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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 21. 5th September 1973

Rotting In Portugese Cells

Rotting In Portugese Cells

Photo of Jose Tavares Magro

Jose Tavares Magro, a 53-year-old form-[unclear: r] office worker, has been in prison [unclear: ontinually] since 1951. thereby earning [unclear: he] uncoverted distinction of being [unclear: Portgal's] longest serving political prisoner. He [unclear: was] originally accused of being a leading [unclear: member] of the Communist Party (which [unclear: does] not advocate violence, but only [unclear: ropaganda] and strike action) and served [unclear: six] years (1951-57) in prison. In May [unclear: 1959], he was arrested and convicted on [unclear: he] same charge for a further ten years. [unclear: In] December 1961 he escaped from the [unclear: axias] fortress prison, but was rearrested [unclear: by] the Pide (Security Police) in May [unclear: 1962]. He was sentenced to a term of im-[unclear: risonment] which would end in 1975, at which time he would commence Security Measures. (These are the result of a legal provision which enables a sentence to be prolonged by a decision of the Pide for from six months to three years, for an unlimited number of times. They are regarded, even in Portuguese government circles, as being of doubtful constitutional legitimacy.)

Photo of a man in prison

When there is a possibility of a prisoner being released he is first 'heard' (interviewed), and this is usually followed by a proposal for his release. Magro was 'heard' in January 1970, but, contrary to what normally happens, he was not released. This procedure, by raising hopes in the prisoners and their families of a forthcoming release, has had a serious detrimental effect on the prisoners' morale and mental condition.

At present it is understood that Magro is held in Caxias prison where he is suffering from serious physical and psychologies ill-health. He has, for many years, suffered from a duodenal ulcer, and in 1966 was so seriously ill that he was transferred from Peniche fortress prison to the Caxias prison hospital. The following reports indicate, however, that only the granting of a release from imprisonment would have any substantial beneficial effect on his health.

"Dr Mario Marques:—(Hospital S. Joao de Deus — the Caxias Prison Hospital). The patient was hospitalised suffering from acute depression accompanied by anxiety neurosis. His mental condition is accompanied by ulcers. These conditions are related to emotional conflicts, and I foresee no cure while he continues in prison."

"Dr Leao de Mirnada and another DGS doctor:— We are of the opinion that, in fact, while he remains in a stress situation which he undergoes in prison, it will be almost impossible to hope for total recovery."

In addition, most of the other members of the family have also spent periods in prison, on similar charges, or merely through association with him. His wife. Aide, has spent at least six years in prison, and for a number of years was not even allowed to see her husband. She spent some time in hiding from the Pide with her sister-in-law, who died during this period. The latter's husband. Pires Jorge, is also in prison.

As part of the Kelburn Group's efforts to secure the release of Jose Tavares Magro a petition is being circulated which calls on the Portuguese Government to grant his release, on medical, psychological and humanitarian grounds. It is available for signing at the Studass Office.