2008 Woodie Awards
Puerto Rico questions U.S. subpoenas
Tristan Dewar
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: World
Controversy surrounding the subpoenas of four Puerto Rican activists has renewed America's interest in the movement for Puerto Rican independence.
Tania Frontera, Christian Torres, Elliot Monteverde and Jose Diaz are Puerto Rican citizens and members of the independence movement who were subpoenaed earlier this year to testify before a grand jury.
The decision angered officials both in Puerto Rico and the continental United States. On June 25, New York City legislators Melissa Mark Viverito, Leticia James and Rosie Mendez publicly condemned the FBI's handling of the subpoenas.
The four activists have a history of involvement in pro-independence movements against the U.S. government, including the successful struggle for the liberation of the island of Vieques from the control of the U.S. Navy in 2003.
The activists also participated in demonstrations condemning the 2005 death of Filiberto Ojeda Ríos, leader of the a militant, pro-independence group Los Macheteros, as an act of political repression by the U.S. government against the Puerto Rican independence movement.
The activists and their legal counsel denounced the subpoenas as a means of undermining the independence movement. Critics cite the secret nature of grand jury hearings as indicative of the U.S.'s intent. The press and general public are not allowed into the hearing and the activists' legal representation cannot be present during questioning.
According to Will Pizio, assistant professor of justice and policy studies, grand juries are convened for two specific purposes: either to see if probable cause exists for parties already under arrest or to determine if probable cause exists for future arrests.
The activists are not charged with any crimes but could be held in contempt of court and face imprisonment if they decide not to testify. Supporters of the activists also question why the FBI has not yet stated if the subpoenas and hearing questions are the product of illegal communications monitoring.
Tania Frontera, Christian Torres, Elliot Monteverde and Jose Diaz are Puerto Rican citizens and members of the independence movement who were subpoenaed earlier this year to testify before a grand jury.
The decision angered officials both in Puerto Rico and the continental United States. On June 25, New York City legislators Melissa Mark Viverito, Leticia James and Rosie Mendez publicly condemned the FBI's handling of the subpoenas.
The four activists have a history of involvement in pro-independence movements against the U.S. government, including the successful struggle for the liberation of the island of Vieques from the control of the U.S. Navy in 2003.
The activists also participated in demonstrations condemning the 2005 death of Filiberto Ojeda Ríos, leader of the a militant, pro-independence group Los Macheteros, as an act of political repression by the U.S. government against the Puerto Rican independence movement.
The activists and their legal counsel denounced the subpoenas as a means of undermining the independence movement. Critics cite the secret nature of grand jury hearings as indicative of the U.S.'s intent. The press and general public are not allowed into the hearing and the activists' legal representation cannot be present during questioning.
According to Will Pizio, assistant professor of justice and policy studies, grand juries are convened for two specific purposes: either to see if probable cause exists for parties already under arrest or to determine if probable cause exists for future arrests.
The activists are not charged with any crimes but could be held in contempt of court and face imprisonment if they decide not to testify. Supporters of the activists also question why the FBI has not yet stated if the subpoenas and hearing questions are the product of illegal communications monitoring.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
RONBOTHUNTER
posted 9/14/08 @ 9:45 AM EST
THEY MUST ALWAYS KNOW THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, HERE IN THE STATES HAVE NO SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION AND SHOULD BE CHALLENGED TO PROOF IT. ALL JURY MEMBERS IN FEDERAL COURT MUST RESIDE IN FEDERAL TERRITORY TO BE A FEDERAL JUROR. (Continued…)
RONBOTHUNTER
RONBOTHUNTER
posted 9/14/08 @ 9:48 AM EST
THEY MUST ALWAYS KNOW THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, HERE IN THE STATES HAVE NO SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION AND SHOULD BE CHALLENGED TO PROOF IT. ALL JURY MEMBERS IN FEDERAL COURT MUST RESIDE IN FEDERAL TERRITORY TO BE A FEDERAL JUROR. (Continued…)
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