From: nyxfer%panix.com@MIZZOU1.missouri.edu (N.Y. Transfer)
Subject: NEWS:Protests Vs 9/24 Texas Execution/WW
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: daemon@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
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Resent-From: "Rich Winkel" <MATHRICH@MIZZOU1.missouri.edu>
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1992 21:45:55 GMT



Via The NY Transfer News Service ~ All the News that Doesn't Fit

              "Don't let Texas kill an innocent man"

                         By Gloria Rubac
                             Houston

September has been designated a month of continuous protest on
behalf of Ricardo Aldape Guerra. Alvaro Luna Hernandez, national
coordinator of Aldape Guerra's defense committee, is asking
committees and support groups all over the state "to plan
protests in their areas to demand freedom for Ricardo. We must
not permit the state of Texas to kill an innocent man."

Aldape Guerra, a citizen of Monterrey, Mexico, has been
incarcerated on Texas' death row for 10 years after being
convicted of killing a Houston cop in 1982. His supporters argue
that the trial was a racist sham and his case has become a
rallying point for Mexicanos on both sides of the border.

His execution is scheduled for Sept. 24, although supporters hope
a stay of execution will be granted because the trial court has
not ruled on his writ of habeas corpus.

The defense committee has issued a call for an International
March and Unity Rally in Houston on Sept. 19, beginning 9 a.m. at
Miguel Hildago Park. The rally will be held in Mason Park with
speakers, music and a ballet folklorico.

The committee is also planning a demonstration in front of the
Criminal Court House from 11-1 p.m. on Sept. 16, at 301 San
Jacinto Street. They will be demanding Aldape Guerra's freedom
and that Judge Woody Denson grant the pending writ.

Mexicanos on death row

Another Mexicano believed by many to be innocent is also
scheduled for execution in September. Irineo Montoya's death is
set for Sept. 17. He just recently got an attorney and has many
legal channels left. However, Texas has killed others who still
had appeals pending.

Montoya says he was coerced into signing a confession by
Brownsville police in 1985. He is hoping to get a fair hearing
this time in court.

Eight Mexican nationals sit on death row in Texas. Nine men have
already been executed this year and 51 since the death penalty
was reinstated and executions began in 1982. Altogether, 362
people are awaiting execution, the most of any state.

It has been proven in many court cases that the criminal justice
system in this state is racist and more interested in locking
people up than in justice. Montoya and Guerra are seen on both
sides of the border as victims of this unjust system.

                               -30-

(Copyright Workers World Service: Permission to reprint granted
if source is cited. For more info contact Workers World,46 W. 21
St., New York, NY 10010; "workers@igc.apc.org".)

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