Statement on Joma's release 14 September 2007 Hong Kong SAR HK DEFEND welcomes Dutch court decision to free Prof. Jose Maria Sison Filipinos and human rights advocates in Hong Kong join the whole international community in expressing relief in the release of Prof. Jose Maria Sison who was unjustly persecuted by the Dutch government in collaboration with Arroyo and Bush. Notwithstanding the Gestapo-style of arrest, manhandling of his wife, and confiscation of properties and documents, Professor Sison was vindicated after the Rechtsbank declared that there was insufficient evidence against him. Once again, the despicable and cowardly tactics of the US-Arroyo government were thwarted by the generous outpouring of support from people all over the globe for one of the known defenders of the Filipino people's sovereignty. In their desperation and paranoia, the US-Arroyo government underestimated the collective power of people who are seeking genuine democracy and freedom from greedy, corrupt, and fascist rulers. Despite his release, we shall call for reparation and justice for the persecution and ordeal that Professor Sison, his wife, and other Filipino progressives in the Netherlands had gone through. Moreover, we call for the return of confiscated properties and documents of Professor Sison, other personnel of the NDFP and the NDFP International Information Office. We reiterate the concern raised to the Dutch authorities that these information should not be shared to the Philippine government considering its record of extrajudicial killings and political persecution of progressive individuals and groups. Hong Kong DEFEND vows to remain vigilant against any attempt of the Arroyo government to once again fabricate politically motivated charges to terrorize Professor Sison and other progressive individuals and groups. Justice for Prof. Jose Ma. Sison! Drop all charges! Stop political persecution of Professor Sison and other Filipino progressives! For reference: Ramon Bultron (9477-3141) Co-convenor, HK DEFEND Eman Villanueva (9758-5935) Co-convenor, HK DEFEND -- HK Committee to Defend the Rights of Professor Sison and Filipino Progressives in Europe (HK DEFEND) c/o APMM, No. 2 Jordan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR Tel. (852) 2723-7536 Fax. (852) 2735-4559 -- * The views and opinions contained herein do not necessarily reflect the view of The Dean and the Council of St. John's Cathedral <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The Secretariat United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK) 2/F., New Hall, St. John's Cathedral, 4 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong SAR Tel : (852) 3156-2447 Fax : (852) 2526-2894 E-mail: secretariat@unifil.org.hk Website: http://www.unifil.org.hk Blog: compatriots.blogspot.com