Political prisoners magazine

Political prisoners magazine

By Mike Heaney

MELBOURNE — A new magazine, Voices of Political Prisoners, was launched here last month at a benefit dinner for the International Coalition for the Defence of Political Prisoners.

Activists from Third World solidarity movements, prisoner support groups and socialist parties attended to show their support.

An editorial in the first issue explains the purpose of Voices: "The Coalition seeks to use this newsletter as a forum in which to report on issues of political struggles in various countries and the repressive responses ... which attempt to crush activism and stifle opposition. Mass media coverage will often portray political prisoners in simplistic terms, as either terrorists or criminals. This can often be the result of their inability to obtain information regarding political prisoners from repressive societies and governments. Voices with its broad information base seeks to remedy this situation."

For copies, or to contribute to Voices, contact ICDPP, 24 Napier St, Fitzroy 3065.

From GLW issue 7