STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA ON OSCAR LÓPEZ RIVERA

"I vigorously applaud President Obama's decision to commute Puerto Rican Oscar López Rivera's sentence. López Rivera's has spent 35 years, of a 55 year sentence, behind bars as political prisoner for a non-violent crime - a sentence that is disproportionate to those received by many who have been convicted of violent crimes in our country. The reality is Mr. López Rivera believed in working to secure Puerto Rico's independence from the United State and has paid with 35 year of his life for that belief. Obama's decision to commute Mr. López Rivera's sentence is not only overdue, but the resolution of an injustice. As a Puerto Rican and an American, I commend the many activist who worked tirelessly to secure this commutation and President Obama for upholding the values of our country by taking this important step. I am looking forward to seeing Oscar back home in his beloved island.

Thank you again, Mr. President."