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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider LGBT groups slam Pemberton's early release

LGBT groups slam Pemberton's early release

Published Sep 3, 2020 09:46 am

Various LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) groups have condemned the court order which allows the early release of United States Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton who was convicted d of killing transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.

This 2015 file photo shows protesters rallying in front of Camp Aguinaldo in Manila in 2015 during the trial of US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton (AFP / JAY DIRECTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement, Bahaghari described Pemberton's release as “two-pronged.”

“It represents the unfettered injustice the LGBTQ+ community continues to face, and moreover, the Philippine government’s continued submission to US imperialism. Justice for Jennifer cannot exist without both being decisively ended,” the group said.

The group also asserted that Pemberton be jailed at the National Bilibid Prison, “where convicted criminals in the Philippines belong.”

“We assert that the Visiting Forces Agreement, which has exacerbated injustice for Jennifer Laude to the greatest extent, must be finally abolished,” the group added.

The group then called for justice for Laude, all victims of hate crimes and gender-based killings, and victims of imperialism.

Lagablab LGBT Network, for its part, said Pemberton's release is “another injustice” to Laude’s memory, family, and the country.

“Pemberton has served only six years of his 10-year sentence. Our sister, Jennifer Laude, suffered a most violent and gruesome death under the hands of Pemberton,” Lagalab said.

“Jennifer’s life is not worth six years of solo and comfortable stay in Camp Aguinaldo,” they added.

The Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74, in its order dated Sept. 1, ordered the release of Pemberton through the Good Conduct and Time Allowance (GCTA).

A motion for reconsideration to “set aside” the Olongapo court’s order to release Pemberton has also been filed by Jennifer's sister, Marilou Laude-Mahait, through their family lawyer Virginia Lacsa Suarez, on Wednesday.

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