Robert King in Canada for Hard Time screenings: Photos and Media Coverage

ROBERT KING IN THE NEWS:  Tout Le Monde En Parle  II  Interview by Canadian Prison Radio Show  II  Morning News Montreal Televison Interview  II  La Presse: En croisade contre le milieu carcéral américain  II  Montreal Gazette Interview  II  Le Devoir: 29 ans d’isolement en prison  II  BBC News: Scientists call solitary confinement 'damaging and unnecessary'  II  Japan Times / AFP: In prisons, solitary takes toll on minds  II  VIDEO: Science Magazine Live Chat w/ Robert King; Is Solitary Confinement Torture?  II  CNN: 29 Years in a Box  

(PHOTO: Robert King w/ filmmaker Ron Harpelle at the Toronto Black Film Festival. View more photos below.)

(PHOTO: Robert King and Ron Harpelle w/ Kathleen Cleaver at the Montreal Black Film Festival.)

As announced in our last newsletter, the Angola 3's Robert King has been traveling in the US, speaking in Chicago about solitary confinement at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and in Canada alongside screenings of the film Hard Time.

A3 Newsletter: Don't Stand Still, Stand Up! (Legal Update, Upcoming Events with Robert King, and Feb. 15 Vigil)

As we begin this month, we've learned the civil case jointly filed by Robert King, Herman Wallace, and Albert Woodfox has been frozen as the State once again appeals a federal decision not in their favor, and we all still anxiously word as to whether Albert's conviction will be vacated once and for all.  On February 19th, Albert turns 67, and the 26th will mark one year since his conviction was overturned for a third time, but somehow, despite decades of struggle and mountains of evidence pointing to innocence, he still shivers in a solitary cell.

Rather than settling in and slowing down to wait out the new delays, we must instead follow Robert and Albert's examples and use this down time to stand up!

"The Year of Justice and Freedom?" A Message to Supporters from Albert Woodfox

(Page one of Albert's letter to supporters)

I would like to take this time to express my profound gratitude to all the wonderful friends, supporters and comrades around the world for your unbelievable solidarity and support!

I'm not sure what the New Year means to you. For me, it's the realization that another year of mental and emotional torture has started! I constantly ask myself, is this the year of justice and freedom? Or just another year of the same?

Is this the year that I lose my battle against constant attacks of claustrophobia, mental and emotional pain and suffering?  Is the year that I run out of creative ways that allow me to ignore time and space, and the weight of the world crushes me, instead of making me stronger?

A Moral Outrage: Albert Woodfox's 41 Years in Solitary Confinement, Despite Three Overturned Convictions --An interview with Rev. Dr. Patricia Bates

Sign the Amnesty Intl. petition for Albert Woodfox!

(PHOTO: On behalf of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Rev. Dr. Patricia Bates speaks in support of Albert Woodfox at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge on October 21, 2013.)

A Moral Outrage: Albert Woodfox's 41 Years in Solitary Confinement, Despite Three Overturned Convictions 
--An interview with Rev. Dr. Patricia Teel Bates

By Angola 3 News

This past Fall, Herman Wallace of the Angola 3 made news headlines around the world when his conviction was overturned and he was dramatically released from prison after 41 years in solitary confinement. At the time of his release on October 1, 2013 he had been fighting terminal liver cancer for several months. Three days later, on Oct. 4, Herman was surrounded by loved ones as he passed on at a friend's house in New Orleans, Louisiana.

As reported by Democracy Now, one of the final things that Herman said was, "I am free. I am free." Twelve years previously in 2001,  after 29 years in solitary confinement, Robert H. King was the first of the Angola 3 to be released. Today, Albert Woodfox remains the sole Angola 3 member still in prison.  Currently housed in solitary confinement and forced to endure routine body cavity searches at David Wade Correctional Center in Homer, LA, Albert's conviction has now been overturned three times.

On Oct. 15, Amnesty International declared: "Herman died a free man. Let's help Albert live as one." Amnesty's call to action quoted a message from Herman released during his final few weeks: "I want the world to know that I am an innocent man and that Albert Woodfox is innocent as well...The state may have stolen my life, but my spirit will continue to struggle along with Albert and the many comrades that have joined us along the way here in the belly of the beast."

Albert Woodfox's Hour in the 5th: A reportback on Albert's January 7 oral arguments

MEDIA:  Lauren McGaughy, Times-Picayune  II  Daily Journal / Associated Press  II  UPI

VIEW / DOWNLOAD:  A3 info flyer for Jan. 7  II  Listen to audio from the oral arguments  II  Rev. Patricia Bates / NRCAT statement

(PHOTO: A3 supporters at the Court on Jan. 7)

For those who were unable to attend, Albert's oral argument in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, defending Judge Brady's decision to overturn his conviction for a third time, is now complete (click here to listen).  As expected, the proceedings were brief and rather mystifying.  It was clear that most of the judges had already spent a great deal of time reviewing and considering the case, and were just tying up a few arcane legal loose ends.

On the eve of Albert Woodfox's 5th Circuit oral arguments, Amnesty International demands his immediate release

MEDIA COVERAGE:  Lauren McGaughy, Times-Picayune  II  The Republic / Associated Press

After decades of appeals and counter-appeals, delays and diversions, the 5th Circuit Court will review Judge Brady's decision to overturn Albert's conviction tomorrow. 

Years and years of efforts to bring attention to this case and to see that justice is finally done will culminate in the outcome of this important hearing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We Speak Your Name (A3 Newsletter about Herman Wallace's Memorial Service)

HONORING HERMAN:  Tribute made by US Congressmen Conyers, Richmond, and Scott  II  Mural and Banner in North Carolina  II  Mumia Abu-Jamal's Message for Herman's Memorial (in Spanish)  II  Washington Post  II  New Orleans Public Radio  II  Rev. Mae Elise Cannon, Huffington Post

ON HERMAN'S RELEASE:  Herman's Conviction Overturned and Immediate Release Ordered! (morning of Oct. 1)  II  Judge Jackson Denies State's Request for a Stay and Issues Second Order for Herman's Immediate Release (afternoon of Oct. 1)  II  Free At Last! Herman Has Finally Been Released (evening of Oct. 1)  II  West Feliciana DA Says Herman Has Been Reindicted (Oct. 3)  II 
The "Muhammad Ali of the Criminal Justice System" Passes On (Oct. 4)  II  Turning Grief Into Strength; Oct. 12 Memorial Service in NOLA (Oct. 7)
 

(A3 Coalition Newsletter, Oct. 13, 2013)

Yesterday, Herman Wallace was laid to rest after a memorial service befitting his liberation roots.  New Orleans supporters, friends and family came together to create a magnificent send off for Herman, just the way he wanted it.

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) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Juan E. Méndez, today called on the United States to immediately end the indefinite solitary confinement imposed on Albert Woodfox since 1972.

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.

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:

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!

--Amnesty International Demands: "Louisiana Must Release Dying Prisoner After Judge Overturns 1974 Conviction"

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.