Aachen trial, 4th day: urgent call Some comrades in Aachen - 31.03.2005 21:39
Aachen trial: 4th day (31-03-2004) Today the tension in court heightened considerably (after yesterday, when we kept rather calm in respect to the two people who had been taken hostage and came to testify). Despite several complaints and protests of the lawyers and the prisoners themselves, the mistreatment of the prisoners during the transports from and to prison (strip searches, blind and ear folded, shackles on hands and feet, …) as well as the general security measures against the visitors (200 policemen, cops in civil clothes everywhere, identity control, metal detector, body search, …) continue. To protest this, Gabriel tore apart his clothes once in the Court building this morning and appeared almost naked in the court room. We responded with shouts and fists and greetings. When finally the judges entered the room - in all the unrest created it took almost an hour before the trial could start - we waited till everyone did sit down, and then stood up holding papers and shouting ("ears and blindfolds off", "shackles off", "trousers on", "stop torture" "all Stasis out"). Also Jose stood up and shouted that an end should be made with the torture, that 8 months of isolation is enough, that he could and would not take it anymore. The judge tried to neglect the protests and start the hearing, but immediately the lawyers asked again attention for the conditions of the prisoners and the excessive security measures, after which the judge decided to retreat for deliberation with the other judges, the public officer and the lawyers. It took a long time and finally it was decided that a doctor should come to examine Jose. Jose had complained already before the trial about headaches and pains in the heart but never was allowed to see a doctor. The rapport of the doctor was clear: Jose has heart problems and is suffering. But when asked if the prison conditions and the stress he is enduring during the trial could further harm him, he hided behind empty words, not daring to stand up against the judges. The judge then decided to decide tomorrow about the ´security' measures imposed on the prisoners. We do not want to wait till another of our comrades dies in custody. The situation of Jose is critical. The treatment of our imprisoned comrades is unacceptable. We do here what we can. But, please act now where you can, wherever you are. Some comrades in Aachen More detailed reports will follow, and can be read at: http://www.escapeintorebellion.info |