by Mike Plaisance, MASSlive
HOLYOKE — To the delight of a packed City Council Chambers, the council Tuesday approved a resolution urging President Barack Obama to grant unconditional release from federal prison of Oscar López Rivera.
Rivera is a Puerto Rican national who has served 34 years of a 75-year sentence for “seditious conspiracy” related to his participation in a a Puerto Rican nationalist group.
While nationally there has been debate about whether Rivera is a political prisoner or a terrorist, support was complete among the 13 councilors in attendance and most of the 18 speakers who made remarks in the public speak-out period.
“Let this man out of jail, please…You guys do it and I guarantee there’s going to be so many city councils in the united states following your lead,” said Jose O. Bou, owner of Salsarengue Restaurant & Seafood at 392 High St.
“Please let him out. He’s done his time. It’s time to let him out so he can enjoy his freedom as we enjoys ours,” Councilor at Large Joseph M. McGiverin said.
Led by Ward 2 Councilor Nelson R. Roman, who proposed the resolution, a march of more than 30 people was held in support before the City Council meeting from Salsarengue Restaurant to City Hall.
Continue Reading: https://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/04/holyoke_council_calls_on_presi.html