On the Day of Imprisoned Writers, former Bayan Muna Congressman Neri Colmenares called for the immediate release of writer and peasant organizer Amanda Echanis, who has been unjustly detained for nearly four years on fabricated charges.
“The continued detention of Amanda Echanis represents the state’s systematic persecution of progressive writers and cultural workers who dare speak truth to power. Her imprisonment, along with the killing of Ericson Acosta and many others, shows how the state weaponizes the legal system to silence critical voices,” Colmenares, who is also the first nominee of Bayan Muna
“Malinaw na gawa-gawa lamang ang mga kasong isinampa laban kay Amanda. Katulad ng nangyari sa kanyang ama, ginamit ang pekeng mga ebidensya at hindi makatwirang mga kaso upang ikulong ang isang manunulat at aktibista na nagsusulong ng karapatan ng mga magsasaka,” he added.
The former legislator emphasized how Echanis continues to write and create despite her unjust detention, recently publishing “Binhi ng Paglaya” and participating in translation projects.
“Amanda’s unwavering commitment to her craft even behind bars shows the power of the written word in the face of persecution. Her works are seeds of liberation indeed – ‘binhi ng paglaya’ – that will continue to inspire generations of writers and activists,” Colmenares stated.
“We demand the immediate release of Amanda Echanis and all political prisoners. Stop the attacks on writers, artists, and cultural workers! End the practice of red-tagging and filing of trumped-up charges against activists!” he concluded.#
