Rep. Brosas urges release of political prisoners over COVID-19 risks

Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas urged the government to release political prisoners on humanitarian grounds due to their vulnerability to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brosas highlighted that human rights defenders imprisoned on fabricated charges face significant health risks, especially pregnant detainees like Reina Mae Nacino and elderly individuals with ailments like Moreta and her husband.

She emphasized that international human rights law obligates the government to ensure the welfare of political prisoners.

The congresswoman called for an omnibus amnesty and the urgent release of all political prisoners, citing the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in detention facilities that hinder social distancing and self-quarantine measures.

Human rights group Karapatan echoed this call, specifically advocating for the release of elderly, pregnant, and those with serious medical conditions among political detainees.