GABRIELA USA Statement on the Court of Appeals conviction of Pemberton for killing Jennifer Laude
Reference: Irma Shauf-Bajar, Chairperson GABRIELA USA, gabrielawomen@gmail.com
GABRIELA USA welcomes the Philippines Court of Appeals decision to uphold the conviction of U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton. Jennifer Laude, a 26 year-old trans Filipina was brutally killed by Pemberton, a U.S. Marine in 2014. A victim of militarization, justice for Jennifer remained delayed as Pemberton has been given special treatment under onerous provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and remained in U.S. custody. The VFA, perpetuates a culture of violence and interferes with Philippine sovereignty by allowing special treatment for U.S. troops as well as hindering the Philippines court justice system.
Jennifer Laude’s death remains a pivotal example of the continuous atrocities inflicted on the Filipino people as their dignity remains secondary to the needs of the U.S. under unequal defense agreements such as the VFA and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). With the decision to uphold the conviction of Pemberton, GABRIELA USA demands that more concrete be taken to uphold the national sovereignty of the Philippines as well as end the unequal defense treaties which continue the culture of violence against women and the Filipino people.
GABRIELA USA continues to extend our sympathies to Jennifer’s family, and honor the lives of all trans people who have fallen victim to a system that does not value trans lives and perpetuates a culture of violence. While state violence and repression continues in our communities, we must RISE against anti-trans violence, RESIST the militarization of our communities, and UNITE for the liberation, safety , and self-determination for all women.
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