Artists protest government crackdowns worldwide
Artists in several countries are participating in a day of action to “defend people’s culture” and protest states that suppress artistic expression through intimidation and imprisonment. Today’s action in the Philippines comes just 16 days after the government released poet Ericson Acosta after he served almost two years in prison. FSRN’s Madonna Virola reports.
Poet Ericson Acosta was arrested by the military in 2011. He says he was interrogated, tortured, jailed and falsely charged with illegally possessing explosives. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice dropped charges against him.
Despite this victory, Renan Ortiz with Concerned Artists of the Philippines says freedom still remains elusive for many artists. His group is calling for the release of more than 400 political prisoners in the country, many of whom are cultural workers. Ortiz sites the case of film student Maricon Montajes, who was arrested in 2010 on firearms charges.
Today’s “Artists Break the Chains” concert here in Quezon City brought together more than 100 artists, cultural workers and their supporters. Similar actions were held by artists in Los Angeles, Canada, the Netherlands, the Palestinian Territories and Jordan. Madonna Virola, FSRN, Quezon City.
Artists in several countries are participating in a day of action to “defend people’s culture” and protest states that suppress artistic expression through intimidation and imprisonment. Today’s action in the Philippines comes just 16 days after the government released poet Ericson Acosta after he served almost two years in prison. FSRN’s Madonna Virola reports.
Poet Ericson Acosta was arrested by the military in 2011. He says he was interrogated, tortured, jailed and falsely charged with illegally possessing explosives. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice dropped charges against him.
Despite this victory, Renan Ortiz with Concerned Artists of the Philippines says freedom still remains elusive for many artists. His group is calling for the release of more than 400 political prisoners in the country, many of whom are cultural workers. Ortiz sites the case of film student Maricon Montajes, who was arrested in 2010 on firearms charges.
Today’s “Artists Break the Chains” concert here in Quezon City brought together more than 100 artists, cultural workers and their supporters. Similar actions were held by artists in Los Angeles, Canada, the Netherlands, the Palestinian Territories and Jordan. Madonna Virola, FSRN, Quezon City.
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