Monday, December 2, 2013

Join Us for Albert Woodfox's Fifth Circuit Court Hearing in New Orleans on Tuesday, January 7th (A3 Newsletter)

Please sign the Amnesty International petition demanding Albert's release!

Over the holiday, we learned that 2014 will begin with the final courtroom chapter of Albert Woodfox's current struggle to finalize Judge Brady's 2013 ruling which overturned his conviction for a third time based on a finding of racial discrimination in the selection of the grand jury foreperson.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Azadeh Zohrabi on CA Hunger Strikers, Solitary Confinement, and Herman Wallace

(Stayed tuned for footage of Robert King, speaking after Zohrabi, and the Q and A session afterwards.) 





Azadeh Zohrabi has almost 10 years of experience visiting and advocating for people in California’s prisons. During this time, she has worked on a range of issues including improving the conditions of confinement for pregnant women and limiting the use of solitary confinement in both juvenile and adult institutions.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

A3 Newsletter: Winning in the Court of Public Opinion (w/ info on Nov. 8, SF Robert King event, Albert Woodfox's Nov 13 hearing and more)

COVERAGE OF ALBERT'S HEARING:  Times-Picayune articles by Lauren McGaughy (before and after the hearing) and Jasmine Heiss of Amnesty International
(Outside the Supreme Court in New Orleans)

As the week of Herman's release, reindictment and death clearly illustrated, the most important battle IS in the court of public opinion. We resonated with the words of Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow in response to the Federal Courts reversal of a positive ruling on Stop and Frisk. As with Stop and Frisk, public consensus is key in the struggle to abolish solitary confinement and like Stop and Frisk, public consensus on solitary confinement is shifting in a major way.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Photos from press conference and delivery of petition to free Albert Woodfox, at Louisiana State Capitol, Oct.21

MEDIA COVERAGE:  Times-Picayune  II  The Advocate  II  The Republic / AP  II  KBOO Radio interviews Robert H King

Robert H King speaks outside LA State Capitol
(View more photos below)

Click on image above to read the statement of support from LA State Rep. Patricia Smith

Congressman Cedric Richmond's statement for October 21:

“I am firm in my resolve to continue the fight to address the horrors of long term solitary confinement in a meaningful way. The plight of the Angola 3 has shined a disinfecting light on this terrible, unconstitutional practice of indefinite solitary confinement without meaningful due process reviews. This past summer, I joined the prominent Ranking Members of the Full House Judiciary Committee and relevant subcommittee Ranking Members in asking the Department of Justice to examine the practice in its use in Louisiana jails. We are continuing to monitor the situation and promise all of you assembled today that the sacrifices of the Angola 3 will not be in vain. We will continue to fight to ensure that prisoners are dealt with in a manner that is consistent with the constitution and I am currently exploring transformative legislation on this very topic. I look forward to partnering with you all to ensure that this story is told and will use my position on the House Judiciary Committee to make certain that we serve the interests of justice. Thank you all for your hard work on this issue and please know that my office stands as a resource to those fighting for justice.”


Photos from the second line for Herman Wallace, New Orleans, Oct. 19

View more photos here.


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Sign Amnesty Intl Petition to Release Albert Woodfox Immediately; To be hand delivered at Louisiana State Capitol on Oct. 21

Please sign the Amnesty International petition to release Albert Woodfox here!

(FLYER: Join Amnesty and the A3 Coalition on Oct. 19 in New Orleans and Oct. 21 at the Capitol in Baton Rouge)

Amnesty International has launched a new campaign demanding Albert Woodfox's immediate release from prison (featured below), declaring that "Herman died a free man. Let's help Albert live as one." Indeed, it is now its up to us to continue Herman Wallace's fight for justice. We must do everything we can to have Albert released from prison as soon as possible.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Turning Grief Into Strength; Oct. 12 Memorial Service in NOLA

HONORING HERMAN:  Tribute made to by US Congressmen Conyers, Richmond, and Scott  II  Mural and Banner in North Carolina  II  Mumia Abu-Jamal's Message for Herman's Memorial

Herman Wallace, RIP
Sunrise: October 13, 1941
Sunset: October 4, 2013

What an unbelievable, surreal, momentous, and historic week it has been with Herman's amazing release after 42 years, the State's vindictive last ditch attempt of a reindictment, and his passing. This, all in a period of days. His family and friends are still in a whirlwind.

UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Demands the Release of Albert Woodfox from Solitary Confinement

MEDIA COVERAGE:  The Advocate  II  Times-Picayune  II  Al Jazeera  II  Washington Post / Associated Press  II  UPI  II  Amnesty International: “We now need to focus on the fact that after all this time Albert Woodfox is still being held in solitary confinement. This must end immediately.”

Reprinted below is a new statement released today by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, demanding Albert Woodfox's immediate released from solitary confinement.
 US: “Four decades in solitary confinement can only be described as torture” – UN rights expert


GENEVA (7 October 2013) РThe United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Juan E. M̩ndez, today called on the United States to immediately end the indefinite solitary confinement imposed on Albert Woodfox since 1972.

Friday, October 4, 2013

The "Muhammad Ali of the Criminal Justice System" Passes On

--Special thanks to PBS, who is currently honoring Herman by streaming the film Herman's House. Watch the full movie here.

MEDIA COVERAGE:  NY Times  II  Amnesty International  II  Times-Picayune  II  The Advocate  II  ABC  II  Melissa Harris-Perry, MSNBC  II  NBC  II  The Independent, UK  II  UPI  II  Common Dreams  II Toronto Sun / Reuters  II   Associated Press: NY Daily News , Memphis Commercial Appeal , Windsor Star  II  ACLU   II  All Voices  II  NPR   II  El Ciudadano, Chile  II  Voice of Russia interviews Solitary Watch  II  The China Post / AFP  II  Scott Crow  II  Facing South  II  Slate  II  Arab News  II  Jaan Laaman / Prison Radio  II  National Catholic Reporter  II  Los Angeles Times  II  Counterpunch  II  Policy Mic   II  Angela A. Allen-Bell on Reel Talk Radio (featuring Michelle Alexander on A3 at 14:50 into show)  II  The Militant   


This morning we lost without a doubt the biggest, bravest, and brashest personality in the political prisoner world.  It is with great sadness that we write with the news of Herman Wallace's passing.

Herman never did anything half way.  He embraced his many quests and adventures in life with a tenacious gusto and fearless determination that will absolutely never be rivaled.  He was exceptionally loyal and loving to those he considered friends, and always went out of his way to stand up for those causes and individuals in need of a strong voice or fierce advocate, no matter the consequences.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

West Feliciana District Attorney Says Herman Wallace Has Been Reindicted

(Herman Wallace, in ambulance after his release.)
In an article published this evening, Lauren McGaughy of the Times-Picayune cites an announcement by West Feliciana District Attorney Samuel D’Aquilla, that a grand jury has reindicted Wallace. McGaughy writes further that:

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Free At Last! Herman Wallace Has Finally Been Released

--Special thanks to PBS, who is currently honoring Herman by streaming the new film Herman's House, which you can watch, in full, here.



MEDIA COVERAGE:  Oct. 2 episode of Democracy Now (embedded above) and Amy Goodman's Truthdig column  II  BBC News Magazine  II Steven Hawkins, Amnesty International II  NY Times  II  NY Times editorial  II  CNN  II  Times-Picayune (with photos of Herman's release)  II  The Advocate  II NBC  II  ABC / AP  II  South China Morning Post / AFP  II NY Daily News / Reuters  II  Huffington Post Live TV (w/ Robert King)  II WAFB CBS News Baton Rouge (video)  II  CBS National News  II  UPI  II  Catholic Online (w/ WGNO ABC video of Herman's arrival at LSU)  II  The Independent, UK  II  Medical Daily  II  France 24  II  Atlanta Black Star  II  Le Monde, France  II  Oregon Public Broadcasting / NPR  II  Fire Dog Lake  II  Daily Star, UK  II   The Scotsman  II  The Guardian  II  Die Welt, Germany  II  Mumia Abu-Jamal  II  Common Dreams 
(Herman upon release, on route to the LSU hospital. 
You can click on the photo above to enlarge.)
--View A3 Coalition photos from Herman's release at Flickr and Indybay. and a video of his arrival at the LSU hospital.

After a long, dramatic day, we are humbled to report that the indomitable, irrepressible Herman Wallace has just been released after spending over 4 decades in solitary confinement.

UPDATE: Judge Jackson Denies State's Request for a Stay and Issues Second Order for Herman Wallace's Immediate Release

UPDATE:  At the end of the day, Herman was finally released! 


MEDIA COVERAGE:  Times Picayune--Herman Wallace must be released immediately or state will face contempt charge, judge rules  II  CNN 

After this morning's bombshell ruling by Judge Jackson overturning Herman's conviction and ordering his immediate release, his legal team has spent the day trying to convince Louisiana officials to do as the Court requires and let him go free.

Herman Wallace's Conviction Overturned and Immediate Release Ordered!

UPDATE: The Guardian reports that Louisiana is refusing to release Herman Wallace from prison despite today's court order. However, Judge Jackson has now responded with a second order to immediately release him, explicitly saying that State authorities will be in contempt of court if they do not comply. At the end of the day, Herman was finally released!



MEDIA COVERAGE:  Amnesty International  II  Solitary Watch  II  The Atlantic  II  The Advocate  II  The Times-Picayune  II  NOLA Defender  II  BBC  II  SF Chronicle / Associated Press  II  Think Progress  II  Democracy Now  II  News One  II  UK Telegraph / AFP  II  UK Daily Mail  II  UPI   II  teleSUR (in Spanish)  II  Radio New Zealand

--Read today's court ruling here

(Statement written by the International Coalition to Free the Angola 3)

Miraculous news this morning! Judge Brian A. Jackson, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, has overturned Herman's conviction, granting him full habeas relief based on the systematic exclusion of women from the jury in violation of the 14th Amendment.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Please Join Us at Albert Woodfox's Court Hearing on Sept. 17

News Coverage by Times Picayune:  "Hearing to block strip, cavity searches of Angola 3 inmate delayed"

Although our hearts and minds are all preoccupied with Herman right now, in late August, the A3 civil case legal team filed a TRO to stop the now routine strip searches Albert has had to endure since March (view the legal filing here).

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Fighting Spirit: A Message from Herman Wallace

Times Picayune: Federal Magistrate rules against Herman Wallace's writ of habeas corpus petition

PLEASE TAKE ACTION: Demand Humane Release for Herman! USA, UK, France, Belgium, and elsewhere

On Saturday
. August 31st, I was transferred to LSU Hospital for evaluation. I was informed that the chemo treatments had failed and were making matters worse and so all treatment came to an end. The oncologists advised that nothing can be done for me medically within the standard care that they are authorized to provide. They recommended that I be admitted to hospice care to make my remaining days as comfortable as possible. I have been given 2 months to live.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Bail request filed by Herman Wallace's legal team

(Recent photo of Herman Wallace)

On the evening of August 20, the Angola 3 legal team filed a request for bail in Herman's habeas case.  This comes only days BEFORE a recommendation is expected from the Magistrate Judge reviewing the case.  Judge Jackson has the authority to issue bail at any time while the case is under consideration, but especially when the facts are compelling and failure to release on bail could "leave the petitioner without remedy." 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Torture by Design: Saying No to the Architecture of Solitary Confinement and Cruelty --An interview with Raphael Sperry

UPDATE: The ADPSR has ruled against the request by Sperry and the AIA to condemn the architecture of torture


Torture by Design: Saying No to the Architecture of Solitary Confinement and Cruelty
--An interview with Raphael Sperry


By Angola 3 News

Friday, August 16 marked the 40th consecutive day of a multi-ethnic statewide prisoner hunger strike initiated from inside the Security Housing Unit (SHU) of California's Pelican Bay State Prison. When the strike first began on July 8, the 'California Department of Corrections and Reform' (CDCR) reported 30,000 participants statewide, which the Los Angeles Times wrote "could be the largest prison protest in state history." In response, the hunger strikers have been shown support from around the world (watch our videos from Oakland, CA).

This week, as the striking prisoners' health continued to worsen, the families of prisoners and supporters gathered on the steps of the State Capitol building in Sacramento, and over 120 health professionals called "upon Governor Jerry Brown and Jeffrey Beard, Secretary of the CDCR, to immediately enter into good-faith negotiations with the prisoner representatives, and to respond to their demands, in order to end this crisis before lives are lost."

Monday, August 5, 2013

A3 Newsletter: On a Move, But the Struggle Continues

(Published by the International Coalition to Free the Angola 3, on August 5, 2013)

On July 12, Louisiana's Hunt prison reduced Herman Wallace's classification from maximum to medium security and transferred him out of solitary confinement into a 10-bunk dorm inside the prison hospital, where he has access to a day room, and does not have to wear leg irons.

While celebrating the more humane conditions, we emphasize that the transfer from solitary is not enough and we are asking folks to continue supporting Amnesty International's call for compassionate release. If you have not yet done so, please take action here.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

VIDEOS: Oakland protest supporting CA prisoner hunger strike (featuring Danny Murillo, Janetta Louise Johnson and Paige Kumm)

RELATED:  Solidarity from Chiapas, Mexico and in Berlin, Germany (read writeup and watch video)




At lunchtime on Wednesday July 31, Frank Ogawa/Oscar Grant Plaza in downtown Oakland hosted a protest rally in support of the CA prisoner hunger strike that began on July 8. The rally was followed by a spirited march through downtown Oakland (view event photos here). This event was held in conjunction with other solidarity events around the world.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Opening the Box: Sarah Shourd on Herman Wallace, California Hunger Strikers and the Horror of Solitary Confinement


READ:  Herman Wallace and Nelson Mandela: A Tale of Two Heroes (Ebony Magazine)

Please take Action for Herman Wallace of the Angola 3 by joining Amnesty International's call to release him on humanitarian grounds! There are action pages for the: USA, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and everywhere else.


(Recent photo of Herman: No Shackles!)


Opening the Box: Sarah Shourd on Herman Wallace, California Hunger Strikers and the Horror of Solitary Confinement

By Angola 3 News

Last month, we were devastated to learn that the Angola 3’s Herman Wallace had been diagnosed with liver cancer, and that he was continuing to be held in isolation in a locked room at Hunt Correctional Center's prison infirmary. Reflecting on his confinement while battling cancer, Herman said: "My own body has now become a tool of torture against me."

On July 10, Amnesty International launched a campaign directed at Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, calling for Herman’s immediate release on humanitarian grounds (take action here). "After decades of cruel conditions and a conviction that continues to be challenged by the courts, he should be released immediately to his family so that he can be cared for humanely during his last months," said Amnesty USA campaigner Tessa Murphy.

Herman Wallace Removed From Solitary: More humane conditions for Herman, one big step towards compassionate release

(Recent photo of Herman by Hermanshouse.org)

Last Friday, July 12, Louisiana’s Hunt prison reduced Herman Wallace’s classification from maximum to medium security meaning Herman is no longer being held in solitary confinement. He will stay in the prison hospital in a 10-bunk dorm, with access to a day room, and won’t have to wear leg irons. This was confirmed by visitors who saw Herman over the weekend and who took this photo of him using the exercise bike. Herman wanted to show supporters he is fighting to survive.

This is not enough. The call for Herman’s release continues with Amnesty International leading the campaign. “The wind is at our back and with your continued help our objective will be realized - freedom is in sight” says Robert King.  We ask you to join us in this fight for justice.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Letter to US DOJ by Reps. Richmond, Conyers, Nadler, and Scott Calls for Investigation into Louisiana Prisons; Cites Angola 3

RELATED:  Times Picayune article II  Solitary Watch article
 
Below is the full text of the letter to the US Department of Justice and the accompanying press release issued today (view a PDF of the original letter).



For Immediate Release
Date: Friday, July 12, 2013
Contact: Andrew Schreiber (Conyers) – 202-225-6906
John Doty (Nadler) – 202-225-5635
David Dailey (Scott) – 202-225-8351
Monique Waters (Richmond) – 202-225-6636

           
Reps. Richmond, Conyers, Nadler, and Scott Lead Letter Calling for Investigation into Several Louisiana Prison Facilities

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the full U.S. House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, and Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) sent a letter to the Department of Justice’s Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Thomas Perez calling for investigations into the alarming conditions in several Louisiana state prison facilities. Specifically, the Members expressed deep concern that the Louisiana Department of Corrections has, “engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of the United States Constitution and federal law in its use of such confinement and detention practices.” In the letter the Representatives urge the Attorney General to begin an investigation into the use of solitary confinement, and other troubling detention practices, in numerous Louisiana prison facilities, especially in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, Louisiana.

The full version of the letter transmitted to the Department of Justice can be found below:

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Take Action: Join Amnesty International to Demand Compassionate Release for Herman Wallace Now!

Please take action here!

(RELATED: article by The Advocate: "Amnesty International wants Jindal to free one of the Angola 3")

Today, in response to the tragic news that Herman Wallace is terminally ill with cancer, Amnesty International has launched a campaign calling for Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to immediately release Herman on humanitarian grounds.

Following his initial diagnosis on June 14, Herman continues to be held in isolation at Hunt Correctional Center's prison infirmary. Reflecting on his confinement while battling cancer, Herman says: "My own body has now become a tool of torture against me."

"After decades of cruel conditions and a conviction that continues to be challenged by the courts, he should be released immediately to his family so that he can be cared for humanely during his last months," says Tessa Murphy, USA campaigner, about Herman Wallace.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Amnesty International: Herman Wallace of the Angola 3 Diagnosed with Liver Cancer, Send Messages of Support

RELATED:   KPFA interviews Robert King about Herman Wallace and A3 support for CA hunger strikers  II  Melissa Harris-Perry of MSNBC interviews lawyer Nick Trenticosta about Herman Wallace

(Reprinted below is today's statement of support from Amnesty International. Also released was a blog posting by Amnesty UK's Urgent Action Network, and a solidarity card for Herman and Albert on their Tumblr page.)

 

Herman Wallace of Angola 3 Diagnosed with Liver Cancer, Send Messages of Support

By Jasmine Heiss, Amnesty International USA’s Individuals & Communities at Risk Campaigner

After 41 years in solitary confinement, Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace of the Angola 3 have lived through a nightmare that no human being should have to endure. We work on their case with the hope that, one day, we can share the news that these men have been released from solitary and have seen justice.

But today is not that day. Today I am deeply saddened to tell you that 71-year-old Herman Wallace has been diagnosed with liver cancer, after spending the majority of his life isolated in a small cell, four steps long, by three steps across for 23 hours a day. I’ve often described the Angola 3 case as “injustice compounded” – that description has never rung more true than today.

Angola 3′s Herman Wallace, Gravely Ill, Still Held in Isolation



(April 2013 photo of Herman Wallace)

Angola 3's Herman Wallace, Gravely Ill, Still Held in Isolation

By James Ridgeway and Jean Casella

(Reprinted with permission from Solitary Watch)

Herman Wallace, 71, has been diagnosed with liver cancer. He is being held in a locked prison hospital room at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center at St. Gabriel, Louisiana. The prognosis is grave, according to persons with direct knowledge of the situation. Wallace is one of the two members of the Angola 3 who, along with Albert Woodfox, is still being held in solitary after more than 41 years.

Tessa Murphy, U.S. Campaigner for Amnesty International, which has taken up the case, said in an email, “The tens of thousands of Amnesty International supporters worldwide who have campaigned over the years for justice in Herman and Albert’s case will be devastated by this sad news. Herman and Albert have been held in cruel conditions of confinement for over 40 years without meaningful review; neither of the men have disciplinary record to indicate that they are a threat to themselves, fellow prisoners or staff, and the Louisiana prison authorities have since 1996 broken their own policy to justify the men’s continued detention under these conditions.’’

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

To all Angola 3’s devoted supporters, we’ve received some devastating news. Herman Wallace has had an initial diagnosis of liver cancer. There are still very few details to share. Outside medical specialists are visiting him today. Both the legal team and supporters are exploring every avenue of relief for Herman, whose criminal case has been stalled in the courts for over three years. As we receive further information we will share it with you.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Abusing Prisoners Decreases Public Safety --An interview with educator, author and former prisoner Shawn Griffith


Abusing Prisoners Decreases Public Safety
--An interview with educator, author and former prisoner Shawn Griffith

By Angola 3 News

If given the attention it deserves, an important new book is certain to make significant contributions to the public discussions of US prison policy. The author, Shawn Griffith, was released last year from Florida’s prison system at the age of 41, after spending most of his life, almost 24 years, behind bars, including seven in solitary confinement. Facing the US Prison Problem 2.3 Million Strong: An Ex-Con’s View of the Mistakes and the Solution was self-published just months after Griffith was released from what is the third largest state prison system in the US, after California and Texas.

This new book’s thoughtful analysis and chilling reflections on what author Shawn Griffith experienced while incarcerated is a remarkable illustration of why the US public must listen to the voices of current and former prisoners who have stories that only they can tell. Griffith writes that “by integrating my own personal experiences with statistics and examples from different corrections systems around the nation, I am attempting to discredit the general perception that the system is designed to enforce and protect justice for everyone. The U.S. criminal justice system is an economically and politically profitable enterprise for special interest groups in this country. The general taxpayer needs to understand how the abusive policies fostered by these groups worsen the U.S. prison problem and the debt crisis through wasted corrections expenditures.”

Friday, May 10, 2013

Russell ‘Maroon’ Shoatz Files Lawsuit Protesting 22 Consecutive Years in Solitary Confinement --An interview with Dan Kovalik and Bret Grote



 (PHOTO: Maroon's daughter, Theresa Shoatz, with Chuck D at NYC event.)

Russell ‘Maroon’ Shoatz Files Lawsuit Protesting 22 Consecutive Years in Solitary Confinement
--An interview with Dan Kovalik and Bret Grote

By Angola 3 News

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, May 8, lawyers for Russell ‘Maroon’ Shoatz filed a federal lawsuit regarding his placement in solitary confinement for over 22 consecutive years. The written complaint, directed at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel and the Superintendents of SCI-Greene, where Shoatz was last held, and SCI-Mahanoy, where he was transferred to on March 28, 2013, states that this “is an action for injunctive, declaratory and monetary relief for violations of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution.”

Monday, April 22, 2013

Why Russell ‘Maroon’ Shoatz Must Be Released From Solitary Confinement --An interview with Theresa Shoatz and Matt Meyer

Take action by telling Secretary Wetzel that you want Russell 'Maroon' Shoatz to be immediately removed from solitary confinement!



Why Russell ‘Maroon’ Shoatz Must Be Released From Solitary Confinement
--An interview with Theresa Shoatz and Matt Meyer

By Angola 3 News

This month, a 30-day action campaign was launched demanding the release of Russell ‘Maroon’ Shoatz from solitary confinement, where he has been held for over 23 consecutive years, and 28 of the last 30 years, in Pennsylvania prisons. On April 8, when the campaign began, Maroon’s legal team sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC), demanding his release from solitary confinement and promising litigation against the PA DOC if he is not transferred to general population by May 8.

The action campaign describes Maroon as “a former leader of the Black Panthers and the Black freedom movement, born in Philadelphia in 1943 and originally imprisoned in January 1972 for actions relating to his political involvement. With an extraordinary thirty-plus years spent in solitary confinement…Maroon’s case is one of the most shocking examples of U.S. torture of political prisoners, and one of the most egregious examples of human rights violations regarding prison conditions anywhere in the world. His ‘Maroon’ nickname is, in part, due to his continued resistance—which twice led him to escape confinement; it is also based on his continued clear analysis, including recent writings on ecology and matriarchy.”

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

A3 Newsletter: Four Score and One Too Many Years

(Artwork by Emory Douglas)
Today, April 17, 2013, marks 41 years that Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace have been unjustly incarcerated in solitary confinement in Louisiana. This is 41 years of living in concrete and metal cages of 6 x 9 feet; 41 years of being separated from their families and loved ones; 41 years of being wrongly accused of a murder they did not commit.

Over 41 years ago, prison officials at the Louisiana State Penitentiary (aka 'Angola'), an 18,000-acre former slave plantation, were first confronted by the Angola 3's challenge to the obscene human rights atrocities that were a daily reality for prisoners there. They responded to these efforts by fabricating a case against Albert and Herman for the tragic murder of prison guard Brent Miller in 1972. Shortly thereafter, when Robert King entered Angola, he was ensnared in the aftermath of that murder and joined Herman and Albert in solitary.

An Injustice Compounded: Amnesty International demands an end to the cruel and inhuman treatment of Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace

(Below, reprinted in full, is a new Amnesty International statement that has just been released. --Reprinted by Angola 3 News)

Herman Wallace (left) with Albert Woodfox (right)

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

PUBLIC STATEMENT

AI index: AMR 51/019/2013

16 April 2013

An Injustice Compounded

Amnesty International demands an end to the cruel and inhuman treatment of Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace


On the anniversary of the forty-first year since they were placed in prolonged isolation in Louisiana prisons, Amnesty International demands that Louisiana authorities immediately transfer Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace to a less restrictive prison setting.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Herman's House film to premiere in NYC on April 19, w/ events through weekend


On Friday, April 19, the new film about Herman Walllace and his collaborative art project with A3 supporter Jackie Sumell, will make its debut in NYC, with several events scheduled around the many screenings of the film through the weekend. Read more here.

New photos from a visit with Herman this month are featured below.


Thursday, April 11, 2013

On April 19-21, a 41 hour vigil in New Orleans will mark 41 years of solitary confinement for Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox of the Angola 3


Next week in New Orleans, on April 19-21, please join us next weekend for stageplays, documentaries and 41 hours in a solitary cell to commemorate 41 years of solitary for Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Upcoming New Orleans and Baton Rouge film screenings of HARD TIME, about Robert King and the Angola 3, April 17-19

Hard Time - promo from Shebafilms Kelly Saxberg on Vimeo.

Watch and listen to Canadian media coverage from the film's premiere there in February:  CBC Radio  II  Thunder Bay News Watch, TV coverage and written article.



Dr. Ronald Harpelle’s new documentary film entitled "Hard Time," will premiere in Louisiana next week:

--Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge on April 17th (E130 Howe Russell Hall at 7pm)

--The Craige Community Center in Old Algiers, New Orleans on April 18th (1800 Newton Street from 6pm to 9pm),

--The Angola 3 Coalition office in New Orleans on April 19th (2900 Grand Route St. John at 9pm, as part of a 41 hour vigil).

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Robert H. King responds to Louisiana Attorney General James Caldwell

Watch MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry tell AG Caldwell to "lay off the Angola 3 already." 
 


(The statement below from Robert King was released as part of the March 27 issue of the A3 Coalition newsletter, which you can read in full here.)

Many thanks to all of you who have aided our cause and added your voices to our quest to free Albert from an obviously unjust imprisonment of more than 40 years. Please continue to make your voices heard and your dissent known, especially in light of the recent email response by Louisiana's Attorney General, James Caldwell. One wonders: Why in the face of so many mitigating facts and circumstances would the Attorney General persist in his unethical efforts to pursue the persecution of Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace? Is it really justice he seeks, or is there something else he wants? The following may add some light to the subject.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Amnesty International responds to AG James Caldwell: "Louisiana's 'justice' keeps man locked up in isolation for over 40 years"

Reprinted below is a statement from Amnesty International, made in response to an email released last week by Louisiana Attorney General James Caldwell, where among other things, he claimed that the Angola 3 "have never been in solitary confinement." Please support Amnesty's campaign urging Caldwell to not appeal last month's ruling that overturned Albert Woodfox's conviction for a third time. Take action here!


Louisiana’s “justice” keeps man locked up in isolation for over 40 years

By Amnesty International

March 26, 2013

Albert Woodfox has spent more than half his life in a cell just three paces wide and four paces long.

The 66-year-old man was convicted in 1972 of the murder of Brent Miller, a prison guard.

He claims he is innocent and organizations including Amnesty International have said his case raises serious legal and human rights concerns.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Robert H. King: End 41 years of cruel and inhuman solitary confinement for Albert Woodfox of the Angola 3

Photo of Robert H. King
**Please support Albert Woodfox by sending an email to Attorney General Caldwell, via Amnesty International's online action page!

My name is Robert H. King. I was released on February 8, 2001 after spending 31 years in prison - 29 of them in solitary confinement at the infamous Louisiana State Prison also known as 'Angola'.

Confined there with me were Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace, the other two friends who make up 'the Angola 3'. Herman and Albert have now spent 41 years in prison. And though they are no longer housed at Angola, both remain in solitary confinement at another prison - a punishment Amnesty has described as 'cruel, inhuman and degrading'.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Solitary Watch on today's statement by AG Caldwell that the Angola 3 "have never been in solitary confinement"

A sketch by Herman Wallace of his solitary confinement cell

(March 21, 2013 article by James Ridgeway and Jean Casella, reprinted from Solitary Watch)
 
James “Buddy” Caldwell, attorney general of the state of Louisiana, has released a statement saying unequivocally that Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox, the two still-imprisoned members of the Angola 3, “have never been held in solitary confinement while in the Louisiana penal system.”

In fact, Wallace, now 71, and Woodfox, 66, have been in solitary for nearly 41 years, quite possibly longer than any other human beings on the planet. They were placed in solitary following the 1972 killing of a young corrections officer at Angola, and except for a few brief periods, they have remained in isolation ever since.