López Rivera's release in 2017

Oscar López Rivera, a Puerto Rican nationalist, was imprisoned for nearly 36 years for his involvement in advocating for Puerto Rican independence and related activities. In 2017, after decades of campaigning and humanitarian appeals, he was granted a federal commutation by President Barack Obama, leading to his release. The decision recognized his long incarceration and the desire for clemency, highlighting ongoing debates about Puerto Rican independence and political prisoners. López Rivera’s release was viewed by supporters as a step toward justice and reconciliation, while critics debated its implications for law and sovereignty.