Prepared by SOA Watch, DC
School of the Americas Protesters Sentenced to Prison
COLUMBUS, GA -- Ten protesters received sentences of up to 12 months in prison today for their part in a November 1999 funeral procession onto Fort Benning property calling for the closure of the School of the Americas (SOA). Judge Hugh Lawson imposed the sentences today in the US District Court in Columbus, GA.
Congressional medal of winner Charles Liteky received the maximum sentence of 6 months in prison and a $5000 fine on each of two counts of trespassing for a total of 12 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Liteky stated, "I dedicate my time in prison to the victims of the SOA, living and dead. When I enter prison it will be as a prisoner of war, the war against the poor."
Sr. Megan Rice, who served a 6 month sentence for her part in a 1997 SOA protest, was sentenced to 6 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. She was taken immediately into custody. Seven others were sentenced to three months in prison and a $2,500 fine after stating that they would return to Fort Benning again and again until the SOA is closed. One defendant, who did agree that she would not return to the post was sentenced to 12 months of probation and $1,000 fine.
The School of the Americas, training ground for more than 60,000 Latin American military troops, has been under intense pressure to close its doors. Documented human rights abuses by its graduates have included the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero and the massacre of 900 civilians in the village of El Mozote. In response to criticism, the Pentagon has circulated a reform proposal that would re-name the school The Defense Institute for Hemispheric Security Cooperation but offer no substantive changes. By a narrow margin, the House voted to accept this proposal last month.
SOA critics call the changes cosmetic and contend that it is business as usual for the SOA. School of the Americas Watch staff have vowed to work harder than ever to close this School of Assassins.
The protesters were not deterred by the sentences and will return home to continue their anti-SOA organizing until ordered to report to federal prison. "These harsh sentences will only energize this movement and call forth in ever greater numbers," said Fr. Roy Bourgeois, co-director of SOA Watch.
List of Defendants follows. To schedule interviews contact SOA Watch at (706) 682-5369