Different to earlier statements Jose Maria Sison was released from costudy on Sept 13, 2007
We so far have not been informed about the reasons of this turn-around regarding earlier statements (see below). We know only the statement of Sison upon his release:
Friends, Warmest greetings!
I am deeply pleased and thankful that the Rechtsbank has decided to release me from detention. You cannot imagine how happy I am. It is extremely painful and humiliating to be subjected to solitary confinement and tough interrogation under overheated lamps. The ordeal is acute because I am innocent of the false and politically-motivated charge leveled against me.
I have nothing to do with any murder. This is against my moral and political principles. I am a teacher by profession who loves the exchange of ideas towards common understanding and practical cooperation. I have long devoted myself to the advocacy of human rights and work for a just peace in the Philippines. I cannot go into the facts and arguments concerning my case. It is my lawyer Michiel Pestman who is competent to give you the information that you need.
Consequent to the release order of the Rechtsbank, I gain some confidence in the Dutch legal system. I have the opportunity to prove my innocence and continue to benefit from fair play. I feel somehow vindicated in choosing The Netherlands as my place of refuge from persecution in the Philippines. I also wish to thank the Dutch, Filipino and other peoples for their solidarity and support.
I will stay in the Netherlands with my wife and my two children who are already independent. I will conduct my legal defense and further clear my name. I will continue to exercise my freedom to speak and other democratic rights. I will continue to work for national freedom, human rights, social justice and an enduring, because just, peace in the Philippines.
I will continue to abide by the laws of the Dutch state and further develop solidarity with the Dutch people whose friendship and kindness I have enjoyed for more than 20 years.
Thank you.
A Hague court this morning remanded Filipino revolutionary leader Professor Jose Maria Sison to a further 90 days detention.
The decision of the court was relayed to Luis G. Jalandoni by Prof. Sison’s chief counsel, Michiel Pestman. Atty. Pestman also informed Mr. Jalandoni that he will file a petition tomorrow with the Netherlands Court of Appeals to appeal against the unjust decision of The Hague court.
We call on the different Free Joma Sison and DEFEND Committees, supporters and those who uphold civil liberties and human rights to join and intensify the campaign to free Prof. Sison.
You can access the following websites for more information on the global campaign to free Prof. Sison.
www.arkibongbayan.org
www.zumel.com
www.ndfp.net/discussion
www.freejomapetition.org
Reference:
Theo Droog
Spokesperson
Emails: enefes@demon.nl, defenddemrights@yahoo.com
12 September 2007
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PRESS STATEMENT
13 September 2007
NDFP VIGOROUSLY PROTESTS HAGUE COURT DECISION TO EXTEND PROF. SISON’S DETENTION
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) vigorously protests the unjust decision of The Hague Court extending the detention of Prof. Jose Maria Sison for a further 90 days. This undue prolongation of Prof. Sison’s detention is a gross violation of his right to due process.
At a stage when he is a mere suspect, he is subjected to prolonged detention of 105 days. Moreover, the Dutch authorities are violating his internationally recognized right to receive visits from his family and his doctor. The conditions of solitary confinement inflicted on him are inhuman and a disgrace to a government that claims to respect human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The closed door hearings and the restriction imposed on Prof. Sison’s lawyer not to speak about what goes on in the hearings and in the interrogation are blatant violations of the principle of transparency that should be strictly observed in a genuine democracy.
The NDFP strongly condemns the persecution of Prof. Jose Maria Sison on trumped-up charges already dismissed by the Philippine Supreme Court on 1 June 2007. The unjust detention and persecution of Prof.
Jose Maria Sison, the Chief Political Consultant of the NDFP in peace negotiations, also deals a most serious blow to the chances for resuming formal peace talks.
(Sgd) LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
