DATE=9/7/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PUERTO RICANS - CLEMENCY  (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253577
BYLINE=MICHAEL LELAND
DATELINE=CHICAGO
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  A dozen jailed Puerto Rican nationalists have 
accepted U-S president Bill Clinton's offer of 
clemency, while two have rejected the offer.  A total 
of 16 nationalists have been in prison since the early 
1980's, when they were convicted of seditious 
conspiracy in connection with the activities of a 
Puerto Rican pro-independence organization.  VOA's 
Michael Leland has more.


Text:  The 16 prisoners were all members of the Armed 
Forces of National Liberation, which is better known 
by its Spanish initials F-A-L-N.  The group carried 
out more than 130 bombing attacks in the United States 
in the 1970's and 80's, in its effort to win 
independence for Puerto Rico.  Twenty-eight of the 
bombings took place in Chicago; many were also 
committed in New York.

None of the 16 was convicted in cases involving death 
or injury, but they were convicted of seditious 
conspiracy.  Some were also found guilty of 
interfering with interstate commerce by threats or 
violence.

On August 11th, President Clinton offered the 16 
clemency if they renounced the use of violence.  They 
are also barred from associating with anyone who has a 
criminal record, must accept travel restrictions and 
may not take part in political movements advocating 
Puerto Rican independence.

Only eleven of the nationalists would be freed under 
the offer.  Two others were offered reduced prison 
terms and the remaining three would have their fines 
reduced.  

In Chicago Tuesday, the attorney for the Puerto 
Ricans, Jan Susler, said two of the 16 found the terms 
unacceptable and had rejected them.  She says a long-
running campaign for their release, which includes 
church, human rights and political leaders, will 
continue.

            // Susler Act //  

      That campaign has vowed to continue its efforts 
      until all of these men and women are free, on 
      the streets, and without conditions.

            // End Act //

The Clinton administration had given the nationalists 
until Friday to accept the offer, or it would be 
withdrawn.  The administration's critics have been 
calling the clemency offer a strategy to help first 
lady Hillary Rodham Clinton win votes in the state of 
New York, which has a large Puerto Rican population.  
Mrs. Clinton is considering running for the U-S Senate 
in New York after the president leaves office.  In 
recent days, Mrs. Clinton had urged the president to 
rescind the clemency offer. (Signed)


NEB/MJL/TVM/PT



07-Sep-1999 19:08 PM LOC (07-Sep-1999 2308 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.