Manley blasts apartheid regime

 Prime Minister Michael Manley strongly condemned South Africa’s apartheid system on Solidarity Day, October 11, 1975, denouncing its “odious and inhuman practices” and the ruthless repression of black leaders and freedom fighters. Reaffirming Jamaica’s unwavering support for political prisoners, he declared the nation’s solidarity with their “just and heroic struggle” and pledged continued commitment to the campaign for their unconditional amnesty.

Published Saturday, October 11, 1975

Today is Solidarity Day

Manley reaffirms Jamaica’s support

With political prisoners in South Africa

JAMAICA JOINS with many other countries throughout the world today in observing the Day of Solidarity with political prisoners in South Africa.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs, the Hon Michael Manley, said that Jamaica was fully aware of the “odious and inhuman practices” under the system of apartheid, reaffirmed its solidarity with the political prisoners in South Africa, and restated its continuing commitment to the campaign for their unconditional amnesty.

The statement said:
“Today, October 11, is being observed by many countries throughout the world as the Day of Solidarity with political prisoners in South Africa. All those who believe in human rights will be reaffirming their support for the struggle for freedom in South Africa.
“We, in Jamaica, are fully aware of the odious and inhuman practices under the system of apartheid and the ruthless repression conducted by the racist South African regime against the indigenous and non-white people and all those who reject and resist apartheid.

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“Over the years, many of the fighters against apartheid have been executed and thousands imprisoned. Hundreds of people have been subjected to arbitrary and cruel persecution, including many former political prisoners, wives of prisoners, students, trade union leaders, and churchmen.
“In the past year, there is every indication that the racist regime has widened the net of repression. Many black leaders have been arrested and held in detention under the notorious Terrorism Act.

“We recognise that these people are the genuine representatives of the great majority of the people of South Africa. They have suffered long years of imprisonment, restrictions, and exile because of their natural desire for elementary justice and their commitment to the principles embodied in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“We continue to uphold the cause of these men and women who have been subjected to persecution because of their commitment to freedom and equality in their country.
“Today, Jamaica reaffirms her solidarity with the political prisoners in South Africa, recognising their just and heroic struggle against the racist system of apartheid, and restates our continuing commitment to the campaign for their unconditional amnesty.”

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