Another campaign for fundamental prisoner’s rights succeeded

The statement of International Red Aid announces the victory in the struggle for the seriously ill long-term prisoner María José Baños Andújar:

Our organised struggle has borne fruit. This morning, María José Baños Andújar was notified that she has been classified as a third-degree prisoner with conditional release and without any additional conditions, in accordance with Article 104.4 of the Prison Regulations. In the coming days, after the necessary bureaucratic procedures, she will be released and will finally receive the hospital care that her serious health condition requires.

As a result of this victory, her comrade Marcos Martín has decided to end the hunger strike he has been on for 16 days. Meanwhile, the other political prisoners who supported the campaign with weekly fasts are continuing their protest until they are finally released.

The State tried until the very end to use María José’s health as a bargaining chip. They offered her freedom in exchange for repentance, in exchange for renouncing her ideas. Her response was one of dignity: she preferred to risk her life rather than betray her militancy. María José has taught us a lesson that we must engrave in our minds: IDEAS ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE, THEY ARE DEFENDED TO THE ULTIMATE CONSEQUENCES.

This victory is the result of the tireless campaign by the solidarity movement: communiqués, demonstrations, phone calls, signatures from international jurists and constant pressure on the streets. To all the groups, organisations and individuals who raised their voices: THANK YOU. Your strength has brought the state to its knees.

Today we have won a battle. But there are still dozens of political prisoners, some serving monstrous sentences and in appalling conditions. May this victory give us the strength to continue. This victory reaffirms our path: organised struggle is the only way to achieve TOTAL AMNESTY.

UNITY, ORGANISATION AND STRUGGLE!

International Red Aid