ROMAN SUPPORT GROUP FOR SILVIA BARALDINI

I write to update you on the situation in the struggle for the return of Silvia Baraldini to Italy after the visit of Elisabeth Fink, her attorney.

Elisabeth Fink arrived in Italy at the end of September for a demonstration that took place in Rome with the participation of numerous and important personalities: (A.Cossutta, C.Ripa di Meana, G.Conso, G. Pisapia, P. Lombroso, V. Parlato, A. Curzi, L. Manisco). The event included a direct phone call from the jail cell of Silvia, numerous public appearances by Liz Fink explaining the initiatives on the part of TGL TG3, GRRAI, and different newspapers.

In the course of her trip beyond meetings and initiatives in other cities, Fink held an important meeting in Genoa in the room of the Provincial Counsel, where she made contacts with representatives of the Italian government.

To all, Fink has illustrated the new initiatives that will be undertaken for the return of Silvia, particularly the application for an appearance before the Parole Board, a body that has the ability to modify or reduce the sentence.

Naturally, besides the technical and juridical basis of the application, whether or not Silvia gets a favorable result from the Parole Board depends to a great extent upon the capacity of public and diplomatic pressure, above all from Italy.

Of great importance is the demand that the government of Italy send an authoritative representative to stand side by side with Silvia before the Parole Board. This demand has contributed to a renewed climate of attention from the public, average citizens again following the case, and renewed activity by local organizations and institutions. In the movement for the return of Silvia, has taken back the initiative and ordinary people are showing their support though public testimonials that Elizabeth Fink will take down upon her return in January, 1997.

This new initiative doesn't replace or take the place of the progress being made through the application by Silvia on the basis of the Strasbourg Convention . The fact that Italy has finally applied to the Counsel of Europe, under Article 23, represents an element of influence on the Parole Board and this is of significant importance.

In this sense the mobilization initiated a year ago that has seen the progress being made of the application made under Article 23, is still on course. I refer not only to our initiative but also to the motion before both branches of the parliament, the Camera and the Senate, which urges the Government of Italy to apply to the Counsel of Europe on behalf of Silvia.

The initiatives agreed upon with Elisabeth Fink to be undertaken from now until the end of the year, are oriented to following through with work around Article 23 and the appointment of a representative of the Italian Government to appear before the Parole Board.

A Campaign of pressure should be initiated that is directed to the Minister of Justice, Flick, in the form of thousands of postcards printed with a copy of the application mentioned above.

A public demonstration that shows the national character of the Committees (for the Return of Silvia) and the diverse groups in support of her cause should be held in Rome, December 10th on the birthday of Silvia and in respect of International Human Rights Day.

The participation of at thousands of people would create a direct and effective pressure on the two governments and a possibility of raising public awareness.

An other element of primary importance in this period is the raising of funds. Although we have been providing material support for Silvia over the years on a regular basis, today the opportunity to appear before the Parole Board presents an urgent need to support the legal expenses for Silvia on this particular initiative.

We are pleased with the response in Italy in regard to the sale of the videocassette "SILVIA MUST RETURN -- MUMIA MUST LIVE1" that we have produced together with IL Manifesto. The ten thousand lira for each cassette goes entirely to the legal expenses of Silvia and Mumia (the journalist and militant Afro-American condemned to death for a murder). Helping a great deal on the sale of this tape, has been the inclusion of music from two militant rap groups who have dedicated two pieces to Silvia as well as material for the documentary portion of the tape.

In addition to "IL Manifesto", the tape can be obtained directly from us as well as T-shirts and posters. Any of this material can be sold to raise money for the legal battle. In addition we have the permanent postcard campaign with postcards being sent to Silvia so that the jailers know the world hasn't forgotten her.

The next weeks and months will be significant with auspicious initiatives before the Italian Government, the elections in the United States. That why each effort is important...especially since we are able to talk directly to Silvia each month and report to her what has happened...which is very important for keeping up her morale.

In expectation of a prompt reply and the return of possible suggestions, I at the same time salute you,

You are also invited to write to Silvia soon.

GIANNI TROIANI

for the National Coordinating Committee for Silvia Baraldini

Rome, October 6, 1996