Dear Editor
I was horrified to read your story describing how 50-year-old Maria de Lurdes Rodrigues has been jailed for three years for calling various judges and officials corrupt. I realise there must be a lot more behind this story, but the mere fact that a woman felt desperately enough to continue a fight against authorities that papers like yourselves frequently show to be corrupt, speaks volumes. She must have had good reason. And if she is mentally unhinged, as I think has been suggested by the authorities which have since decided to jail her, then prison is the wrong place for her altogether.
Since you wrote your story, I have seen a petition raised. It is rapidly gathering signatures. Anyone who feels strongly about freedom of expression should read-up on this case (Google translate will help) and sign the petition: http://peticaopublica.com/pview.aspx?pi=PT83315
Janet Doody
By email
