Monday, November 26, 2001
Valdir Miesnerovtz

Agricultural worker Cristiano José Batista da Silva continues to be held in the Caruaru Penitentiary in Pernambuco state. He was imprisoned on July 23rd for participating (along with hundreds of other workers) in an action that occurred that same day in Taquatinga do Norte, a city in the state's countryside.

After being imprisoned, Da Silva was tortured because he identified himself as leader of the MST. He was beaten and humiliated. He was later taken to the hospital where received medical treatment to keep him alive.

Accused of a robbery, Da Silva was denied parole by Idínio Oliveira de Araújo, District Judge of Taquatinga do Norte, in the Court of Justice and continues to be imprisoned.

So far no witnesses or testimony have been heard. Brazilian law states that if no witness or testimony is brought forward within 81 days, the accused is guaranteed freedom through parole. We assume that Da Silva's arrest, aside from being illegal, is being used to inhibit popular initiatives and uprisings, therefore serving as a punitive example of what will happen to anyone who mobilizes and rebels against hunger and the drought industry. This industry is used widely throughout the northeast of Brazil as an electoral machine.

Our Plea:

Please send messages demanding the immediate release of the agricultural worker Cristiano José Batista da Silva, in accordance with Brazilian constitutional law which grants him the right to be freed without testimony or evidence, which respects the principle of innocence until proven guilty through due process of law and legal defense. Beyond this, he has the right to demonstrate freely and fight for his survival.

Furthermore, we ask that responsible authorities set into motion public policies that combat hunger and misery. We also ask that true agrarian reform be implemented, the lack of which is responsible for the conflicts and suffering experienced by the majority of the Brazilian population.

Please send letters to:

Dr. Idínio Oliveira de Araújo
Juiz da Comarca de Taquatinga do Norte Judge
(District Judge of Taquatinga do Norte
Fax: 011 55 81 3733 1133

SOURCE: Human Rights Sector of the MST, MST Informa Urgente