TX, USA
Paul Teitelbaum- Tucson May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Workers Rights, Tucson, AZ, USA
Rev. Dick Preston- Lansing, MI, USA
Dr. Barbara Larcom- Casa Baltimore/Limay, Baltimore, MD, USA
Gloria Osborne- Rochester Committee on Latin America, Springwater NY, USA
Renate Bridentha- Professional Staff Congress of the City University of New York (PSC-CUNY), New York, NY, USA
Susan Bower- Safe Alternatives for our Forest Environement, Hayfork, USA
Juan Carlos Segura- The New School for Social Research, Sunnyside, NY, USA
Rachel Greenwood- The Sunrise Foundation, Williamsburg, MA, USA
Natalie Alfaro- Monterey Institute of International Studies, MPA candidate, Carmel Valley, CA
Luise Levy- Clinical Social Worker, Womens International League for Peace, Tucson, AZ, USA
JoAnn Wypijewski- New York, NY, Journalist
Fred Highton- Tucson Moveon.org, Tucson, AZ, USA
Timoteo Jeffries- USA Bend-Condega Friendship Project, Board, Alliance for Global Justice, Bend, OR
Scott McDaniel- Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, CA, USA
Jenaro Rodriguez- Pax Christi, Hastings, PA, USA
Scott Woods- Witness for Peace Southwest, Phoenix Chapter, Chandler, AZ
Jeff Imig- Co-Founder, Pan Left Video Collective, Tucson, AZ, USA
Tom Baker- Nicaragua Solidarity Committee, Chicago, IL, USA
Shelly Scribner- Modesto Peace Center, Board of Directors for Alliance for Global Justice and Nicaragua Network, Modesto, CA, USA
Peter Robbins- Let Cuba Live Committee, Sedgwick, ME, USA and Peninsula Peace and Justice, Blue Hill, ME, USA
Judy Robbins- Let Cuba Live Committee, Sedgwick, ME, USA and Peninsula Peace and Justice, Blue Hill, ME, USA
Antony Schofield- Unison, Manchester, England, UK
Lelia Mattingly- Network against Torture, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Ann Wootton- Freedom Rides for Justice in Education, New Orleans, LA, USA
Lee Siu Hin- National Immigrant Solidarity Network, Los Angeles, CA, USA
John Keevert- Treasurer, Interfaith Impact of New York State, Rochester, NY, USA
Lois Putzier- Labor Activist, Founder of Desert Witness Protest Against Torture at Fort Huachuca
Army Intelligence Headquarters, Tucson, AZ, USA
Jerry Wharton- Labor and Peace Activist, Tucson, AZ, USA
Dawn Paley- Journalist, California, USA
Herbert J. Hoffman- Maine Veterans for Peace, Maine, USA
Ollie Jefferson- Attorney at Law , Arlington, TX, USA
Dave King- Unionist, Seattle, WA, USA
Stephen Benson, Ph.D- Peninsula Peace and Justice, Blue Hill, ME, USA
Grace Braley- Peace Action Maine, Portland, ME, USA
Lee Robinson- All-African Peoples Revolutionary Party (GC), Richmond, VA, USA
William H. Slavick- Pax Christi Maine, Portland, ME, USA
Will Hodges- City High School, Tucson, AZ, USA
Dr. Dana Bott Whitefish Bay, WI, USA
Mrs. Dana Bott Whitefish Bay, WI, USA
Barbara Zilles Iowa City, IA, USA
Enoch Yisrael Bey Brooklyn, NY, USA
Katya Peterson Tucson, AZ, USA
Pierre Landau Tucson, AZ, USA
Jerold Block Santa Monica, CA, USA
Leonardo Maturana Tucson, AZ, USA
Karen Kampwirth Knox College, Galesburg, IL, USA
Kevin Young Stony Brook, NY, USA
John Bergen North Newton, KS, USA
Michael Adler Gainesville, FL, USA
Ross S. Heckman Arcadia, CA, USA
Kimberly Cook Haslett, MI, USA
Caroline Herzenberg Chicago, IL, USA
Elena Day Charlottesville, VA, USA
Larry Siegel Plainsboro, NY, USA
Don McKelvey Glendale, CA, USA
Stephen Coats Chicago, IL, USA
Jo Maguire Cochabamba, Bolivia
Andrea Sexton Lansing, MI, USA
Carole Edelsky Tucson, AZ, USA
Lynn Biddle Cambridge, MA, USA
Rachel Deierling Tucson, AZ, USA
Sheila Malone Waterville, ME, USA
Harold Hodes Ithaca, NY, USA
Leonard Yannielli Naugatuck, CT, USA
Carolyn Coe Maine, USA
L. Chris Hager USA
Paul Meyers USA
Steve Nutter USA
Sue Newlin USA
Ross S. Heckman Arcadia, CA, USA
Kimberly Cook Haslett, MI, USA
Caroline Herzenberg Chicago, IL, USA
Elena Day Charlottesville, VA, USA
Larry Siegel Plainsboro, NY, USA
Don McKelvey Glendale, CA, USA
Stephen Coats Chicago, IL, USA
Jo Maguire Cochabamba, Bolivia
Andrea Sexton Lansing, MI, USA
Carole Edelsky Tucson, AZ, USA
Lynn Biddle Cambridge, MA, USA
Rachel Deierling Tucson, AZ, USA
Sheila Malone Waterville, ME, USA
Harold Hodes Ithaca, NY, USA
Leonard Yannielli Naugatuck, CT, USA
Carolyn Coe Maine, USA
L. Chris Hager USA
Paul Meyers USA
Steve Nutter USA
Sue Newlin USA
Paul Newlin USA
