SUPPORT OUR COMRADES. ORGANISE AND JOIN THE ACTIONS! DEFENDING YOR LABOUR RIGHTS IS NOT A CRIME!
We have just learnt of the latest decision regarding the sentences of our 6 comrades. As such, CNT cannot remain silent.
The judge seeing the case has refused to rule out an effective prison term. That is, not only our comrades were found guilty (of defending their rights) and sentenced, but of all the possible sanctions contemplated by the law, a prison term (the harshest) is now very much on the cards. The judge was asked to rule out this extreme sanction, even by the prosecutor himself, but he has refused to do so. That means that he could order our comrades to be locked up in a cell any time now.
We therefore vow to keep supporting our six comrades in all circumstances and oppose this decision, clearly aimed at stifling direct action, our most distinctive characteristic as anarcho-syndicalists.
Meanwhile, a pardon request was filed a few weeks ago, which was backed by many unions nationwide. We are very grateful for the support of CCOO, CGT, CI (Intersindical), Clase Trabayadora, CSI, CSO, CIT AUX SAD, CUT, ELA, ESK, ISA, SAT, SO, SUATEA, UGT and USO, that have endorsed the petition.
The 6 comrades are not alone and will never be. From taking an interest in the case and following it closely, to the solidarity displayed in all the many rallies and demos carried out through this lengthy process (eight years), the endorsement of statements or the international pickets, all have built up support for the comrades. Certainly, by the members of CNT and ICL, but also by all those attending the rallies regardless of flags or colours. By all those who believe that the only way to defend our rights is to stand up for them and fight. Every day, more and more comrades join the fray and open their eyes to the repression exercised in many areas of society.
In coordination with trade unions, entities, associations and individuals, we will continue to exercise all possible avenues to avoid our comrades being sent to prison. Because let’s not forget it, we want us free, not in cells or in chains.
At the same time, a massive, united rally has been called for the 29th of June in Xixón, Asturies, to protest this decision and the overall repression that the trade union movement is facing. As many of us as possible will attend the demonstration to show our solidarity. However, we understand that on the international level it can be very difficult to organise similar events. That does not mean that you support cannot be shown from abroad. Indeed, we do believe that all individuals, sections of ICL and unions in general can contribute. To do this, you can help by just raising awareness of the situation or by sending photographs or short videos with solidarity messages to the email address of our international Secretariat: sec_exteriores@cnt.es. CNT will share them as widely as possible. Likewise, any similar post on social media that we receive on our official accounts.
To help you display your solidarity, here’s a link to the original statement (in Spanish): Comunicado contra la denegación de la suspensión de la pena de Las 6 de La Suiza – Confederación Nacional del Trabajo. Other links to download the rally’s flyer and the campaign’s leaflet will be shared as soon as their English translations are ready.
Thank you in advance for your support. Let’s keep up the fight, for them and for all of us!
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