Catalan Solidarity: MARCH TO WAD-RAS PRISON (Barcelona)

Thursday, November 8, 2007

MARCH TO WAD-RAS PRISON (Barcelona)

Around 50 people participated on October 27th in the march organised by Rescat to the women Wad-Ras prison, where Catalan political prisoner Laura Riera was moved last August. During the march participants shouted slogans in favor of the release of political prisoners.

Police presence was clearly visible all the time. At the end of the march, at the arrival to the prison, in front of a police security cord, a statement was from Rescat and another from Laura were read.

To finalize the day of action, a solidarity dinner was organised.

Laura Riera’s statement read at the march:

Salut comrades,
Once again it’s only the thickness of the wall prison that separates us from one another. It’s only the bricks that prevents us to be closer physically. However, for me, for us all, this is a re-encounter!!!! We know that actions such as this one, are a show of cheering, of strength and of fighting spirit.

Some months ago we met in Picassent and now we meet in in the old working class area of Poble Nou (Barcelona). Some months back I was along with Diego (partner) and now with Dídac (son) a baby who gives me more reasons to keep struggling for people’s self-determination and social justice in the world.

As myself, as well as you all do, we struggle for a future where Dídac and his people will live in freedom and equality. We know that this is not easy but we are ready to keep going, to preserve our truth, in our desires, in our victory!

I’d like you all to know that from the window in my wing I can see the graffiti that reads: “ Freedom Laura Riera, prisoners to the street “. And things as such as well as the march today, being beside my son, it’s what keeps me going in our struggle, amongst you all, amongst my people!!!

TO STRUGGLE: IT’S THE ONLY WAY
Laura Riera.

Support that Political Prisoners receive from inside Catalonia

Catalan Solidarity has been inspired by the work of Catalan Anti-Repressive organisations such as Alerta Solidària and Rescat, who were set up with the aim of supporting Catalan people who have been imprisoned by the Spanish government for politically motivated activism. Following mass arrests and imprisonment of activists connected to the independentists and anti-fascist movements an informal collective came together to provide both practical support to prisoners and challenge the media portrayal of such individuals which had been fuelled throughout the Spanish mainland by a government, media and police conspiracy. As well as offering practical support and advice to imprisoned Catalans, their supporters and those awaiting trial, Rescat has been involved in high profile demonstrations, including those in front of the main court in Madrid where people have been judged, actions to support political prisoners who are on hunger strike and events to raise awareness of the political situation in Catalonia.