Eight ‘victims of repression’ highlighted

Press, 2 May 1985, Page 12

Eight ‘victims of repression’ highlighted

PA Wellington Amnesty International’s New Zealand section marked International Labour Day on May 1 with an appeal for the release of imprisoned workers and I trade union officials. Prisoners in eight countries are highlighted in the appeal. “They represent many other victims of repression,” said the chairman, Ms Sue Ineson. “We have been encouraged by the support New Zealand unions have given to Amnesty International and believe workers are becoming more aware of the plight of their counterparts overseas,” she said. “International appeals and the pressure of public opinion could mean the difference between prison and freedom, or in some cases life and death,” she said The highlighted cases showed how union leaders and workers were often targeted by the authorities because of their prominence in defence of human rights, she said. Ms Ineson said the eight cases Amnesty New Zealand was highlighting were: • Edgar Fernando Garcia, the minutes secretary of the union at a glass factory in Guatemala, who “disappeared” after he was

reported arrested on February 18, 1984. • A Peruvian teacher, Antonio Limaco Chuchon, reported to have been arrested and then “disappeared” after supporting a proposal to suspend classes because of the risks posed by conflict between guerrillas and Government forces.

• Jiri Wolf, a Czechoslovak driver and human rights activist, serving a six-year prison sentence for alleged subversion. • Mustafa Aktulgali, an executive member of the Turkish Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions, imprisoned since martial law was declared in September, 1980. • A Filipino trade unionist, Jose Britanico, accused, with more than 20 other trade unionists, of “conspiracy to commit rebellion.”

• A Chinese shipyard worker, He Qiu, imprisoned for 10 years after editing unofficial publications. • Ali el-Mahi el-Sakhi, a Sudanese union leader who has spent most of the last six years in prison without being charged or tried.

• Three officals of a teachers’ union in Bourkina Fasso (formerly Upper Volta), arrested last year after having been reported to have criticised Government policies.