Delft Anti-Eviction Campaign Press Statement
9 October, 2008 – For Immediate Release

A few days ago, Jerome Daniels and Riedwaan Issacs were released parole after their lawyer lodged an appeal to the ruling of Magistrate Van Graan. Jerome and Riedwaan, who have been serving their sentences in Polsmoor and Goodwood prisons, where sentenced by Van Graan who argued that he needed to hold the defendants responsible even if they were not present during the incident and that he furthermore needed to “teach the Anti-Eviction Campaign a lesson”.

The AEC maintains that the ruling is both politically motivated and an attempt discourage poor South Africans from participating in social movements such as the Anti-Eviction Campaign. Residents of Symphony Way have stated that “if the justice system was fair, the Magistrate would never have sentenced Jerome and Wanie in what his judgment stated was in the interest of the community. Because if you ask anyone in our community, the judgment meant that we had lost two of our most tireless community workers. This was obviously not in our interest.”

AEC members went to welcome the political prisoners back home when they arrived out of prison. On their arrival, Jerome and Wanie thanked the Anti-Eviction Campaign and all the residents of Delft and Symphony Way who have continued to be there to support them. They said that they appreciated the petitions and pledges of solidarity from people all over the world.

Jerome also said that, though terrifying at first, the sentence was “a breeze” because he knew he had the backing of his wife, his children, and the community. They both said that the time in jail only made them stronger and they vowed to continue to fight against the continued oppression of their communities.

Unfortunately, Jerome and Wanie were not able to comment because the conditions of their parole preclude them from discussing the case. The AEC would also like to point out that, in addition to normal terms, their parole (in a political below the belt punch) prohibits them from working, in any way, shape, or form, with the Anti-Eviction Campaign.

For comment, call Ashraf at 076 1861408 or Auntie Jane at 078 4031302

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For more, please visit the website of the Western Cape Anti-Eviction Campaign at:
www.antieviction.org.za
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