Biography
A Puerto Rican independence activist associated with the FALN, Matos was arrested in Evanston in April 1980 as part of a federal crackdown on the organization. He later received a 70‑year sentence for seditious conspiracy and related charges, a case that became closely tied to broader debates about Puerto Rican political imprisonment.
Matos and several co-defendants declared themselves prisoners of war and refused to participate in trial proceedings. He was released early in 1999 after accepting a clemency offer extended by President Bill Clinton. Adolfo Matos was one of 11 FALN members arrested on April 4, 1980 in Evanston, Illinois. He was convicted of seditious conspiracy in support of Puerto Rican independence. He served 19 years in federal prison before being released by President Clintons clemency on September 10, 1999.
Puerto Rican prisoner of war born September 18, 1950 in Lajas, Puerto Rico. Moved to New York City as a young man and later to Chicago; a skilled artist working in copper etchings of Puerto Rican historical figures. Captured April 4, 1980 in Evanston, Illinois with other FALN combatants. Sentenced to 70 years for seditious conspiracy. Held at multiple Illinois and federal prisons including Lompoc, California. Released September 10, 1999 by President Clinton's commutation.
