SOLIDARITY OF THE GAPPA WITH NUNO DALA

Support Group for Angolan Political Prisoners

(GAPPA)

Press Release

1.       It is with great concern and profound indignation that GAPPA is accompanying the health of Activist and University Professor, Dr. Nuno Dala, who was arrested on June 20, 2015 and was included as one of the accused in the case of the "15 + 2".

2.       The activist, previously under house arrest, was unjustly sent to jail for having missed a meeting. This was due to health reasons. The present situation has aggravated his ill health as he has been subjected to mistreatment. He has multiple problems: severe blood and urinary tract infections as well as gastritis. Dala is diabetic and has been prevented from the provision of proper treatment.

3.       It must be noted that the Activist and University Professor Dr. Nuno Dala, has been on a hunger strike since the 10th of March this year, making this Good Friday, the 15th day of his strike. Dala went on a hunger strike not only in order to assert his claim to get back the assets taken from him by the police more than nine months ago, assets such as money and his bank cards, but also due to the fact that he is without adequate medical care for his diabetes.

4.       GAPPA was informed that the activist’s life is at risk, his health situation is precarious and he can succumb at any time. It is unbelievable that in a context of grief where more than 500 people a day die, and this, only in Luanda, at state level, yet another death is being consciously promoted. Similarly, the youngest prisoner, Nito Alves, is suffering from severe diarrhoea, a high fever and low blood pressure. He was simply given "paracetamol" after friends put on the pressure.

Therefore GAPPA:

1.       Requires the competent authorities of the Angolan State, in compliance with the constitutional obligation of the Right to Life, to return the pilfered goods to Nuno Dala and to offer him the appropriate health care at a decent hospital. GAPPA demands the immediate transfer of Nito Alves to the São Paulo prison hospital.

2.       Fully supports the vigil scheduled for March 25 and 26 for the Liberation of Nuno Dala, at the Sagrada Familia church, encouraging the organizers to maintain their firm solidarity and appealing to all those citizens who are committed to Life to join in the vigil. GAPPA warns the repressive forces to respect the right of the Angolan citizens to show their solidarity.

3.       Places the full responsibility on the Executive and on the Judicial system responsible for the judgment of the 15 for any and all of the consequences that may result from the current hunger strike situation.

Luanda, March 25, 2016

Signing this statement from GAPPA:  John Malavindele; Rafael Morais; Filomeno Vieira Lopes; José Patrocínio; Father Raul Tati; Padre Pio Wacussuma; João Baruba.

The OMUNGA ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS THIS PRESS RELEASE

A DEMOCRATIC STATE DOES NOT HAVE POLITICAL PRISONERS