Imigrantes
Grupo Amigos de Olivença Challenge to Spanish Authorities
"Personas Non Gratas" 'Statute'
Following the Lisbon judicial court's ruling to suspend the Portuguese
government's decision to hand over the work of rebuilding the Manueline
Ajuda bridge across the Guadiana, the "alcalde" of Olivença, Ramón
Rocha Maqueda reacted angrily by declaring the members of the Grupo dos Amigos de
Olivença "Personas Non Gratas".
Having considered this decision as "ridiculous, if it were not for reasons,
more serious and which had not been brought to public awareness" a number of
G.A.O. members will make their challenge on Tuesday, 7 August at 11AM by being
present near to the seat of power of the local administrative centre. By acting
in this way, the organization seeks to emphasize "the indestructable link to
that part of national territory and to show that it will not give up under any
circumstances, the exercise of their rights as citizens."
| 
