More Than 4,000 Files Illegally Tracking Puerto Rican Independence Sympathizers Publicly Available

Jul 21, 2015
9:19 AM

Puerto Rico’s Instituto de Cultural Puertorriqueña (Institute of Puerto Rican Culture) issued a press release announcing the following (our translation): “Over 4,000 files illegally created by the Intelligence Division of Puerto Rico’s Police against thousands of citizens sympathetic to Puerto Rico’s independence from the 1950s though the 1980s are now available for public viewing in Puerto Rico’s General Archives. (AGPR).” According to the release, anyone interested in these documents can visit the AGPR and in addition, can even copy them, after making a formal request.

(Via the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña)

(Via the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña)

Jorge Irizarry Vizcarrondo, the Institute’s Executive Director, said the following about these files (our translation):

The accessibility of these files makes it possible for the necessary investigation and study of one of the darkest moments we experienced in Puerto Rico. The illicit and violent act to create files —the political persecution it implies— divided entire families, communities and destroyed places of learning and workplaces. The investigation and access to this information should give us the tools to fully understand what happened and its implications. Only then can we move forward and put this matter into its proper historical perspective.

Those interested in the files (a listing was made public and is published below), can call 787-725-1060 ext. 2022. The AGPR is open from 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday–Saturday.

Listing of Files on Puerto Ricans Illegally Tracked