5,000 Protest Vieques Trespassers’ Jail Terms
Thousands of people opposed to the Navy using a Puerto Rican island as a target range gathered outside a prison in Guaynabo where 38 people are being held for trespassing during recent military exercises.
Police said at least 5,000 people gathered to hear speakers such as Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.), who said, “This is an American issue, and we’re going to solve it.”
The 38 inmates are serving sentences ranging from 40 days to four months. Critics say the terms are too harsh for the misdemeanor charge.
Opposition grew to the Navy’s use of Vieques after a guard was killed by two off-target bombs in 1999.
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