Barrios hearing filled with supporters

On March 26 supporters of Father Luis Barrios began to congregate in front of the courthouse at 100 Centre St., where his hearing would be held. The crowd swelled to over 50 people who later packed the courtroom. We unfurled a banner outside that read, “The U.N. 16 will not be silent.”

Barrios is one of 16 people arrested on Sept. 19, 2006, in front of the United Nations. They were protesting the illegal and immoral war on Iraq while George Bush spoke there with hypocritical slogans such as “the war against terror” and “bringing democracy.” Barrios is a long time Puerto Rican liberation fighter and a fighter for justice. All the trumped up charges against all the others have been dropped, and supporters are demanding no less than that for Father Barrios.

We were moved from courtroom to courtroom; asked to find another judge; asked to wait until the judge was ready; asked to come back in an hour; and finally at 11 a.m. were given another trial date, for May 7 at 9 a.m. Despite these tactics to divide and demoralize the people, we were strong and spirited. When Barrios’ name was called by the court officer, all of his supporters would stand up to demonstrate our solidarity with Barrios.

Across the street from the courthouse, Barrios urged us to increase the pressure by calling the attorney general of Manhattan, Robert M. Morgenthau, at 212-335-9000, or writing him at One Hogan Place, New York, NY 10013, to demand that all the charges be dropped.